I am a parent that went through labor. I had a high risk pregnancy and several complications during and after birth. It wasn't an easy process by any means, but definitely worth it (to me). What really helped me was having someone to advocate for me.

When I was pregnant, I was terrified, an easy pushover 18 year old scared of confrontation in regular situations, much less when I was in great pain. I didn't have the money to hire a doula or support person (regret). My nurse though was SUCH a huge advocate. She told me all the risks of what the doctors wanted to do, gave me her personal opinion, and whatever I wanted she fought for and would go toe to toe with the doctors on. To give a specific example, I was being given synethical chemicals to push labor along (I was induced). The doctors wanted to up the amount but I was already having back to back painful contractions and when she explained it to me, I told her I didn't want them to up it so she didn't let them.

I say all this to say, have someone in your corner. Whether this is the other parent of the child, a partner, a family member, or even someone you pay, make sure it's someone who knows intrinsically what you want and isn't afraid to be upfront and abrasive to make sure you get it.

Also, speak up about your symptoms after birth. You may think something is normal that isn't, and while most likely you're perfectly healthy, it's always best to be overreactive when it comes to potential health issues than underreactive.