Had my antenatal class yesterday.  What  I learned –

For 1st stage,

• important to relax face, shoulders, hands.  Use music, breathing, water, massage.
• Don't say, "Just relax!".  Or "Is it sore?".  Or "Are you OK?".  Or look at your watch.  Or sigh.
• Use gravity.  Keep trying different positions as necessary.  Conserve energy.
• Don't hold hands!  Encourages her to crush your fingers, which is just tension in another form.
• Oh, and Wishart st entrance – lift to 3rd floor – follow the arrows!

After the baby is born, remember to keep talking, even though you don't necessarily get any response.  And stick to 1 language only – but it doesn't have to be the same language as everyone else!  Keep background noise down – hard for young kids to differentiate.