Nothing like I expected and am still traumatised 3mths on.
I thought I knew what I was in for as I had done heaps of reading, anti-natal classes etc but it was soooo much more full on then I expected and I also wasn't expecting to labour for 50hrs of with bubs in a posterior position and have to have a forceps delivery, loads of stitches, a massive blood loss. I was actually really excited for the first day which I wasn't expecting but once I got taken to a larger hospital by ambulance and put on syntocin felt really out of control. I'm so glad I had my mum and DH cause they were my rocks and were a great support to each other. I was also expecting to be screaming but was quite calm most of the time and I think that kept baby calm through our ordeal. I also wasn't expecting the pushing stage to last for 2hrs and for it to feel like I needed to go to the toilet. Oh god I hope it's easier next time, DH said the other day "next time can you just get a ceaser after 10hrs cause that was really traumatic!"
Your friggin telling me! In saying that I am glad I have experienced it and feel like i'm part of some secret mothers covern that nobody tell you about until after.