When my son was born, there was just nurse-midwife with us in the private hospital delivery room for the first few hours, until things started getting a bit complicated - at which point three doctors sauntered in with a suction machine and took over.
I have no idea what they did, incidentally. I kept my attention focused, laser-like, on the upper half of my wife’s body, and left the bottom half to the professionals.
Humans. What are ya gonna do?
The best advice I can give you is to hire a doula.
Mine was fantastic, and to be perfectly honest, I think my husband appreciated it just as much as I did. If you are not aware, a doula does not do anything medical. She knows different labouring positions, mine did massage, basically they are there to make things easier for you. My husband said it was like taking a test with the teacher there telling you what to do. I had back pain and my doula had a vibrating back massager that was lovely, as well as a rolling pin thing that could be filled with either hot or cold water, depending on what you wanted. She had all sorts of tricks up her sleeve that just made things that much nicer.
I would not have a baby without a doula.
I’m definitely planning on hiring a doula - how did you find yours?
I was actually friends with my doula prior to getting pregnant.
I work in a very close knit profession and for some reason a bunch of people I knew decided to quit and become doula’s within a few years of each other. Which is odd since the professions are nothing alike.
I know there is a doula association where I live that the she should be registered with. I would see if there is one in your area as a place to start looking. Just be sure to pick a doula that is on the same wavelength as you.
Quoted for truth. Somehow we have the idea that being in a hospital with a doctor is the zero-risk option. In reality, you’re trading some risks for others, whatever option you choose.