It's nearly impossible to get a full understanding of standard protocols of labor and delivery until you're actually living it. Most hospitals in our area don't even give actual in-person tours anymore. Expectant families are directed to Youtube videos if they want to have a peek at the room in which their baby will be born. It's true that you can't control every aspect of labor and delivery. Although not every unsavory experience will happen to every mother, becoming informed ahead of time can reduce the shock factor. Instead of focusing on "the perfect birth," build your knowledge of different labor experience and decide how you'd want to deal with the various possibilities.