Chocolatecatty........I was terrifed for my 1st........the anti-natal 1970's birth videa totally freaked me out....we drove home from the class with me in hysterics saying "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I can't do it", LOL!

But I was also scared of something happening to her during birth etc, so I was keen to get her out of me and safe too, which most likely helped.

I listened, every day, to a Birth Relaxation CD (by Francesca Naish, you can Google it) which was WONDERFUL and perhaps gave my subconscious the confidence. I went into labour naturally at 10 days overdue, had a 7 hour labout, no pain relief, Olivia got stuck (shoulder distocia) but still managed to get out without intervention. (I had always said I didn't care how she came out, as long as she was alive and healthy, so an au natrel birth was not at the forefront of my mind, so I consider myself very lucky). I didn't tear either. Had a great OB and FANTASTIC midwife and a great support in DH.......all these things no doubt contributed.

I had a LOT of confidence boosting praise from all the hospital staff after I gave birth, which always helps your ego. Plus, I managed to BF OK, which helped my confidence in my own abilty with a new baby.

But those hormones.....OMG.......they are v.clever chemicals.......apart from the day 3 blues (where I cried like a banshee) I recovered pysically very quickly........(me and Olivia would walk round the hospital together.....I am sure that helped!) and the happy hormones kicked in well by day 4, which meant that I was able to revel in the birth experience and not be too over-whelmed when I got home.

Charlie's birth was v.similar to Olivia's, only I was induced at 38 weeks, but I still delivered vaginally without any additional pain relief or other interventions. 2 hour labour which was tough and fast and painful, but still an awesome experience and one that I am very proud of. Charlie latched on the boob immediately and from that moment on he has continued to be a baby that rocks my world.

Again, in pregnancy with him, I listened to my birth relaxation CD, which I am sure helped, and I was looking forward to the birthing experience, becacause I had such a positive experience with Olivia.

I also had a blissful "babymoon" with Charlie in hospital for a week, with no issues with BF and I didn't get the 3 day blues, just went straight for happy hormones. That week was a gift for both of us that I recollect as such a wonderful bonding cosy time.........just the 2 of us getting to know each other.......bliss.

Not sure if any of that helps you any??! Sorry, I've waffled on a bit........