For those who've already given birth, how long were you in early labour/laboured at home before going to the hospital, with your first child? I know the general "rules" about when to go to the hospital, but curious to hear personal experiences in terms of how many hours specifically you were at home before deciding it was time.

And also, for those who got an epidural - how long did you wait until asking for it/getting it? As soon as things started to pick up, or did you wait until the pain got unbearable? My doc told me there will be plenty of time for that since it's my first, but I'm nervous about missing that window or getting there too late!