Mel, I really want to congratulate on reading up about this already and being prepared. My biggest regret is not knowing more about labour and birth before DS1 was born.

I am one of "those people" too, who did everything wrong the first time. I allowed them to lie me on my back for an internal, and when the contractions were more painful that way, they bullied me into an epdiural. From there things went downhill and I was lucky to escape with a vaginal birth using forceps and an episotomy that gave me grief for a long time afterwards. Second time I was informed and prepared, and although it was still a hossy birth, it was much better - no epidural and the best feeling in the world afterwards - and no painful stitches!!

If you are comfortable with a birth centre for your first, good on you. I think that's an awesome way to do it and you should go for it. Read up everything you can, starting with New Active Birth, and go in there informed and empowered. And believe me, you'll feel even more empowered after a positive birthing experience.