I have been meaning to come back to this thread to let you know what I thought about it.

I think I was very fortunate to have a fantastic birth experience. Yes it did hurt but nothing that would stop me having another child. I think this thread really helped me in that I had an open mind and knew that it couldn't be too bad if people went back for seconds or thirds or even more!

The contractions were painful and the crowning, well that stung but what hurt more than labour for me was the stitches. The ob went to stitch where there wasnt local that had set in and DP said that i screamed louder then than any other time. She almost got kicked across the room.

I actually felt labour to be very empowering.

Here is my birth story if you want to read more https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...baby-girl.html

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread. I hope that it does help others who are curious about the amazing gift of giving birth.