i gave birth to DS in a public hospital. i was induced & had constant monitoring as well as being on a drip. despite this, i was able to request a wireless monitor so, while i was still attached to the drip, i could move around. i was encouraged to be in positions other than on my back, on the bed & was able to request (and have) a ball to sit on. this time (still public but diff hospital) i have been offered the opportunity to hire a TENS machine and also encouraged to take part in physio classes before the birth.

despite being induced & being hooked up to various machines, the midwives made clear that they would not be offering pain relief unless i asked about it - they left the decision to me to actually request rather than just offering (i think this is fairly standard?).