Hi Jgal
Given how slowly you progressed and how intense the experience was, I'm really amazed at how you managed without peth/epidural for so long. It also sounds like you were really well informed and prepared - but unfortunately we can't ever be 100% prepared for this. I think you did a really great job!
How was your support, do you think? You were told off for moaning...!!?? That doesn't sound very supportive to me. If anyone had told me off for moaning I would have hit them, never mind how far along I was.
I really hope you can have a better experience this time round