@bluees not really. I suppose it's luck of the draw.
I did download some free hypnobirthing mp3's online and listened to them every night for the last few weeks. (They're on the Pengin publishing site if you want to have a listen. There's a 20 min pregnancy relaxation one, a 3 min birth one and another 3 min pregnancy one). I honestly think it made me calmer and helped me focus. My dh listened with me a few times and he repeated some of the phrases from the tape while I was pushing which helped me get into the right mindset. I had no idea he was paying that much attention to it!
I was really scared about the birth in the last few weeks but it's amazing how your body just takes over. I stressed about needing the toilet during labour, the threat of being induced, the pain, the first wee afterwards, the first bowel movement, stitches etc. But there was no need.
I had a 2nd degree tear and didn't feel it happen at all and I was just in the water taking single hits of gas and air. When she said she was going to check if I needed stitches I said 'no I'm fine'! The first wee didn't hurt and my first bowel movement (when it eventually happened!) was pain free too. I didn't take stool softener or anything, just tried eating fruit and fibre when I got home.
I was very lucky to have such a straightforward experience but I wish I hadn't spent so much time stressing about things that I coudn't have any control over.
I think you have to go into it with the mindset that your body is going to dictate how your labour goes, listen to it and speak up so the midwives can give you the right support. The end result everyone wants is to safely deliver their baby. The how, when and where won't make a bit of difference as long as you're both well.
Good luck and I'll be checking in for updates on everyone 