What personally helped you during (hospital) labor, besides an epidural? I had a pretty bad experience the first time around and I hope I can have an epidural this time, but there's a chance I might not get one..... so what helped you manage the pain and stay *calm*?

For me: DH & Mom rubbing my lower back and applying counter pressure, the hot shower, hot compresses, kind of the birth ball but ehhh; during pushing I envisioned him coming out and it was motivational