Natural Birth Advice

So my due date is fastly approaching! I have 31 days (1 month/4 weeks and 3 days)! It is starting to set in to me that in as little as 4 weeks (or less) i could meet my little man!

As most of you know i am preparing for a natural birth at a birthing center. As much as i would like to say i am completely ready i just am not. I have so many unanswered questions.

I do not by any means doubt my body's ability to do this but mind and body often can be 2 separate things. I am trying very hard not to freak myself out over the details and just allow myself to go with the flow and allow my body to do what it knows how to do.

What i need from you all who have given birth naturally (either at home, hospital, or birthing center) is some advice.

What was the most comfortable position for you to labor in? I have heard a lot of people say that on all fours helped take some of the pain off their back but what did you do during the beginning and middle stages of labor? Did you walk a lot or use tools such as the birthing ball? I know it will ultimately be what is most comfortable for me but i think i would fare well knowing what all i can try to help.

What position did you find yourself in when you actually delivered? I have not yet decided if i will do a water birth or not (since it is an option). I am guessing it will depend on how i feel at the time and if i feel comfortable in the water. I know on the back as they do in hospitals is not the best position for baby but i have yet to really figure out what is the easiest way for baby to get out. Well maybe i don't mean easy but i think you get what i am saying.

What were some of the essential items you could not have lived without during labor? The birthing center provides all the comfort of home but does not provide any of the items you would have at home, meaning i have to bring everything i need/want with me. So what do i need because i am pretty clueless. Robe? PJs? Food? Drinks? Cell and a laptop are probably on my list already. What did you have to have or wish that you had, had at the time?

Did you have anything specific that got you through the transition phase of labor? Did you visualize anything specific or listen to a certain CD? I have heard the transition stage is usually when women start to panic since that is when the contractions really start to pick up. I have planned on visualizing something soothing like a bubbling brook or a gently rain but for those of you who have been there how well does this work. I need brutal honesty here!!!

I am not sure if i got all my questions out but if i have more i can always do another post lol. Thank you all for helping and feel free to leave a mile long comment as i need all the advice i can get! And by all means pass this on to anyone you know who can lend some advice!