My due date was July 26. That morning I went to my OB check up and got a membrane sweep to see if that would help things along. I had an easy going, happy pregnancy and wasn't in any rush but wanted to avoid being induced later on as I was hoping for a natural childbirth experience.

I went about my day and eventually fell asleep on the couch that evening. I awoke at 10:30 PM to my first contraction. The BH contractions previously always just felt like mild, dull menstrual cramps to me and so this was the first contraction where I could actually distinguish a start and stop. I had a few more within the hour. I was still in denial that I could be in labor but my husband started timing them at 12 minutes apart. I pulled out my yoga mat, exercise ball and turned up my laboring playlist and started stretching, pacing the house and taking deep breaths through the contractions as they got more intense. I took a few warm showers to help with the aches and soon the contractions were about 6 minutes apart. I called the hospital and the midwife encouraged me to labor at home as long as possible and try to rest. I tried to lay down but one massive contraction later and I felt some pressure in my groin and a gush and immediately realized it was my water. I called again and they still encouraged me to stay home if possible but 30 minutes later I felt it was really time to head in. We got to the hospital at 4 AM. The slightly bumpy car ride was surprisingly relieving despite contractions every few minutes. By the time we got to triage however, I was clutching my water bottle through each wave of pain. I absolutely hated lying down with the monitors pressing on my belly but was happy to hear I was already 7 cm dilated and 100% effaced. The pain was so much worse lying down and for a second I considered the epidural but pushed through. After about an hour it was time to head to the labor room. The midwife had prepped the tub for me but during the walk over to the room I could feel the baby moving down, a certain #2 sensation and somewhat fearfully let everyone know I thought it was time. The midwife checked and sure enough it was time to push.

Pushing did not come naturally for me and as much as I tried not to strain my body, I definitely tensed up in my face and got exhausted and nervous I wouldn't be able to push him out. They gave me an oxygen mask and I kept pushing, first on all fours, then on my side, then back and then back to all fours. Finally I started to really concentrate on moving him down and out and motivating myself to get this done. At this point I was naked, and making sounds I didn't know I even had in me. One more excruciating fiery push later, my little boy came shooting out all at once. It was so relieving to hold him in my arms! I did have a second degree tear, partly due to him having one arm up by his head during delivery. Recovery however has been very smooth and our little guy has just stolen our hearts! He was born at 7 lb 9 oz, 20.5 inches at 6:43 AM.