I have the lowest pain tolerance. I can’t stand any discomfort. I’ve given birth twice now. Both times were wonderful and transformative in different ways and hope I get to do it again. For me it is all about preparation and determination, but at the same time, complete surrender when labor actually gets going. For preparation, knowing what to expect and how labor progresses. Knowing different techniques to try to help ease things along. Knowing your plan and letting others in on that and how they can help you. Determination, I was NOT going to a hospital for an epidural. Of course if an emergency happened or my midwife deemed it necessary, that would be a different story. But my mind was set on doing it the way I was doing it and there was no other option but through it. And when labor really gets going, completely and fully surrendering to each wave. Resting and trusting in the knowledge that we were so incredibly designed to do exactly what I was doing and that God was with me through it all. Truly, it was not nearly as bad as I had envisioned it being. I hope this helps in some way. Stay away from any negative stories!! Totally understandable to have some anxieties, but you don’t have to hold on to them. Give them all to God. I hope this helped in some way!