Questions about labor and giving birth?

I used the Bradley method with all four of my births. Labor was a moderate, dull ache for me. I would consider it a 5 1/2 on a scale of 1-10. The crowning was a 9, but the pain only lasts a couple of minutes. Look for the book, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. Over 90% of those who use the Bradley method do not need pain medication. I had stitches with my first one, so I was sore for a while. Postpartum complications are much worse than just being sore. I had a thyroid crisis after my first one and was very sick for several days. She was three months old before I was strong enough to push the vacuum cleaner. I was sick a lot after my second baby. I was sick and running a fever for ten days of every month for six months. I had a fever as high as 105. Birth can be easy compared to postpartum.