This book is excellent and a must for any mother to be.
Although I believe there are many contributing factors to easing labour, this book certainly made all the difference to my recent experience (we are now the proud parents of a very healthy, happy little boy).
Using repetition, explanation and side-boxes of experience from real parents, Juju instilled total confidence into how I could manage my labour to both my and the baby's advantage. I went into labour feeling fully in control and aware of what was about to happen and why.
Also get your husband / partner to read the book, so you go into the experience as a team, working together using the multitude of tools and experiences within the book. So for example, every contraction I went through I kept reminding myself that although excruciating, the pain was a healthy natural one and I had nothing to fear... plus the fact that every contraction is a step closer to the delivery of your baby, and nothing beats that!
There are two versions of the book - make sure you get the one with pics in - it is a really easy read, even if you just dip in and out of the sections. I am so grateful to my friend in Sydney who recommended the book - it really did make such a difference - being in control is key!