I have given birth to four children. Two boys and two girls.  In many ways they were the same and in others they were quite different.  I remember reading what I called the Baby Bible.  The book, What to Expect When You are Expecting, was my reference for everything that I wanted  or needed to know.  DNA testing and other prenatal tests were not as advanced as it is today.  When a sonogram was done, the baby looked  like a blob.  Father's were not only allowed it was encouraged. I actually had very uncomplicated pregnancies and births.  I was prepping myself for a caesarean  or some other negative experience.  Now, don't get me wrong.  There was severe pain and anguish. But I was able to manage without an epidural.  The very first delivery I had no pain killers at all.  But by the third delivery I asked for something just to take the edge off.  I delivered with in a few hours of being admitted.  Each and every baby was born within 20minutes of the amniotic fluid being manually released by the doctor.  By the fourth baby my husband told me to wait while he got a cup of coffee.  He knew nothing would happen until the fluids were released.
However, witnessing my  niece being born was most exciting.  To be on the other side of delivery was different. That was the first time I had witnessed a baby being born that wasn't mine. While it was beautiful it was messy.  The smells actually made me nauseas   However, her delivery was complicated.  The baby became stuck in the birth canal and  had to be suctioned out.  My sister did receive an epidural and her delivery was long and difficult. 
I have even been asked to be in the delivery room of a friend that I work with.  We both are living in a Middle Eastern country ( I chose not to say what country because if for some reason someone from this country access this site I could be deported for saying negative things)  The way things are done are in some ways different and in others the same.  The medical facility was  modern and up to date.  My friend knew that she must have a cesarean and there was at least 10 people in the operating room.  3 of the people were their just to take care of the infant to make sure that everything was ok and if not they would be ready to facilitate any necessary care.  The only big difference that I saw is that EVERYONE was female.  There are no men allowed.  I guess if she had of insisted that her husband be present that would have been ok.  But all of the doctors and technicians were female.  This country is very taboo when it comes to men and women relationships.  While it is one of the most liberal countries of the Middle East, it is still very old fashion and patriarchal.  It is against the law to have a baby and not be married.  My friend had to present her marriage license as well as his passport upon delivery. 
In terms of child development, this country has a long way to go. They are just coming to terms with genetics and how having relations with relatives shouldn't be.  They are however, very big on fertility and providing help for women who are having a hard time concieiving.

 All four of my biological children 2012

My first born age 25

My first born 6 weeks