I am a second time mom. My first labor was “good”. I labored for 11.5 hours after my water broke spontaneously at home at 40w3d. I was given Pitocin which resulted in my begging for an epidural. After the epidural, I was a 10 and pushed for 20 minutes before giving birth to my beautiful 9lb baby.

I imagined my second labor and delivery would be similar. However, that all changed when my midwife called me to discuss induction. I thought she was off her rocker, as we had an understanding that I did NOT ever want to be induced. That I hated Pitocin and I didn’t want an epidural, and that my worst fear was a C-Section. But, she told me my stitches hadn’t healed properly last time and that I would likely need extensive reconstructive surgery after I delivered this time. She said she would need a doctor available to do the procedure, so she would rather have something scheduled. She told me I could decline, but she really encouraged me to get the procedure to prevent future issues. I was conflicted, but agreed.

On 01/27, I went in at 07:30. Immediately they started my IV fluids and Pitocin. I was a 4 to begin with. I started having mild contractions pretty quickly. I bounced on the birthing ball, and couldn’t feel the contractions at all. The nurse told me I could get the epidural whenever. I told her I wasn’t really feeling much pain. She told me the doctor wouldn’t break my water until I had the epidural. So instead of prolonging labor, I got the epidural around 12:30. The anesthesiologist was amazing. The only thing I felt was the lidocaine shot, which was the worst part of my entire labor.

At 13:05, my midwife broke my water. There was a ton of fluid. The nurses then gave me a peanut ball to put between my legs in bed. I was about a 5 at this point. Contractions looked about the same and my husband was teasing me because I had predicted we would have a baby by 15:10, and it was currently 14:45. After using the ball on both sides, I was checked again and was at a 7-8. The nurse began rushing to call my midwife and get the room ready for delivery.

I was so overwhelmed. It was happening so quickly! My midwife entered the room, told me to push, but after half a push, told me to stop. The baby was out! At 15:09 (no joke), my sweet daughter was born.

I held her in my arms while my midwife and the doctor performed the procedure, which ended up being minor, as I didn’t tear at all! My beautiful baby was 8lbs 6oz, 21.25 inches long. Perfectly round head, and an Apgar of 9.

I feel like I cheated. I felt zero pain and had the easiest labor and delivery ever. But I couldn’t be more satisfied. Labor doesn’t have to be miserable to be rewarding though. If you want the drugs, get the drugs. Don’t fear induction. I know most would label my experience “unnatural”, but I thought it was amazing. I wouldn’t do it any other way at this point. ❤️