You are not being unrealistic at all. I have had a fantastic vaginal birth with just gas (which I really didn't need either). The problem is that others have had the horror stories before their births, which has made them scared, which is led to pain relief and complications. If you can break the cycle by ignoring it all and going into your birth relaxed and calm, you will more than likely have a great birth. Sure there is pain, but it is bearable and you can get through it. And let me tell you, you will be glad you did. You feel a MILE better afterwards if you have as natural a birth as you can.

I have not once done the scaremongering thing to pg mums since having a baby, and I hope I never do. I don't know why others do it, it makes no sense to me. Especially when birth isn't as bad as it's made out to be.