You know. I did not have a hard time really at all. The only part that was hard was right when he was doing the epi, i got SEVERE pains, almost made me pass out and throw up. I suspect now that I had actually dialated to 10 and was in transition right then, but they didnt check me. ANyhow, once they got the epi in and started a bag of pitocin, I was pushing within an hour and only 22 min of pushing and 1 small tear. My doctor told me im a good birther! lol.

I honestly think it comes down to trusting the body to do the right thing though. You just have to remember women have been having babies since millions of years, and the vast majority gets through it just fine. I didnt even take any classes - I just trusted myself to know what to do when it came, and I absolutely did. My breathing was naturally paced(not as in normal, but what worked for me) and I chose to use the hot hot shower on my back, laying on my side, eating when I could, drinking lots of ice chips, and having a coach to massage my feet and legs, and arms, and wipe me down to help me. I did ask for the epi eventually, but i had made it 14 hours without it so i did pretty good. I did not want narcotics as they can slow the babys breathing. And i also chose to nurse the baby as soon as the cord was cut. He nursed perfectly, and i honestly think thats one of the reasons we are so closely bonded now.