It's hilarious what people think of as brave.

Although my first labour was wonderful and easy and relatively painless for my second I was induced. DH was deploying a week later and I wanted him there.

I was advised by my OB and the midwives to have an epi. I refused. Not because I was brave but rather because the whole needle in the back thing scared the living crap out of me! Nothing brave about my short intensive (read painful yet exhilarating) labour.

Also, I gave DH strict instructions that if a cs was deemed necessary they had better knock me out - the whole being awake while they did that......nah, not for me.

So, no I don't think you have to be "brave" to have a natural birth but more so brave to put your complete trust in a doctor, midwife etc..

PS: if we have another, I am NOT going to be induced. Ouch! DH can just work around me.