I think the best thing i can get out of this is knowing that i should make a point of having a detailed discussion with my midwife at ANC appointments as i get further along. Aurora your suggestions of your birth plan, with the 'lawyerish content' if needed, are really good, and this has all encouraged me to make sure DF really does have a better understanding of what i want and how to help me during labour.

I really would have liked to have gone private, but as had no health care, am all stuck to the public system this time around. The stories i have read of some homebirths are very empowering and i do want to birth at home for my second and and any subsequent child(ren) but i guess it will all depend on how smoothly this first experience goes and what can be afforded at the time.