*puts hand up* I did it without drugs! (well... had ONE puff of gas.. blerk.. on my last contraction before pushing mind you!!) The fact that you want to do it for your baby will make all the difference. That's what got me through. My labour was augmented with the drip, but I wouldn't say it was unbearably intense.. perhaps if #2 isn't augmented, I'll know the difference with the intensity of contractions?

Anyway.. there's an article on the main site which talks about the body's natural painkillers which I found to be great, so I totally focused on letting my body do it's thing, and having a fantastic DH there supporting me and reminding me of why I didn't want drugs was everything I needed.

Do be aware of the transition stage tho.. that's where you are likely to cave! (Hence my puff of gas right at the end.. bit disappointed.. but it was so ineffective I don't count it. LOL) Do lots of reading, be prepared with positions etc, and you'll be able to do it.

I copped a lot of rolled eyes and knowing looks from people too.. all saying how I have no idea what it's like etc etc. But I knew soooo much more about the stages of labour and how the body works to get that baby out than they had ever heard, and as a result I'm sure my knowledge of this stuff is what helped me have a very fulfilling birth experience.

Good luck!