Labor fears: don't ignore them, embrace and understand them!

The majority of women approach childbirth (especially their first) with some fear and trepidation.  After all, it is uncharted territory.  Of course we realize that literally billions of women before us have given birth, but that doesn't matter.  Our feelings are our own, and no one else can fully understand them or make them go away.
However, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't seek help with our concerns.  By 'help', I don't necessarily mean a licensed therapist, although don't think I'm discounting the importance of their assistance when truly needed.  But more often than not, labor fears can be approached with an open mind, and an acceptance that they are fully valid.  Anyone who tries to completely discount your feelings about your birth, in my opinion, should not be spoken to about your plans.  Amazingly, this includes your care provider! (Sidenote: if you feel you can't discuss these things with your provider without them being cast aside as 'nothing', it's time to seek care elsewhere.)
Here's what I mean by help: a trusted ear, of a friend or a care provider.  Education.  Research.  Soul searching, through prayer or meditation.
Talking to someone who has been through it before, even if it's not the way you intend, can be a wonderful resource.  Just ask for honesty.  Try to remember, though, that everyone has different experiences- so try to talk to more than one person, and to those whose advice and opinions you typically value and find solace in. Talk to your care provider.  They will know how to approach both the emotional and the logistical side of your fears, and provide you with evidence to help alleviate some of the concern.
Read up on whatever it is that you are struggling with.  There are plenty of resources from which you can find information, both on physical happenings during labor and childbirth, and the emotional side of things.  Again, though, try to find reputable sources.  While babycenter.com and the like may offer you some insight emotionally, you don't know the stories or the exacts of any of the women offering theirs, so try not to take any situational specifics from them.  Look for evidence.  Scientific reports, research studies, etc. to help truly educate yourselves.  Read books on the subject- but try to find non-biased ones; or, read books from BOTH sides.  Anyone can feel predisposed to lean one way or the other, and reading a biased viewpoint can solidify the deal- and exacerbate the issues at hand.
In closing, remember, again, not to ignore your worries.  Just keep in mind that they are there for a reason, but they don't have to control or determine your experience!