My due date was July 29th. I was induced on August 1st at 9pm. I was not dilated at all going into the induction however my cervix was thinned out a good deal. They gave me a small tablet inserted vaginally that got my contractions going. I still wasn’t dilating on my own for hours after that. I was given at least 3 doses of that medicine before we moved on to the balloon insertion. The balloon successfully started my dilation but that we’re quit painful and uncomfortable because I had no receive an epidural YET!  The balloon got me to 5 centimeters in maybe 5-7 hours. From there I requested an epidural because the contraction where coming so fast and strong I couldn’t catch a breath. The epidural was a quick burning pain but worth it compared to contraction pains. After being medicated I felt nothing but pressure on the lower half of my body and I could finally rest for the big push. I labored for 18 hours. I delivered her vaginally. I used the mirror as motivation to push her out. I pushed for 30 minutes and my baby girl was born at 8:35pm on August 2nd.