Hospital Choice - Ashburton or Chch Womens

Hi all

I'm new to these forums and have loved reading everything so far.

I am 16wks pregnant and we are in a situation where we might end up having to move prior to the birth of our first child. I am due in Feb 2016 and we currently live in Chch .. just down the road from Chch Womens.

At this point we may end up in Ashburton yet and I really do not want the hassle of trying to find another midwife (which will be difficult) and of course I don't want anyone else to help me birth but my current midwife. So! I'm in a situation ... this is my first bith and as much as I'd like to say yes! I'm gonna birth completely au natural i would still like the option of an epidural if I want it. This is where I am stuck. Does anyone know what it is like to birth in Ashburton Hospital and what their take is on e pidurals? because at this point just to keep my current midwife and ensure my pain relief options are kept open I feel like I would be doing a hex of a drive from Ashburton to Chch Womens just to have those choices.

this is my first birth so I am incredibly nervous and I have absolutely no idea what to expect. SO ANY ADVICE PLS IS WELCOMED ...