I wish everyone could have the experience I had, though a lot of women aren't prepared to do the homework I did. It's really worth it
I'm really glad that you felt empowered by your preparation, and that it translated to a pain-free and wonderful birth experience. I agree that a lot of women would benefit from more preparation, particularly so that they feel empowered to create the birthing space and support that they need. But it does not guarantee an easy birthing experience.

In my case, the preparation I'd done for months (visualisation, relaxation, meditation, bellydancing, stretching, reading, empowering my body and mind), not to mention years of breath work and rebirthing didn't insulate me from the trauma I experienced. I went into the birth room pretty fearlessly, given I was headed for a full scale induction at 42.5 weeks. BUT what my preparation did do was give me the strength and the clarity and courage to stay alive and fight my way back into that labour room and face the horror again. But really the birth was just part of my life journey, and my daughter's life journey, and it was what it was.