Ethan Carter arrived Nov 12 at 9:01 PM after 18 hours of birth time. I

was at the hospital for 12 of those hours. I'm sure it would have been

quicker, but I had to lay flat on my back for 15 to 30 minutes per

hour so the nurses could get a good strip. Contractions slowed down

every time that happened and of course sped right up every time I was

allowed to get up and move positions. The boy went poterior for a time

(flat on my back didn't help of course) but he did eventually turn

anterior. I had supportive nurses until the pushing phase, when a

control freak took over and again wanted me flat on my back because it

was easier for her to check me. I managed to blow her off and my

husband and doula helped me into a supportive squat for a few pushed

which helped tremendously in allowing the baby to decend. They tell me

it was 3 hours of pushing, but it felt like a long 30 minutes to me.

Except for antibiotics in the beginning and a shot of pitocin at the

end it was a completely unmedicated birth which I was grateful for as

I needed every sensation to push out my healthly 8 lb, 13 oz baby boy.

Next time I'm going to a birth center or having a home birth!

My lightswitch helped so much during my birthing time and so did many

on the affirmations that became part of my programing. Several times I

did smile after very strong waves because I truly did see it as one

more wave over and that much closer to my baby. My doula and husband

also used the release cue frequently, especially during a long period

with strong urged to push that I had to breath through because I was

not fully dialated. Of the 18 hours of birth time 5 were quite

intense, but it truly did seem like just an hour or so. I was so

grateful for the hypnobabies program, not just for the anesthesia, but

for the confidence it gave me and my husband. Thank goodness for this

program!