On Friday, I went to work and thought maybe I was having contractions, but they were not really strong so I kinda thought they were digestive issues. Needless to say, I left work and headed to the doctor. The doctor confirmed that I was in fact in labor and that my contractions were 2-4 minutes apart and that I was 5 cm dilated and 80+% effaced. I went home, ate lunch, got my bag, met my DH and went to the hospital.

We arrived at about 12:30-12:45. They set me up with an IV, which took 6 tries to get in. Needless to say, my arm is all bruised. At 2:30, the doctor came in and checked me. I was 90% effaced and 5+ cm dilated. We broke my water. We will say it was now around 2:45-3.

Once he broke my water, my contractions went from tightness to VERY painful. I told the nurse to get the anesthesiologist. She started my IV and called. Well the nurse, kept calling the WRONG number and he didn't get there until 4:00. I was in SO much CONSTANT pain. It would only let up for about 20-30 seconds at a time. To get the epi, I had to remain perfectly still. I honestly had no idea how I did it, but I did. I did not move at all.

Once the epi was in, they checked me again. I was just about 9 cm and fully effaced. Because of this, I did not get a catheter. They called the doctor and I began pushing at 4:37. Luckily with the epi, I felt no pain or pressure during delivery. I was able to feel contractions, but they were more like mild period cramps and allowed me to control my pushing. When he was born, the cord was around his neck (as the US had predicted) and the doctor had to cut it. Luckily, he was fine. C was born at 5:33.

Right after he was born, I started to cry. It was just so surreal. We had tried to get pregnant for so long and I could not believe he was finally here!

My advice to everyone is if you are planning on getting an epi - do not wait too long. I progressed VERY quickly once my water broke. I know there are some hospitals that probably would not have even given me the epi at where I was.