On Thursday December 15 I started to have mild cramping and then mild contractions. I knew in my heart that this was the start, so I told Mike and we went about our business. We ran errands, called my mom to come stay with Robert, and just did our thing. By evening they had progressed to being more uncomfortable and consistently 7- 10 minutes apart. I spoke to our midwife Lisa a couple times and also to Beth Myler, who was helping us as our doula (and dear friend!). I was able to rest through the night, and by 3:30 am they were uncomfortable enough that I couldn't just lay down anymore. By 6am Beth was at our house, helping us. She did everything from making me tea, to walking with me, to climbing up and down the stairs with me. Mike, Beth and I went for a walk outside (in the freezing rain!). By 10am I was mentally ready to go to the hospital. When we arrived I was 8 cm and thought that I would have the baby by lunchtime! Six hours later I was still in labor! I was in and out of the tub, hoping for a waterbirth, until finally I realized that the water was actually hindering my progress. I felt tired, weak, and defeated. I thought the baby would never come. I didn't think I could do it any longer. As I cried, and climbed out of the tub, I followed my insticts and pushed on all fours on the bed. I could feel my baby's head emerging, passing through me on his journey to enter the world. I was in such pain, yelling for someone to get me drugs, all the while knowing that it was almost over...it was so intense. I focused on breathing through the next couple pushes, and then his head was out...next his body...and then we were laying together, both crying and screaming, and still connected with the cord. So amazing...it was incredible! I had no tearing, and although I was dehydrated and needed fluids, I was up walking around and chatting with family within an hour.

Mike now tells everyone that having Beth with us was the best experience. He tells them "we had the deck stacked in our favor". I would tell anyone planning for a natural delivery on their own terms to have a doula - she will not diminish the experience between you and your husband but will enhance it. Matthew's drug free, natural childbirth was perfect in every way. At my weakest point, when I thought I couldn't take another breath - I was really my strongest self. It's such an empowering experience!