I've had 2 natural births, both long (20hrs), scary and painful. Unfortunately nitrous oxide (gas) doesn't work for me because I stupidly used it recreationally in my early 20's and now it just makes me feel sick. I found it quite relaxing when I used it then, never laughed etc. I had Pethidine with my first labour which just made me feel disconnected mentally, didn't help with the pain, and I've since found out it can have have negative effects on the baby so I refused it for my second labour. I've always been too frightened to have an epidural. TENS doesn't work for me either as I have a weird immunity to electrical current (electric fences on my parents farm never bothered me much, but I think they were pretty low). So I'm at a loss for effective pain relief too... oddly I found that humble breathing helped the most last time.... I mean, it didn't take away the pain but it gave my labour a "rhythm" that i found to be really wonderful. Hot water (on the back in a shower for eg) is surprisingly effective too).... also simply changing position regularly. I've decided pain relief is a state of mind and am keen to explore hypnobirthing this time too.