STM here and just had my baby girl last night. I had planned on having an epidural just like I had with my 1st, but my body progressed this time with other plans in store for me. At 1:08 A.M.

I woke up to a “pop” noise and found myself jumping up out of bed as my water broke on the floor. We got the hospital bags, the dog and my toddler up and out the door. It took us about 35 min to get to the hospital. In the car my contractions were picking up and went from a mild cramp to pretty painful, with an average of 45 seconds to 1 min apart. We walked in the hospital doors after saying goodbye to our baby girl, the pup and my mom who picked them up and it was chaotic. While checking in my contractions were just so strong I had to lean over and brace myself while speaking to the nurses. After I got my IV, I was told that I was already dilated to a 6 and the anesthesiologist was on his way.

I felt so relieved knowing that I was about to get a little break, but then the nurse checked me and let me know that I was dilated to an 8 and moving quickly - there was no longer an opportunity for me to get the meds. About 3 min later I was at a 10 and I felt a strong urge to push as the pressure and pain were becoming unbearable. My doctor walked through the door and I remember thinking how glad I was to see him - I could finally push!! 3 big pushes and my baby girl arrived. It was quick, it was painful and it was so surreal and liberating.

No matter what your path is ladies, my advice would be to let go of expectations if your plan starts going another direction. Our bodies are strong, they were meant for this and we can all do it - one way or another! We are back at home with a perfectly healthy 6lb 3oz bundle of joy, just 24 hours after delivery.

It feels great to be home as a family of 4 🙌🏻Wishing you all the best of luck with your birthing experiences.