Delivered baby alone at home (1 hour labor, on due date!)- precipitous labor

My due date was 12/20. I woke up at 5am on 12/20 with what felt like pressure, so I went back to sleep.

My son was born 2 years ago on his due date, I had 6 hours of labor (fast, for a first) and knew what contractions felt like. This wasn’t it just yet.

Around 7:35a my husband got my son out of bed, I was having what I thought were contractions. Though they weren’t “take my breath away” just yet, I tried timing they were 5 minutes apart and about a minute long. My husband had to do some work, I continued to play with my son through them so I didn’t think much of it.

They left around 8:15a for daycare. I said we should go to the hospital when he got back. Daycare is about 15 minutes away. I went upstairs to throw a few more things in my hospital bag. I started having the urgent need to go to the bathroom, I couldn’t stop going- this happened with my son too.

All the sudden the contractions were one on top of the other I kept saying “why am I not getting a break? I’m supposed to get a 3 minute break!”

I said forget the bag- went downstairs to wait for my husband to return.

It was now 8:35am. Went downstairs and felt the urge like I had to poop again- but when I sat on the toilet I immediately knew the push was different. Pushed, my water broke into the toilet. I reached down and felt her head. I knew she was coming- Right Now!

I moved to the floor, one push and delivered her head, I saw it and knew I had to do her shoulders. Another push and out came her shoulders and the rest of her. I picked her up and wrapped her in my shirt, this was a powder room so no towels! She was born at 8:38am. She didn’t cry but I could see her breathing.

My husband walked in about 2 minutes later, the powder room is right by the door, saw me sitting there on the floor, in a pool of blood, but otherwise fine, cradling our daughter with her cord still attached. “I delivered this baby” I said. He sprung into action, called 911 and EMS was there shortly.

Cora Jane 8lbs, 2oz, 20” Long. We both were doing remarkably well.

I didn’t know precipitous labor was a thing until after, but now I certainly do! Grateful I was able to deliver her alone and we are both doing well. A story I will never forget!

Picture is once we got to the hospital, I at least delivered the placenta in the ambulance with some help 🙃