My sister was my support person along with DH. We wanted her as she'd experienced two very different labours. Both were vaginal but her first was induced, quick and out of control in her view. The second was at a birth centre - ARM but then natural, drug free water birth. A super quick birth but far from traumatic.

My sister is a really gentle soul so her calmness but encouraging words were awesome. Her knowledge of a drug free birth was invaluable as that was my dream so to know it was possible and have a woman who'd been through it coaching me helped so much. But it also helped a lot to know she had been there when I screamed for an epidural. She questioned me as she knew my birth plan but understood that I did in fact need it to get through.

My sister knew how to massage my lower back, where to direct the shower head to ease my pain and when to talk and most importantly, when NOT to talk She was just so supportive and encouraging of my birth plan. She was truly amazing.

Your friend picked you for a reason. You must be pretty awesome and I'm sure you'll be amazing if you're just yourself