For those who have already given birth once before..

When I went into labor with my daughter last January I was okay with getting an epidural so I didn’t think much about the birthing process... until I couldn’t get the epidural. I had no strategies or ways to cope with the pain which hit me like a bus (no build up pain) and were piled on top of each other. I’m now expecting my second child and I want to be prepared this time. What methods did you use to cope with (even just some) of the pain. Can you recommend a good book?

I live very rural so prenatal classes are not an option.

There’s so many methods (Lamaze, hypno, etc) that I’m curious what worked for YOU and/or what didn’t?

Thank you!