I had a drug free birth and it was such a positive expreience. Yes it hurt but the pain is a pain that is there for that moment and once the contraction is over so is the pain! its not like having a sprained ankle or something where it aches all the time. I spent the whole time sitting on a fitness ball in the shower with the water on my back and belly. I got out when i felt i needed to push and I had actually let it go that long that she virtually fell out of me as i got up on the bed.
Even when she was coming out, it hurt but I just knew it was almost over. I only had a slight graze, nothing that needed stitches which was great too.
I do think though that if you end up having a long labour you definately need to look at drugs coz you dont want to get to tired out by the pain. Its one of those things that you can only play moment to moment. I htink having a nice midwife would make all the difference, luckily I did.
You have to trust what they are saying and make your decisions final though, not get pushed into anything.

Good luck! I cant wait to hear how you go