It has been a while since anyone has written here so I though I would share my labor and delivery story since there are a lot of mommies to be that come to this site.  This site and all the wonderful people that offered advise were a great help throughout my pregnancy.  I was really nervous about giving birth to my daughter; mostly because I didn't know what to expect.  I had heard the best stories and the most horrible ones.  Here goes mine...

 I was scheduled to be induced on my due date (my choice).  I arrived at the hospital at 6 am and at 8 am, my Dr came to see me.  She gave me a pelvic exam (I was close to 3 cm dialated) and then broke my water and had the nurse put me on Petocin.  This pelvic exam was very painful.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Luckily, it was over pretty quickly. 

Shortly after, I was asked if I wanted an epidoral and since I did I was debriefed on the good and the bad.  I chose to have the epidoral when I was about 4 cm dialated and could no longer stand the pain.  They say that being induced is worst than letting your body go at it naturally.  Personally, I know no difference since this was my first pregnancy and delivery.  I was lucky not to have back labor, though, which I was surprised because I had endured severe back pains throughout my pregnancy.  My pains can be described as incredibly bad period cramps.

Now lets fast forward a little...at about 2 pm, I started feeling severe pain again so I told the RN and she had the Dr give me another dose of medicine.  Once it kicked in, she checked me and I was fully dialated.  At 2:48 pm, I started pushing and by 3:11 pm, my daughter was born.  She was absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way, but then again, I am bias.  I can honestly say, I did not feel a thing.  I was a little out of it because of the drugs, but if I had a do over, I would have the epidoral again.  It allowed me to relax and enjoy the experience more than if I had gone through all that pain.  I also didn't feel the 2nd degree tears that I received while pushing my daughter out nor did I feel being stitched up.  Tearing was a huge concern of mine, but all and all, I am doing well and healing up lovely.

Now, I am not sure if anyone really warns you of everything that happends after you give birth.  You bleed and bleed and bleed...well, for quite some time.  Your genital is incredibly swollen so you are given ice packs and depend looking pads and once the epidoral wears off, you start feeling pain.  At this point, you will be offered some meds.  This pain is far more tolerable and you will probably be so high on life with your new addition that you won't care too much about it.

You may also be very emotionally and hormonal.  I had the baby blues for about 2 weeks.  I couldn't stop looking at my daughter without crying.  I didn't want to be around anyone but her and from time to time, my husband.  Luckily, this went away and I slowly started feeling "normal".

Needless to say, I can't wait to do it all over again.  My daughter is amazing and the entire experience was breath taking.  I wish you all a happy and healthy pregnancy.  It goes by way too fast.  My daughter is already 5 weeks and I don't know where the time is going.

Shaila

Let me say CONGRATULATIONS.  I have read many of your posts from time and all of have been supportive and caring.

I must tell you as a first time mommy coming up in 8wks also to a little girl, I am very appreciative of your story.  I am hoping not to be induced, and to give birth vaginally, but as long as she's healthy then whatever it takes.  Everything you mentioned I have thought about but noone actually gave details, you did and thank you.

I wish you, daddy and Isabella all the happiness... 

Thanks, Kim, and congratulations to you, too.  Little girls are so exciting.  Dressing them up is so much fun.  I am glad that my post was able to help even if just a little.  I am sure everything will turn out just fine for you and your little one.  Best of luck!!

Shaila

Great post!