Rob and I wanted to let you know that we have a new addition to the family - a baby girl!!! Our Anna was born on September 23rd at 10:04am. She weighed a healthy 8 pounds 6 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. I was getting stressed before she arrived because I was 5 overdue and the doctors were saying they wanted to induce me if I went over by 10 days - their standard protocol. Rob and I were ready to try to bargain for more time as I did NOT want to be induced, but luckily it did not come to that. :)
The labour and delivery went well - Sue, your instruction helped SO much, and I thank you. I went into labour around 11pm on the Wednesday night, and Anna was born about 11 hours later at 10:04am on Thursday. I laboured at home until about 5am because I did not want to get sent home, and by the time we got to the hospital I was 5cm dilated, which they said was great! Once we got to the delivery room Rob told them I did not want an epidural, and they were surprised about for sure! I did go in the shower for awhile which took the edge off the pain (thank you for telling us about that Sue). When it came time to push, I found it extremely painful to lie on the bed, so I asked if I could be on my knees and lean over the top of the bed, and they were totally ok with that. And that is how I pushed her out an hour later - our doctor (Dr. Hatcher) and nurse were totally accommodating and impressed! Rob was the best coach ever. Sue, I especially remembered when you taught us how to breathe when pushing, and I found that incredibly useful. Sharon was right - your body totally knows what to do, and you just need to let it happen. :)