I found breathing techniques and visualisation really helped (I didn't think they would!!) along with my fave relaxing cd of jeff buckley.... I imagined the contraction was a 'wave' that was going over me to allow bubs to meet the world.I could feel it "peak" and then let it wash away... sounds very airy fairy but it worked for me!!(natural birth + gas). The gas really helps control your breathing to get thru the contractions.

good luck!!!