Painful but not as bad as I thought it would be!

First of all.. the contractions. They were not (for me) like how I was told they would be. Mine started with a backache that would come and go. Then gradually it would feel like I was being squeezed in the middle. It would be like a wave of pain, gradually getting worse, peaking and then getting better. They hurt! But it was wasn't horrendously bad. 

I laboured at home and eventually decided to go to the hospital after about 5 hours. When we got there I was told I was four cm so I asked for my epidural & waited. And I waited..and I waited.. 

But it didn't come! Eventually the contractions felt really strange, like a strong  force in my body to push down and this animal groan came out of my mouth. They checked me and I was 10cm! I couldn't believe it! I couldn't believe I'd made it to the pushing stage on my own without pain relief. (I had gas and air but I didn't do anything except help me to concentrate on breathing) I was surprised with how calm I felt and I hadn't cried or swore once! 

Eventually after 1 1/2 hours of pushing she got stuck and I had to have a spinal, episiotomy and forceps as she was 9lb 15!!!

But I wanted to say to all you first timers that yes it does hurt but it honestly wasn't as scary or as mind blowingly painful that everyone takes great delight in telling you. I'm not saying it was easy..and I can't say I'm looking forward to doing it again! But it was all worth it and you'll surprise yourself with amazing you can be 👍🏼