I didn't use hypnobirthing or calmbirth but I read and re reade Juju Sundins book Birth Skills and it was invaluable. I felt prepared and educated going into labour and knew what to do to harness those pain relieving hormones. I found labour to be really manageable, more discomfort than pain. It wasn't until transition between 1st and 2nd stage that I felt pain, so for about an hour before pushing and it was more of an intense pressure than pain. Once I was ready to push the contractions were not uncomfortable and pushing her out was a very intense sensation. I loved giving birth to my Daughter and I can't wait to give birth to my baby boy. I was told so many horror stories and had plenty of ppl laugh at me when I said I wanted a drug free birth. State of mind definitely plays a huge part I believe. For me it was about staying calm, being in control, focus and knowing what my body was doing at every stage and how to utilise the body's natural hormones. Good luck