Double ditto on the teddy bear! They like you to lay on your left side while in labor. Something about the blood circulating to the baby better that way? I don't really remember the "why" but I remember the nurses bugging me about it. My first one absolutely REFUSED to let me lay on my left side!

Anyway! The teddy will help with that.

Practice up on your relaxation excercises and USE them, USE them, USE THEM during contractions! Very, very important! Hopefully, you won't need the epi! The less meds you take, the better for the baby.

You know... it's not too late to get into some childbirth classes! If you plan to breadfeed, get in touch with La Leche League! You might think it comes naturally, but it DON'T! I found that out the hard way.

Wishing you the BEST childbirth experience!

PS Don't be surprised with mock contractions. They're called Braxton-Hicks. Your muscles are practicing.

Oh! And right before you need to start pushing... your lower abdominal muscles will start burning. That means they're stretching. BREATHE DEEP AND S-L-O-W!!