Wardygirl - I feel like I am listening to myself when reading your post.

I too was able to focus on each contraction as being one contraction closer to seeing my baby! I was so exhausted with No 1 that thinking like that was just impossible, but that experience also helped me to take control of my birth the second time round and talk to my OBS about my fears/concerns and wants were. I also had a close girlfriend with me as well as DH because I found him to be pretty useless the first time and she knew things like I didn't want the epidural, I didn't want the forceps again etc etc. She was the one who was talking me through contractions etc and telling me I could do it!

I have already decided on my goals for No 3 (not that I am preggo yet, or at least not that I know of yet but fingers crossed) which are to use zero pain relief (unless of course I have a posterior bub or something similar) and to get through the delivery without tearing or episiotomy, but using positions to help instead and definately
taking Tracey's advice and "be putting a hot cloth against your twat"

So I guess Chocolatecatty if you had asked me if I enjoyed Labour after DS 1 the answer would have been a very strong no, but ask me now and it is a definate YES!!!! I have been converted and Labour is the most rewarding and personally satisfying event that can happen in your life!

Having said that though I think women that go through C/S are amazing as well, cause their recovery can be difficult and they still have to cope with a newborn!!!!