I consider the births of both my girls as normal, but only DD2 was natural.

I was however completely in control the entire way through. No one did anything to me I didn't want or approve of, so despite the less than natural progress of DD1's birth, I was still happy. The only thing I still wonder on occasion is what would her birth be like if she hadn't been induced, but given my health circumstances that resulted in the induction I can live with the wonder.

I like the idea of optimal too. If I have a third "optimal" birth I'll be a very happy mummy.