Thanks everyone for your replies

littlelara - yes I wonder if even though I wasn't fully conscious of it at the time these issues did provide a block and prevented or delayed me going into to labour. You are right, the only way out is to go through it and I guess that's way we avoid things for so long, because going under, over or around is much easier than going through! I'm really glad to hear that you have worked through some stuff and feel that you are a better mum because of it.

Traveller - thank you for the information, I had often wondered what happend to women intimes of crises etc. And you are right about all women going in to labour, I guess what I mean is that a lot of women don't go into labour naturally within our idea of a 'normal time frame'.

belle75 - it was amazing to read your post and see the similarities! I have actually just started reading Ina May's book! From what I have read so far it is very inspiring and reassuring and I'm sure I will read some of those beautiful birth stories over and over to help me stay focused and positive and believe that I can do it. I really hope that you can stay strong and focused and have a much better birth outcome this time as well, from your attitude I can see that you are already half way there so I'm sure things will work out for you, but I wish you the best of luck hun!