My pregnancy went uneventfully, but towards the end of October, the OB started talking about induction. She expected the baby around Nov 14, and when the 20th went by she was getting very nervous. I was unbothered, because I had read a ream of material when I was pregnant, and got as many books as I could lay my hands on. I knew the kid would get here when he got here(I was almost sure it was a boy.These were the days bfore ultrasound and most women still got drugged up to a large degree.)I was told that if I didn't start labor by the 24th, they were going to have me come in the hospital to be started.Not on my carcass you aren't, I thought.I had read Sheila Kitzinger's Preparation for Childbirth,Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin,Suzanne Arms' Immaculate Deception,and about 20 other books and I felt prepared. My husband and I had taken Lamaze Classes at the local Red Cross,and I was ready.

On Nov.22, I was cooking dinner for Wade (my DH) and I kept accidently stepping on our cat Ozark. I couldn't figure out why she kept staring at me,and wouldn't leave my side.That's when I stepped on her.My belly was like a long watermelon, and by 6 mos everyone asked me when I was due.It was difficult to see around my sides,and impossible to see my feet. People thought I was a balloon, ready to pop. My back was aching around 7pm, but I paid it no mind. I had Braxton Hicks contractions for several weeks, so I ignored them too.It wasn't until 10 at night that contractions were strong enough to time. Wade wanted to know if he should go to bed, and I said go ahead, I don't think anythings happening. About 1AM I figured this must be the real thing so I woke DH up(he was mad at first)and called the Dr,to let her know what was going on. She said go ahead to the hospital, and her associate would be on call that night. Wonderful. Nothing like continuity of care. So we went on, and got there about 1:45AM.

At the hospital(one that was chosen because of its willingness to work with prepared couples)we went to the desk and told them who we were and they brought a wheelchair(their first mistake) but I told them I wanted to walk. The nurse couldn't believe it.I stopped walking during contractions but kept going as soon as they were over. I went to the room and changed my clothes(their second mistake)and even though I had a birth plan and it was in my file with the dr, they still wanted to give me an enema( third mistake). I argued that I didn't need it then they brought in hte heavy artillery in the form of a Mrs. Ford, who INSISTED and proceeded to roll me over even during a contraction. She almost got kicked. Going to the bathroom and unloading while having a huge contraction has got to be one of the most uncomfortable feelings on earth. I was beginning to understand how rape victims must feel. I eventually submitted and stayed in a bed(I wanted to move around). They started to pull the rails up and I got them to put them down by telling them If I needed it I would tell them. After the enema,my blood sugar dropped like a rock, and I knew I would need the IV. I was alright until that stupid enema! Fortunately I was still able to let go and relax, and I made up my own little singsong while I had a contraction. At the time I had come in I was only 2-3 cms,and I was so disheartened, because I thought that at that rate birth would take forever.

By 4 AM Wade was hungry, so he went downstairs to get a cup of coffee.He was only gone about 20 mins, but when he got back, I was starting to push! I had gone from 4-10 cms in less than half an hour! Even I had a hard time believing them when I was told I could push.They wheeled me into the Delivery Room(another mistake),and at 5:48 AM on November 23 my 8lb 0 oz daughter was born. No Drugs,very little intervention! They got out a tub to do the Leboyer Bath in, and when her daddy put her in the water she opened her eyes right up! The room lights were dimmed but one could still see very well. I did end up with a small episiotomy(mistake #5)but overall it wasn't bad. They left my husband and me with our daughter for over an hour,and when he left to get some sleep I still held her. Mrs. Ford came in to check the fundus,and when she was "massaging" it she pushed on it so hard I put my foot under her armpit and told her if she didn't go get Susan(a nice nurse)to do it I was gonna push her through the wall!I had been doing it myself anyway and it was nice and firm.The next day was Thanksgiving, and I wanted to go home then. I had to wait til Friday. So that was our hospital birth, and I vowed then and there if there was any way I could have a home birth I was going to do it, and I did, twice!

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