My teacher and also myself find that those who tend to be less likely to use pain relief not only have good support, but also have done their research and know exactly why they don't want all or a certain drug (usually epidural) in labour. They do it for specific reasons that keep them motivated and they remind themselves during childbirth. I think just 'waiting and seeing' can sometimes make it too easy to accept it - this is where the confusion lies with midwives and birth plans where a plan is written saying we dont want an epidural etc, but you really aren't motivated to avoid one, iykwim? You can have one if you want, but I think it's very important to be honest about it and inform yourself with good sources - again books like 'what to expect when you are expecting' aren't very empowering in that sense. It does have some good reassurances in it, but you need to know more than that.