I figure second time around we deserve a break, having had a crappy first time The odds are in our favour! Try not to worry, what happened to me was very rare and a freak occurence. No, do not go and read my story lol...... Seriously. Don't do it.

Everything will be fine. You've got your granny undies, you're all set
I haven't read your story but I wouldn't get freaked out anyway. Birth and recovery is different for everyone. You had a story to share and that's your story, and your experience so I don't tend to get freaked out when I read these things. When my first time pregnant friends ask me about my first birth I usually don't share with them either as I like to let people have their own experiences Thanks for the warning though hehe.

Tanstar - LOL I was going to bring ear plugs....I was very fortunate last time and had a room to myself for virtually the whole time. I only had one lady next to me for half of my last day, and the poor love was in early Labour (she lived too far away to go back home). But I have had friends complain about the noise levels in the Hospital keeping them up half the night. And a pashmina is a great idea. I have a ton of them from Turkey that are just gorgeous. Might have to pack a few because your right, they make excellent blankies as well as a shawl.