CharleyGirl - Just an extra suggestion - but have you thought of hiring a professional support person, like a birth attendant or doula?

You may think this sounds awful, but apparently since the day men were introduced to birthing rooms, interventions and pain relief has increased - maybe from a combination of things but sometimes what the most experienced birth attendants find happening is that if the mother is in a panic or frightened, then her partner becomes frightened or panics and so the mother just wants out with no mental support or reassurance - so she opts for the pain relief or intervention. It's great having our partner there don't get me wrong, having our men there is great - what I am suggesting is an extra person to compliment that and to also support your partner. A birth attendant doesn't take over, she adds to the team, if you know what I mean?

It's harder to explain to first time mums how invaluable experienced support is, as they haven't been through labour before but it's most useful for first time mums but of course, very useful for subsequent births too. That first experience of birth leaves a lasting impression psychologically speaking. Having someone there telling you that you *CAN* do it and helping you ride those contractions is so important, as well as other things they can offer too. What you don't need is someone telling you 'Oh you poor thing... maybe just a little bit of xxx might help? Lets get rid of this pain...' or freaking out - that's assuming you are hoping for a normal, drug free birth

I can also recommend some private birth educators who better prepare couples for this rather than your standard hospital classes - let me know what state you are in and I can perhaps recommend someone. They are MUCH better than hospital classes.

It's important you feel safe and nurtured during birth for the best outcome for both you and baby. All the best for a wonderful birth