yeah, i think u are right. lack of exposure.
the thai hospital i was going to had very nice birthing suites equipped with tub, shower, gymball, birthing stool, audio system, microwave oven (for heating hot packs), mini fridge (to keep cold packs), low lighting, low bed to lie on. You can take any position you want, and if you wanna deliver in water, oso can. the midwives will actually come and give you back massage, cold/hot packs, talk to you. You are encouraged to bring music and aromatherapy to the room. Make it like your home.
Here, the rooms are all very clinical and sterile. Actually makes me scared to think of spending 10-20 hrs in there labouring.