Ryn, I am really concerned about you having no support at the birth, in fact someone who seems so proud about being useless for you and that its just going to be a whole lot of mess and trouble. When you hit that crisis of confidence as all of us experience at some stage (e.g. the 'I cant do it anymore, I want an epidural, just get it out, I will have a caesarean stages'), it seems there will be no rock or stability to get you through, someone to say the right thing when you are doubting yourself etc. I'd strongly recommend looking into someone being there who is experienced, you get to know a doula or birth attendant through pregnancy so you will feel more comfortable with them when the birth comes about and they are used to all sorts of situation. I have not had one woman abuse me or her partner in labour - it just doesnt happen... I really hope you can get some support and the birth can be a nurturing and powerful experience for you.

I am only saying this because I would love for you to have the birth you want, but as my birth teacher Rhea says, the majority of those who plan a natural birth and get one are those that set themselves up for one. They surround themselves with supportive people and birth attendants, choose the right carers and place to birth, choose the right birth education and read the right books - I am not saying if you dont do these things you wont, but in all her experience in 26 years and midwives telling her she is so right with her theory, it most of the time does go that way.