This 'bout sums up the human condition.

Your friend is about to experience the most intense experience of giving birth and, if opting for natural, has to embrace the pain as you say.

I wish to share a tip that helped me way back ~ ever noticed how excruciating pain is if you concentrate on it ~ rhetorical question as I am sure you have.

When contractions came I focused on my hand which felt no pain and whilst working on my breathe literally pushed the pain away with my hand. Interestingly as soon as I lost focus the pain overwhelmed me.

I wish her well.

xox