I had a very natural birth without drugs and delivered my DD on my knees in the shower...i had no tears/no cuts...having said that, this wasn't my plan!

I did my research, made sure I was aware of all my options (my hospital didn't offer epidural unless for emergency so wasn't concerned about that at all). I also read 'Active Birth', had a fantastic support person (my husband) who was well aware of my wishes and also did research with me. I went in with an open mind and then went with the flow. Yes the labour was painful, but there were rest periods in between, it wasn't a pain that was scary cause it meant there was going to be a good ending, and i knew that there would be ann ending. I found it more tiring than painful. I would happily do my labour again, i'm not so keen on doing the pregnancy again yet, lol. Good luck!! It's amazing!!