kelly- thank you for your advice. i will check out those classes...and the truth is i wish i knew that about obs and private hospitals when i first fell pg. i had no idea!! and thought it was the best option. i have read the articles on your website about birth plans and needing to have a reason to back you up. i also downloaded the one on there to guide me, so thanks for that..do you know the funniest thing about your post? every second couple today had read 'up the duff' and 'what to expect when you're expecting' and nothing else. too funny!!

ourlux- great to hear your story..thank you
Hi Gracie,
My labour was natural and drug free, with an OB in a private hospital, without a written birth plan, so it is not necessarily a bad option! I had my husband supporting me, midwife came and went but provided minimal support and that was all that was needed. Like you, I wanted a natural birth. It wasn't until the very end that I considered requesting pain relief by which time I was ready to push (so didn't even ask for it - as my focus changed to pushing). YOU WILL DO IT!!! Also, I used a TENS machine and found it most helpful to work through my contractions. Without this, I don't think I would have done it without pain relief............. Good luck, your positive attitude and belief in your ability to do it will definately make a difference.