The early stages are a bit slow but the end is quick. I can't describe the feelings when handed this tiny purple fading to pink blood stained blotchy creature. And if anyone says a brand new newborn doesn't have a personality don't believe 'em.
Duration of labour is very variable. Firsts can be a bit drawn out but beware of subsequent ones. Sisters first was the normal sort of 12+ hrs jobbie, 2nd, 4hrs and born at home, unplanned. But, yeah, don't panic. The human species has been doing it very succesfully for thousands of years.
Wot's with all these AFL babies? What happened 9 months ago, some meet in the back of a 101?