New with some questions

Pumpkin_Princess

Hi! DH and I will be TTC our first over the next several months, and I am an obsessive planner. I never really considered a natural birth because everyone I know had an epidural. I watched "The Business of Being Born" and started doing a little research online, and now I am leaning toward a natural birth just because of the increased side effects and possible complications with drugs/c-section. I was looking for a new doctor anyway because my current doctor has priviledges at a hospital that I don't like, so now I'm tossing around the idea of seeing a nurse-midwife and going to a birthing center. If you see a midwife, can you describe your experience with her vs. an OB?

I've also seen a lot of natural childbirth classes mentioned. I know that massage, moving around, and relaxing in a tub can help with pain. Are the classes really necessary? Also, do you still need a doula if you are using a midwife? Thanks!