I've just finished reading this thread... such excellent advice! Wow I wish I'd been able to read it before having my first labour experience. I was terrified too and didn't know what to expect and like Kelly said the antenatal classes don't tell you what you need to know, only what you think you need to know... hmmm, that might not make much sense but the advice about trusting in your body IS the best advice. I read somewhere about visualising a "skivvy" if you're fearful about how the baby will manage to come out without tearing. I read that recently and just know that I'm going to incorporate that into my next labour. I also loved that idea about printing out this page and packing it into your hospital bag! LOL I know with my 20 hour labours this would come in very handy... I'd love to have a sheet of Inspirational Thoughts For Labour! Just short oneliners like "if women in 3rd world countries can do this in rice fields than I can do it here!!!" LOL