and wonderful as that.'Make the right choice checklistBefore you make the final decision about who'll be by your side in the delivery room, ask yourself the following questions:Do I feel completely comfortable, safe and at ease with that person?Can I communicate

him to act as your coach, reading up on birth and going to antenatal classes with you.Best pal Some women find a close friend can be a great comfort in the delivery room, either on her own, or in addition to your partner. Remember, she'll see the best

in the operating theatre.’ What is an episiotomy? During birth, if your midwife can see that your baby needs more room to pass through quickly you may need to be given an episiotomy, which is a small cut (2-3cm). Find out what to expect and how you will heal

takes around 30 minutes. You will then be removed to a recovery bay or room and then onto a ward. A midwife will encourage you to breastfeed your baby as soon as possible.After the Caesarean Your catheter will usually be left in place until the morning

as long as there were no complications and labour started within 10 days of my due date, a home birth was fine.I had my antenatal appointments at the clinic, part of my GP's practice, and scans at the hospital. At 28 weeks it was explained to me

Line, says, ‘Get to know your midwife so you can discuss any worries with her. Go to antenatal classes as you'll be taken through the labour process there, and go on a tour of your labour ward - most hospitals offer this once a week and it will give you

. Even if you're propped up, there isn't much gravity to help you push the baby down.'Lying down can make labour last longer, increase the level of pain, affect your blood pressure and reduce the amount of oxygen your baby receives. Also, your body's main