Hi there,
Are you firm on birthing at Hoag? I saw Dr. Dubyak (has since left the practice) and Dr. Jeffrey Illeck at Beach OBGYN in Huntington Beach with my last baby and did a natural birth at Hoag. Dr. Dubyak was the one who delivered my baby, but I was very upfront with both OBs and they were very supportive of natural birthing.
When it was all said and done, I was disappointed that the hospital required me to be hooked up to the fetal monitor for 20 minutes every hour. It makes it VERY difficult to stay focused on relaxation or other pain coping techniques when they want you to lie on the bed during transition. I felt like it was the hospital policy that made it difficult rather than who my OB was (since they just show up when you are pushing anyway.)
If you are going for a natural birth and have the OPTION, I would probably suggest that you birth at Orange Coast Memorial Hospital with the midwife group at Talbert Medical Center. Related closely is Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills - they have jetted tubs that you can use for pain management during labor as long as your water hasn't broken yet. Dr. Kenneth James is the OB I'd trust as he works as a backup for the midwives at Beach Side Birthing Center - so he has a LOT of exposure to natural birthing and is supportive of it.
I am 41 weeks pregnant right now and plan to birth at the Beach Side Birthing Center. I am still young and trust my body to deliver beautifully (this is my fourth baby) and want the most natural experience possible. I hope you find someone who you have a lot of faith in - it really makes a large difference in the overall experience.
Much luck to you!
Also - kudos to you for desiring a natural birth. The recovery is SO much nicer, and it's the most empowering experience I've ever had. When you have a baby the way your body is designed to, you feel like you can conquer the world! Don't be afraid of it - it's really amazing!