Time
Time. Everything felt so rushed. I saw 7 different midwives and it took hours to get pain relief. I think if midwives have the time to support, listen and care for a women in labour whether she is 1cm dilated or 10.
But yes... just more time would have been wonderful. After the birth too. You need someone to sit listen and talk you through. Maybe offer a hand squeeze and a cuppa too. I had that time but 8 months after birth with a wonderful midwife from the supervisors of midwives who talked me through my hospital notes and gave me a copy. She spent 3 hours at my house and was amazing! The nightmares stopped after that.
