a quick recap of L&D while it's still fresh in my memory. I called the doctor around 2:00am, April 22. I told her I was having strong contractions about 5 minutes apart but only lasting about 30 seconds. She suggested I have a warm shower. well that made things intensify. I stayed in bed fighting each contraction until 2:37, and called the doctor back. that's when she had me go in. I arrived at 3:30, 4 cm dilated, contractions 3 minutes apart and lasting between 60-80 seconds. by the time everything was set up, my water had broke and they checked me for dilation again, it was roughly 5:40am and I was fully dilated and ready to go. I kissed the epidural goodbye. For the first half hour of pushing, there was a lot of position changing and discomfort. Then things started to get serious when the baby's heart rate dropped. So I got an episiotomy, which proceeded to tear further (3rd degree), and needed a little extra help and she was suctioned. the amount of relief I experienced after that final push was amazing. and then all the pain was gone and instantly I was overwhelmed with emotion. girls, if you're nervous about labor and delivery, it's painful, but I promise you it is so worth it the second that baby is in your arms. I thought that was BS every time someone said it to me, but I swear it's the best feeling in the world.