Hey, have cancelled my elective c-section today and have decided to give natural birth another go. I am terrified of the delivery (pain management, the pushing & dealing with any tearing afterwards) but I have come to the decision that as much as I HATED DS#2 VBAC - I can't be as 'shocked' a second time around, I know what to expect & I have discussed my drug options with consultant who has advised me to have an epidural if needed, as I was on another planet last time. After too much gas & air & a diamorphine injection, I had no handle on the situation, I just led there suffering from the exhaustion & pretty much letting the baby do all the work. It was awful. So, i figure I will get DH to keep an eye on my gas & air intake & then we'll have an epidural when neccasary - which I can hopefully allow to 'wear off' in order to feel my urges to push. Its all academic at this stage I know, the birth may not go 'to plan' lets say, but I feel happier now that I have come to a final decision & I am just going to let baby arrive when hes ready. I am still dreading it - am very apprehensive - need all your wonderful advise on having control over your own birth - any prep I can do - don't just want to be at the mercy of the midwife this time. Any breathing or relaxtation tips for labour??? Any tips on keeping your strength up during labour?? Any good books out there on the subject of mananging your labour & delivery?? Lots of questions, thanks for all previous advise - think I have made the right choice on my most important decision, as much as I am not looking forward to it, I do feel much happier than I have in previous weeks xxx