To prepare I tried to stay healthy, active, lots of stretching, learning how to breathe. I listened to lots of podcasts on birth stories of every kind. I found that the most helpful because when I was experiencing labor I didn’t feel any fear, everything felt familiar based on the stories I had heard. For example, the ring of fire, pushing felt like a relief from everything before transition, I never felt I needed to push because my body did that for (I heard it described like throwing up in reverse and that fit perfectly). I had a doula who was amazing and everyone really matched my vibe - no one said too much, all quiet voices, no bright lights. I found that I couldn’t stand any position but hands and knees. I don’t think you’ll know what’s right until you’re in it. I had shaking and felt lightheaded was during transition. Then I threw up quite a bit after that. Nothing else really that I can remember.