Also, natural approaches may not offer adequate pain management, particularly if you end up with a prolonged labor or a complicated labor that requires a lot of interventions. So if you're not interested in feeling and working with the pain, you'll be happier with an epidural. Unlike an epidural, natural pain-reduction techniques don't eliminate pain. Many new mothers find themselves drawing on their relaxation techniques in the early days of breastfeeding, while coping with postpartum discomfort, or during those times when caring for a newborn feels especially stressful.