I didn't have a birth plan as such - like a written one - just in my head.

Basically it was to be as active as possible and to use a bath or shower as much as possible and to take whatever drugs I felt necessary (including epidural).

The reality was much different to what I planned. I ended up with a long labour (17 hours in total + pre labour).

Because of swelling I could not get in or out of a bath for the last few weeks of pregnancy so sitting in a bath was out. Once in labour I just couldn't face undressing and getting wet and drying off etc.

I managed with panadeine forte at home til I was 6cms dilated. It only took the edge off the pain.

Once at hossy I got on to gas. This took the edge off for a while. I ended up having a couple of peth shots which made me feel a whole lot better but was still in pain.

I forgot (yes forgot) to ask for an epidural. I told them when I was admitted that I wanted one but due to be looked after by different midwives the subject never came up again.

Whatever your plan is make sure you word up your birth partner so that they can speak on your behalf. My partner knew I wanted an epi but he didn't bring the subject.

When in second stage they took the gas away from me and I had to do it without anything. By that stage it was actually less painful than it was during 1st stage so I managed OK even though I had a vac extraction (shoulder distocia & 2 hours of pushing).

Make sure you read up majorly on labour. I didn't and I really regret it. I feel I could've done a much better job of it if I'd read about it a lot more.