Once again - thanks for the support!

Kelly - I am going through the midwifery group practice, so I do know who will be there with me in labour - it has been great getting to know the two midwives who will be there and knowing I can put my trust in them. I'm hoping that it will help to discuss DH's issues with them before the birth, so they are that little bit more aware.

Fortunately it is also going to be a big decision for us to go with a drug assisted birth, as we will be in the birthing suites, where the only choice is gas- we would have to move to the labour wards if I needed further intervention. If this weren't the case, I think DH would be more keen to ask for anything earlier for me. The midwife will also be assisting me to have a drug free birth, so I think this will help.

Tara - I like the advice about telling him it's ok to leave when he wants to have a break- I think this will be reassuring- he probably feels like I am putting a lot of pressure on him to be there for me, me, me! It might help if he knows he has this option.