I watched a lot of birthing videos when I was due the first time around -- it helped me prepare. My sister in law refuses to do that, she says it freaks her out. What do you think? Did watching birthing videos help you?

I watched birthing videos, but I don't think it helped me in any way. Watching somebody give birth and actually doing it yourself is a world of difference. That person might have a high pain tolerance which when filmed, will make childbirth look like a piece of cake. I feel that every birth is different, even for the same woman. It's better to find your own methods of relieving pain (breathing techniques, meditation, labour in water etc).