
"Contractions are not pains. They are tightenings that may be painful, especially when they are being most effective. There is an art in approaching each new contraction, in thinking, 'Splendid! Here's another one!' and later, as you approach the end of the first stage, when they are at their strongest, 'Oh, this is a really good one!' "
(The New Pregnancy & Childbirth, Kitzinger, p. 308)