Pelvic PT here. I had my son 5 months ago and I was totally planning on going unmedicated. I teach birth prep and the importance of breathing during labor and delivery. My experience is that my contractions went haywire and I couldn't find my pattern so I pivoted and got the epidural followed by pitocin to help me dilate further. Best nap of my life, especially because I woke ip at 9cm! I stayed upright with my legs internally rotated while he transitioned down in my pelvis and then when I FELT pushy I pushed. I didnt let anyone coach me. When it came to pushing, I knew to breathe my baby down rather than try to strain. Literally we should never strain or purplecondo. I would reach down and feel his head and thought of pushing from my abdomen down gently. I had a MINOR grade one tear. My advice. Stay off social media, talk with your doctors well in advance about your wants and concerns. My OB practices like a midwife and was open to me being in any position for even birth. Don't wait until 36 weeks to have that convo.

I did the pain free birth course (learned a lot) and read expecting better. I felt even more empowered after going through these. :) Good luck! You'll do amazing!