What do you wish you knew before you gave birth?

I am currently 28 weeks pregnant and I'm starting to think more about birth. I want to make sure I'm as educated as possible about what will happen as well as any potential complications etc. and just wondered if anyone had any advice on things they wish they'd known but they hadn't e.g. tips for reducing tearing, any decisions you regretted, anything you wish you had prepared for, any difficult situations that arose etc? Thank you ❤️