Interesting thread.

I think that no matter how much preparation, education, advice, feedback etc etc you do prior to you first experience of labour, nothing can prepare you for the experience itself. And I'm pretty certain that in that process there is a part of you that is forever changed - mentally, physically, psychologically... right down to our cells.

I can remember before I went into labour with DD1 wanting that natural, drug-free birth. Then I remember the moment where I am in labour and I am completely overwhelmed by the intensity of the contractions and I ask for an epidural.

Its like any experience I guess, it has to be learned experience. And as the others have said, I do believe debrief is an important part of the postnatal period regardless of the type of birth you have.

I think its important to remember that its never too late to debrief. The others have listed some great idea's for debriefing. I also suggest getting your hands on a copy of Pam Englands "Birthing From Within". The book itself is very much about dealing with emotion prior to and after birth.