My first was a hospital birth complete with induction, morphine, gas, epidural, tearing - you get the idea.

I was petrified of a repeat experience when I got pregnant with my daughter and made an effort to do everything I could to avoid this happening.

Well I did this - I waited until I went into natural labour, used a Birth Centre rather than a hospital and I LOVED LOVED LOVED every bit of my labour and birth.

I have learnt that trust in your body to do what it knows to do is essential as well as having the right people around you to help you achieve your birth.

I would suggest reading everything you can get your hands on, having a FLEXIBLE birth plan and start meditating/visualising your "perfect" birth.

Good luck!