I expected to have to really be resisting drugs, I was pretty sure I didn't want any, but thought they would be really tempting - it never occurred to me once to ask for drugs. I just went into this 'zone', but hormones kicked in, I was unaware of what was happening around me, I was in the bath and then I had a baby! It hurt, but I just breathed through the pain, the water relaxed me and I told myself it would be over soon.

With my second, I wished I had drugs for a moment, but no chance of that cos I was at home, and in hindsight I was in the transition stage of a very short intense labour, and I had my baby not long after that! With the same focus and breathing and a shower on my back.

So it definitely can be done! Work on your breathing and read about what others say contractions feel like so you have a rough idea of what to expect. It's not like normal pain though, it's not like stubbing your toe or having a headache - your body is filled with hormones to help you birth and focus, and you know the pain is productive.
(I highly recommend warm water as great pain relief though)