Labor without medications?

I've done it twice and am planning on dong it this time as well. It can be very intense especially toward the end. Your best bet is to learn breathing and relaxation techniques. They will really help out. So will learning all kinds of positions. You should start squatting and doing kegel exercises so that you'll have better control of your body. Squatting while in labor really helps baby move down into you pelvis because it opens it up really wide. I'm going to come back and post some good links for you that should really help out.

http://www.immrama.org/insighttips.html?OVRAW=brea... (the belly breathing is the best)

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/pain...

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/labo...

I promise you, natural birth is the most empowering thing in the world you could do. It's great for you and for your baby. If, in the end you decide that you just aren't strong enough, don't worry. Natural birth is a very hard thing and only about10% of women end up being able to go that route. Congrats on your decision to give it a try.

I did until I was 7cm. Seriously, take the drugs. lol. I wish I would have gotten them sooner.