Mothers who didn't use an epidural for pain management during labor?

I'm 22 weeks pregnant and after a lot of thought, I'm going to attempt labor without an epidural. I know that a lot of women say narcotics didn't do much to relieve the pain, but I was wondering if anyone had any other methods or any advice on what I should look into (Lamaze books or hypnobirthing options?). Also has anyone ever had a pudendel (sp??) shot around the l area right before delivery to ease pain of stretching and rips? Is it really worth it even or will I be too caught up in the moment to even THINK about the pain down there?