Sitz baths - didn't do an actual sitz bath, but had a bath in my own tub daily with sea salt added to help things heal up. My midwives also leave a package for an herbal bath that is great. Also the peri-bottle for when you pee is essential if you have an scrapes, tears, nicks, whatever. Pee stings!

About the pelvic pain - what does it feel like, DotFace? You might have a bit of SPD with your body loosening up in preparation for birth. I've had a relatively mild case of it in the past couple of pregnancies, but it hasn't given me any trouble after the birth.

Bella - about the fear of birth. Yep. Know what you mean. I feel it every time, sometimes worse than others, and I think most women do. But every time labour starts, after an initial "crap, here we go again" things move along and you just ride the waves, deal with each contraction as it happens, enjoy the rest in between, and get through it. I did find it helpful to talk about the fear with DH and the midwives, and the good ladies here on BB. The more at peace you can be, the easier it will be on you. I think Abraham Hicks said something to the effect of "be happy and stay out of the way of what your body is doing."

How's everyone else? Arimeh, how's your recovery going?