Hi Star,
Thanks for the post. I have decided (and started) to get my records through FOI - the woman at the hospital was really helpful and is sending me out the paperwork so I can apply for them. I was really hesitent still, but I was talking to a friend who is a midwife about if she thought the hospital would talk to me or not, and she offered to have a look and talk me through my records. I had not asked her as I did not want to put her in a difficult position if she felt uncomfortable, but as she offered I said yes. So given that I now have someone to talk to about what happened in a technical sense, I have decided to get the records. Feel nervous about what I will read, but am glad that you found it useful!

Congrats on your pg, and hope that you have a great nine months and VBAC! I hope that you get the support and help you deserve from those around you in terms of your birth.

Best wishes.
FG
I am going to look up that book as well - thanks again.