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The techniques which I learned with my first delivery served as general pointers for the seven deliveries that followed. My first delivery almost occurred at home being that the pain was mostly in my lower back and was similar to menstrual cramps; so I assumed that they were not serious. Well-intended friends gave me their helpful advice like when you feel the worst pain that you have ever felt; then it means you are ready for childbirth. The joke was on me. As the contractions came, I massaged my lower back and walked around. The pain would stop but start up again until they were very close. Then small amounts of water would seep out; at that my husband panicked and ran around like a hen when it is being chased. I thought it was so humorous and couldn't control my laughter but in order to appease him, I went to the emergency room, with the thought that I would be sent home.

Surprise! The doctor told me that I would be having the baby soon. Now, that announcement scared me a little but I reassured myself with the thought that many women have given birth throughout the history of mankind. There were several young women, first timers also, yelling and cussing. I was tempted to give in to fear but I overhead the doctor reprimand one of the young ladies with annoyance. She said when you feel the pain, breathe out and bear down slightly but do not scream because that will pull the baby back up and prolong the labor. I took the doctor's advice and breathed out when the contractions hit and I pushed very lightly with the pain and the pain would cease. Great, I had a discovered how to make the work of labor easier. When the doctor wasn't looking, I would place my foot on the wall next to my cot for leverage and it aided my pushing. My determination to get out of there as quickly as possible was serious. Almost an hour later, the doctor declared, "she is ready; move her in", whew what a relief. My tears silently flowed down my face but since I would be embarrassed to be yelled at by the strict doctor, I did not make a sound.

Ok, I can not deny the actual pain of delivery was like a huge headache down there but the baby's exit soothed the area and the umbilical cord followed with a smooth, gentle massage. Seconds later the placenta was delivered and it was over. I was thankful that at the time (1974, Puerto Rico) it wasn't standard procedure to cut the woman because there were no rips and everything retuned to normal. It actually felt like when an elastic band is released

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