I do so agree with you, Gemmitygem, about how your attitudes change with a baby. Though I disagree about seeing others holding him - personally I love seeing ds2 in someone else's arms, as I get a different view of him, sor t of like getting to see him all in one go. But if he cries then it's all I can do not to snatch him back! Even when he cries in his daddy's arms, I have to tell myself "It's fine, he's with his daddy, dh loves him and knows perfecly well how to look after him. Don't interfere."
And it's not just in Belgium that a baby becomes a confersation opener - it's a wonderful excuse to speak to strangers here in UK as well.
Someone (JUsters?) asked about internals at post-natal checkups. It's certainly not standard to have one. You shouldn't need one unless there's a problem - if you feel well in yourself and have healed up etc, then the dr/nurse may not even want to look, and if they do then you will probably be lying on your side, rather than spread-eagled, which is much less unpleasant.
I'm amazed at dh's ability to sleep through the night. Ds2 and I had an absolutely dire night, I lost track of the number of times he poo'd after the 5th time between midnight and 5am. And dh slept trhough all the noise and having al the lights swtiched on repeatedly!