These are the things I wanted to learn but didnt because everyone else just wanted to know about epidurals.

- realistic explanation on when to come to the hospital when labout starts (ie- is it REALLY necessary to come in at the first contraction?)
- how to use natural ways of managing painful contractions like breathing techniques, massage etc
- things you can do to avoid or at least minimise tearing
- what to expect straight after and in the few days following birth. I remember also being asked if my blood loss was ok and I was just thinking umm thats something you should be assessing isnt it? How am I meant to know whats normal and what isnt. The day after Claire was born I passed a clot (or something) larger than a golf ball and I had no idea if that was normal or not.
- to encourage you to discuss with your partner (or whoever else is going to be there for the birth) about things you would like and wouldnt like to happen during labour/birth (eg I wanted to use the bath, but I forgot and he never reminded me, but I WISH he had reminded me).