Meema, sorry I only just saw your post tonight. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Angliss and I am happy to hear that you had two positive experiences there. I am slowly coming around to the idea and will definitely be letting it known what my wishes are. The only thing I am concerned about now is that I will now be referred to an OB (as I am under midwife care) so I will have to start from scratch with someone new. DH is clear on how we want things to go, so if I am not up to it, I know he is capable of speaking up.
Do you mind me asking who your OB was?

shellbell, I was upset to read about your experience. Being told that it's "non-negotiable" is terrible. It's your baby, surely there should be some flexibilty. I can't stand being told there is no choice or being told that it's "hospital policy" when it comes to something as important as the birth of your baby. I hope your next birth is more positive.

Tenar, I think you are spot on and that it comes down to cost, and your point about how much time they would spend with you if you were having a VB is valid too. If they can spend4-5 hours with you in a delivery suite, then why can't they spare 2 hours for a c/s and recovery? I have found with my antenatal classes that we get 2 different stories. Last week we were told mother and baby are always separated after a c/s and this week (different midwife) we were told that it would depend on how busy the delivery suite is as to whether they have someone there who can stay with me.
We will definitely be pushing to have bub in recovery, but if it doesn't happen I think I have come to terms with it. DH has definite instructions and I will be asking to be out of recovery and back in my room ASAP.

Looking more and more likley I will be booking in next week. Bub doesn't seem to want to turn no matter how much I try and encourage him.