I think it helps to know is is SUPPOSED to hurt.
This is the key for me. I have had a lot of surgeries and the one I woke up from with the worst pain was one of the most minor ones. But I went in to it telling myself it was minor so it wouldn't hurt. When I woke up in pain I panicked and my blood pressure went through the roof and I was in So. Much. Pain! Only time I had morphine after an operation.

Now I know I do better to prepare for pain. Then I'm okay with it and I surrender and don't fight it and it hurts less. Both of my labours were like this and they went pretty well. Both drug free and pretty calm. There are moments when I'm over it and feeling sore and sorry for myself but mostly I've been calm and able to ride the wave well.

I don't think I've cried in labour... but I don't remember. I do think I've moaned in a sobbing type voice at times, but I don't think I've ever had the energy to cry.