i'm a very independant type and also a SA survivor so i'm usually very self-contained with my pain (emotional and physical). I hate being fussed over usually and feel crowded if people try to care for me.

During labour XP (was DP then) sat by me and breathed with me and moaned (while i moose-bellowed) through trainsition and most of my 2nd stage (my whole "real" labour was under 4 hours, i got the urge to push when i was only 2cm dilated so i was still roaring to avoid pushing 3 hours later when DD crowned!) but i didn't want him to touch me.

My midwives were in the bedroom with us (homebirth) but they must have trained with Alan because there were times when they spoke to me and i swear, until that gentle voice registered they were totally invisible. I mean, they were RIGHT in front of me, but i couldn't "feel" them at all, kwim? And when they saw DD was coming right now, even the sudden "action stations" while they got the stuff the newborn might need from the birth packs was done so calmly, it was as if her appearance had magicked it all into the room. LOL.

So i guess i'd say, yes, i totally know where you're coming from, and it'd be good to put in your birth plan that you might want a lot of alone time, and see how you go on the day.

Good luck

Bec