Taxi to hospital (a year later, the taxi driver was still telling stories about the pregnant lady on all fours in his car). At the hospital, the midwife just said: "You can push whenever you feel like it." No interventions, no drugs, no gas&air. All throughout this, my husband helped by pressing his hand on my lower back during each contraction. He knew I need to be in my own little world to get through this, and he was there whenever I needed him. Positive birthing experiences do exist! I've done it twice, the first time with plenty of illusions, the second time with none (which is far, far worse)... some women find it easier than others, the lucky bastards, but I have to say I found both births absolutely terrifying and about as painful as a person can bear and remain conscious. All this despite an incredibly supportive partner and a generally cheerful and ballsy demeanor - I had never considered myself a physical coward. Needless to say both births were overdue, induced and ended in epidurals, ventouse, tearing, you name it. BUT and it's a bloody big one, would I go through it again to have my two boys, if I had to? Yeah. By the skin of my... oief. Good luck to all! Epidural - For women who want to feel nothing or as close to nothing as possible, an epidural is the only real option I find this incredibly unhelpful and judgemental. I had a 51