I found everyone at the hospital fantastic apart from one particular midwife who boldly told a story about someone she knew of ending up in a wheelchair after having an epidural (she had an urge to tell me this after I had the epidural inserted), and then she went on and on to my husband about how she hates her job and wants a change, oblivious and uncaring about how I was going in labour. That was 4 and a half years ago so I am guessing she won't be there now.... Don't let one bad experience put you off; you could end up with a really nice midwife this time and, like you said, I think being beyond first-time-mum makes a big difference in that you are more aware of what you are entitled to and what to speak up about.....