Mel, please don't feel guilty. You can only make a decision with the information you have at the time. I too wish I had found bellybelly earlier. My situation is not the same at all, but I had an epidural with DS1 as I didn't know any better. That led to longer labour, foetal distress, forceps, tear and episiotomy, and recurring haemorrhoids (ok, maybe this would have happened anyway but I'll blame the epi!!). Now having birthed without an epidural, I know two things. One is that I can birth without an epidural. And the second is how much better it feels afterwards and how much more quickly you recover (bascially instantly LOL!). I try not to feel too regretful or guilty about having the intervention first time, because I could only do what I knew at the time. But thank goodness that so many women do find bellybelly or another good source of info first and not have to go through that.

I wish for you the birth of your dreams this time around. It is the most empowering, invigorating feeling you will ever have.