I THOUGHT it would be important but I had a v long labour first time around. DP left around 11pm and came back first thing. I was way too excited to sleep which would have meant neither of us would have slept and we would have just been gasbagging all night.

Second time around I had an elective caesar (because of the 18 month recovery from the SPD first time around after a VB which I was going to risk again second time around) and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to do much and that it was vital DP was there. Was in a complete flap about it beforehand because we moved in late pregnancy from Melbourne to Woodend but I wanted to stay with my private ob and private hospital which meant DP couldn't stay the night as he would have to take care of DD1.

So practically, he couldn't stay. I really needn't have fussed. The nurses were fab and really, I ain't the first person to have a caesar and need help

Private room is essential to me. I like my own space. I wouldn't cope with having other people around.