Hi Ryn,
As Dee said it's totally up to you, and it definitely can be done. I didn't have any drugs either with both but it wasn't by choice for my first (I asked but didn't receive!).

I would just go in with a totally open mind - see how you go. You have definitely done yourself a favour by asking questions and preparing yourself. For my first I was in total denial and when I went into labour I went into shock and cried my way through it!(Fell pregnant accidently after knowing DH only 2months at age of 22).

For my second, I knew that it could be better and got educated. I read books about the best positions, about hypnotherapy etc. The best piece of advice I heard was that the pain is a positive pain - it's pushing out your baby. If you think of that, and rather than completely tense up when contractions are happening and try to relax (I know it sounds ridiculous but it's true!) they are manageable. I put this into practice with my second and the birth was almost enjoyable and such a positive experience compared to the nightmare of my first! I had a couple of hours of pre-labour contractions that weren't intense as I relaxed, breathed, didn't get stressed out and made sure DH wasn't either. All of a sudden I went into transition and my baby was out in 2 pushes (in 5 minutes). I'm sure it was because this time I was prepared, positive and also NOT LYING ON MY BACK!!! (Standing!) Not TMI I hope!

My point is, educate yourself, maybe try some meditation/yoga (I don't know anything about that) and be open minded. If you need drugs you will decide what's right for you during your labour. Just remember you got pregnant to have a baby, not to experience labour. It doesn't really matter how you get there! Oh, also there's this good book by Naomi Wolf called "misconceptions" all about the interventionist-culture of hospitals that I read during my bitter days following my first birth!!

Zoe.