What does giving birth feel like?

I've never had a baby of my own but I'm fascinated by pregnancy and babies and I always love to learn more. The more I talk to people in my profession as a medic the more it seems everyone describes birth as feeling very different. I would love to hear how some of you ladies describe your labour and how early labour felt vs full out contractions and pushing etc... How long were you in labour & actively pushing? What challenges did you face in your labour? Did you seek pain management and how do you feel that went / helped you? What positions did you feel were easiest to labour in? How was your experience of delivering the placenta? And do you guys have any tips for a healthcare provider as to what you wish your midwife/OBGYN would have done or did very nicely? Thank you for all your responses ladies!