I think it helps to know is is SUPPOSED to hurt. My Dh put it interestingly the other night. He said the pain helps women focus and go inwards to block out everything else and just labour. It isn't pathogical pain but good pain.

I like the fact your body gets used to the pain too and the first few contractions are often the hardest because you're getting used to it, but by the end you're coping with double peak contractions tumbling one over the other until you start pushing.

I love the big breaks you get in the pushing stage. It is blissful. For me the fear is that last bit, the crowning and I have to remind myself 'when it hurts the most you're almost there!'

I too love birth because I will never run a marathon, but I know my body can do the extreme sport of birth with ease. It's incredible.