Thanks Leasha for starting this thread!

My DH and I are 100% adamant that next time around we'll have a doula. I wish wish and truly wish that i had one for my DD's birth. if i could turn back the clocks i would. as hoobley mentioned, no one can give true consent in between contractions. i was given peth injection in between a contraction without my consent. i had said no 3 times during a contraction and when it was over i rolled to the side (i was still having the darn fetal monitoring that hospitals always do when you are admitted...) and i closed my eyes and felt a sharp jab. no one was there to stop her (they sent DH home a couple of hours earlier and were refusing to call him for me). I NEEDED a professional, yet caring person there that new the business of birth and knew what hospitals and overworked staff can do when given opportunities (this goes for m/w's as well as obs) to just 'shut up' a woman in labour and could act as my protector during a time when you and your baby can be very vulnerable.

and like others have posted, no one told me how to use the shower. i just kinda stood there or would crouch or lean on the chair, on my own. but i didnt know how (at that stage you cant think, you just act) to get to work for me so gave up after 30 minutes.

My DH was really lovely, but the support he could offer was limited. this was his first baby and birth experience too. we both had so much to learn. birth and the arrival of our babies is one of the most amazing, empowering and awe inspiring moments (OMG my body is doing this for us!! kinda thing) but it is the overwhelming part that tends to be left out of ante natal education. no one tells you that after a relatively short period of active labour, the mind shuts down into action mode and you need loads of support and people to hit the ground running and have things ready for you so you dont need to be distracted by anything other than helping your baby to make their debut!

If i could scream it from the rooftops i would! have a doula, wise woman, ind. w/w. have someone there that can be your rock and advocate.

sorry for the long post!