Hi DF. We'd planned on a birth centre water birth but didn't make it!
My labor from waters breaking to DD being born was 26 hours. What helped was all the education we did prior to birth. Calm birth was wonderful and I highly recommend it. DP did Beer and Bubs, we did the hospital classes as well as private classes with our doula. The book I loved the most was Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It helped me to understand that we are built for birth.
Yes, I was full if fear at times pre labor and had doubts and tears but in the end DD decided to come fast and in 7 pushes she was out into her daddy's arms. We had 000 on the phone guiding us and the ambulance arrived 3 minutes after she was born. What an experience!