[hkrose]

I'm due in 2 months and am starting to get a bit nervous about giving birth at POW. I know the care will be good... I'm not really worried about that but I have been hearing some stories about the public system that are making me a bit nervous. Is anyone able to calm some of my fears?

1. Will they let me labor for hours and hours before even considering a c-section? I have a friend who was in labor for 36+hrs before they would do a c-section and I really don't want that to happen. I don't want a c-section but I don't want to risk the health of my baby either.

2. Can my husband stay with me during labor? And will I be with multiple women while in labor?

3. I can't seem to find my list for things I will need to bring with me... is there a website where this is listed? Is it hard to find anything that I will need?

Any other things I should be prepared for?


And just a side note... do any other westerners get comments about how big/fat you are in comparison to the Chinese women? I know I'm a bit emotional and extra sensitive right now but if one more person tells me that I look like I'm going to pop any minute... I think I'm gonna cry. :) I was trying so hard to watch my weight/exercise/etc (and I am smaller than I was with my 1st) but I'm not a toothpick to begin with and I'm not expecting a small baby (1st was almost 8lbs)... but alas... just a vent.

Thanks!