What do you wish you had asked?

[BriocheBun]

I'm not going to a birthing class with my partner - instead, a lovely midwife has offered to talk to us for an hour and go through everything with us at the MLBU.

Can anyone advise on what sort of things I should be asking?

For context, I would like a water birth if possible but would like to know what the other eventualities could be. No idea what ventouse is or how forceps work. No clue about contractions and how labour feels (how I know I am in labour). What partner can do to help etc.

Can anyone advise on things they wished they had asked? Or think I should ask/need to know?

Thanks

Bump!

Ask her to go through pain relief options even if you think you don't want any it's better to know.
Ask about inductions- what their procedure is just in case you are booked in.
Ask her do they do delayed cord clamping as standard (Google benefits of this)
Ask her to go through breast feeding and formula feeding so you have all the info (do they provide ready made formula or do you need to bring some just in case)
Find out the process if you have to be transferred to the hospital.
Tips on what you can actively do when contractions start- when should you contact them.
Prior to labour ask about tips to help baby into the right position.
Ask about waters breaking and having a 'show' (mucus plug) before contractions start.
Ask about ideal positions for delivery baby.
This was a lot of what was covered in my antenatal classes and was useful.

Ask her to talk you through the stages of labour, I found that really interesting during NCT courses.

I didn't do anything with my first regarding classes. I went to the hospital tour thing so I knew where to go for the labour ward. On there it was good to know that I wasn't able to use their special relaxation type unit because I was gbs. Maybe ask about where you can birth?