Good thread.

I think also remember after the birth when you're in hosp to remember you're in control. Unless there have been serious complications you're not sick you're basically in there for a rest.

I had a great experience overall (FWIW I was at a private hosp) but a couple of days after DS's birth an awful MW (with a young student in tow) came in to check on me. She was very bossy and proceeded to roll me over as she had to "check my tail" after which she commented that I had a "massive haemorrhoid"..... of course I was well aware of that . I was however totally humiliated and was quite upset about the whole experience. Luckily I didn't see that woman again for the rest of my stay. When I was about to check out I had a final review with another MW. She wanted to check on my haemorroid. I told her that I'd prefer that she didn't..... so she didn't I'm a health care professional myself and I'm used to being assertive and in control but its so easy in the hospital environment to be pushed around and treated like a piece of meat. It was a great feeling being back in control. I totally recommend it.