Belle, I highly recommend having an independent midwife or doula! I'm not sure how I would have gone without my support people. Also, your best bet to avoid drugs is to have a home birth!

There were a few factors that helped me achieve a drug-free natural birth. Firstly I had an independent midwife whose presence and reassurance really helped me. Secondly, I had DS at a birth centre and I was determined to stay there and not be transfered to the maternity ward, so drugs were not an option! I didn't even think about using the gas, I was too preoccupied. The BC midwife was fantastic and really respectful. She asked me what I wanted, did no assuming or pressuring and was just so lovely and reassuring. Thirdly, I guess the fact that the entire labour and birth was only 2 and a half hours meant that I really had no time for drugs. I was 7cm dialated leaving home, so by the time I got to the BC it was almost time to push. DS was born an hour after arriving

You really can do this. Oh and I found squatting was the best position when pushing!