I think the majority of the time it depends what you did to prepare and how long you spent preparing (with the right materials!). Your mother teaches you how to make your bed, but not how to give birth (and wouldnt that be scary if they did teach us!). It's just not something we pass down to each other anymore, in a constructive way - all scare tactics these days!

People doing certain things like with the Pink Kit, have reported great outcomes using the techniques where there were problems they wouldnt have otherwise known how to overcome. Midwives in hospitals can't do it for you, you can't rely on them bailing you out! I have never been in a birth where mum has has a posterior baby, and a midwife has suggested things to help that baby move. They just don't have time to be with you and some have admitted they hadn't heard of the things I was suggesting. I have even shown them diagrams in books!!!

I think there are two things, wanting a natural birth, and working out what you need to do to get that. Nothing goes to plan 100% of the time, yes, but knowledge can be the difference between are great experience and a disempowered one. I have had clients disappointed because their body just didn't 'do it' like the expected, but you have to prepare, not just with hospital classes!!!