Physically - completely buggered (7 hours sleep in 3 days before the labour and over two hours pushing). Had a couple of stitches. No big deal.

Emotionally - v proud of myself. Had posterior labour, used pain management techniques on my own until 7cm, then had epidural and forceps. This was my choice and one I was extremely happy with because it was best for me at the time. Walked out of delivery room pushing the crib.

Connection with my daughter - did not happen immediately. I don't put this down to the drugs, more the person I am. I was glad that I read somewhere not to worry if the 'falling in love' feeling doesn't happen immediately. It took a few weeks to really kick in. Now hopelessly besotted. I'm an old fart (38) so am savouring every moment as she may be my only one (not by choice - am raring to go for the second and she's only eight weeks old).

Rest of hospital stay - nightmare. In my case they should have renamed baby blues the "completely sick of being told 15 different things by 15 different midwives" blues. I'm no delicate flower but they drove me to the very edge of my sanity.