Shanti - we had no lawn mowing (think the neighbours were away, as it was Jan 3), but we had a plumber arrive at 9am and he needed to fix something in the ensuite. I was onto my second go of early labour and had been up since 3.30am for the second morning in a row (and they were more businesslike cx second day). He arrived just as I went to lay down for a nap!!

I went into DD1's room and napped on her bed until he left, but all that activity did mean things stopped. I sent everyone out for the morning (DD1 went to a friend's for the day) and rested on my own. Full on labour started in the evening after I'd had space and rest. After that, I couldn't have cared who was there, what they were doing, or how much noise they made! I would imagine you're more likely to be disturbed in hospital, particularly by ppl coming into your space? I even found Doppler checks a bit annoying.

At home, they're just background sounds you're used to, I guess? I can't remember any bothering me when things were intense. I welcomed the conversation and laughter from my family, doula and m/w. Kept the atmosphere relaxed.