Be informed is the best thing, know your options then go with the flow during labour. Your body will let you know where it wants to be. I can strongly advocate the use of water - mainly the shower while sitting on a fitball rocking and rolling. DH spraying water on lower back and other faucet spraying over head. Keep eyes closed and focus on what you are doing, your mind plays a big role. When breathing through contractions try to slowly exhale while making an 'oooooo' or 'aaaaaahhhh' noise, decreases amount of air you are blowing off and stops you from going very dizzy and nauseous. Use gravity during 2nd stage, I was kneeling in the shower, leaning on fitball, legs spread as far as humanely possible and I truly believe this helped with a fast 2nd stage, no tears to perineum and daughter came out with a nice round head.