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Hmm, this is a good question. I had a med-free labor and delivery, and I labored a lot at the hospital (not really by choice). Having a doula was REALLY helpful, I think, because she and my husband were able to remind me of the choices I made before I went into labor (I asked for an epi a couple times--I feel like everybody probably does!). I feel like if it had've just been my husband there, he might have wavered more because I'm sure it wasn't easy seeing me in so much pain.

For the record, no one told me I COULDN'T have any meds. They just encouraged me to think it through and try for a little bit longer without, etc.

Honestly I think it was stubbornness and determination! Also, having a midwife and a husband who were totally supportive and on board with no epidural really helped. I was in a lot of pain and probably told DH 20 times that I couldn't do it and needed an epidural but he was so calm and just reminded me that that wouldn't be what I wanted and was just the best cheerleader

Hmmmmmm all in all I was doing really good until I got discouraged from my progression, or lack there of, so I think the very best, most important factor is TRUSTING YOUR BODY! It makes it so much more doable! But there were also some practical things that helped me.. Here are my top 5 things I used & feel pretty confident they attributed to my success.

My list:
1. I had a 5 hour playlist of worship music on my iPhone that played literally the WHOLE time I was home (which was just up until I was about pushing)
This helped keep my focused. I wasn't always paying attention to it but there were times that I would zone in on whatever was playing & get my perspective back to what I was doing and how blessed I felt to be able to birth my baby.

2. Hands & Knees was a great position during contractions as was leaning on DH w/ him practically fully supporting me through transition contractions.
Pretty much staying OUT of bed b/c contractions laying down, regardless of position, straight up SUCKED! lol

3. HUMMMING!
I hummed as I breathed out through pretty much every contraction (even before they got hard) up until I hit transition, then I vocalized more (still low toned)

4. A warm bath with DH pouring warm water over my belly through each contraction.
I of course couldn't get fully submerged in my bath tub so him doing this was FANTASTIC... which I said joyfully more than once. lol

5. Being home! This had to be the #1 factor...
I was comfortable, knew my surroundings, where things were if I needed them, and felt very calm which changed COMPLETELY when I got the the hospital with the questions, lights, and standard procedures of IV, blood draws, and very annoying blood pressure cuff & fetal monitor. lol

@runsyellowlites: "Pretty much staying OUT of bed b/c contractions laying down, regardless of position, straight up SUCKED! lol"

This times a thousand! Holy cow did contractions lying down suck!

@looch: "The most comfortable position was standing, bent over at the waist, resting with my upper body on the bed."

This too!!! Oh how I loved this position! Sadly, I couldn't use it b/c P wasn't descending & this position closes the top part of the pelvis. My MW banned me from it! =(

@looch: this is exactly what happened with me too. I only wanted to bend over and had my DH rubbing my lower back the whole time. I had bruises the next day from how hard I had him rubbing. Haha.

I also felt that breathing and focus were absolutely necessary for me. I kept setting little goals for myself (just get through two ore contractions, or only 30 seconds left) and that helped a lot. I am also pretty stubborn and wanted to prove to myself, and to my OB (who said I wouldn't be able to handle the pain with Pitocin), that I could do it.

My own determination! I really made up mind not to have any drugs. I also had a doula who made me write a birth plan. I never gave it to my OB or anyone else but seeing the words "NO DRUGS" on paper really made it real in my mind. It is also really important to keep moving even if it's the last thing you want to do. Walk and move!!

My husband was awesome at keeping me calm and helping me through the contractions with humor and love. He told knock-knock jokes to make me answer so that I would keep breathing. He rubbed my back, arms and legs when I needed it, and he played whatever song I asked for on the iPhone.
I labored at home for half of the 12 hours I was in labor, but my husband was at work for most of that, he got home and 45 minutes later I told him it was time to leave. So most of his help came in the hospital portion.

A quick labor! I went from 4 to 10 cm in under an hour so even if I had wanted an epi there was no way I was getting one! But also I just tried to focus on getting through on contraction at a time.

i forgot to mention, it's good to go in with a birth plan even if things may not turn out exactly as you hope... this at least allows the staff to be on the same page as you. you don't want to have to explain every detail while you're there and already in pain. also, having a good nurse was instrumental in helping me get through it too!! i had such a wonderful nurse with my first labor, and a horrible nurse my second one... and although i was able to successfully birth both babies unmedicated... it made a big difference in how i felt about the whole experience.

Being able to labor in the tub. DH was by my side, my midwife turned off the lights, and I went into a zone! I was able to stay relaxed and focused and the tub felt SO good. As soon as I got out (after 3 hours!) things were so much harder.