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This is what my wife went through during her labours so I'm letting her tell her story:

3 births all completely different my first was a very long labour starting with very mild contractions they were mild at first because they are preparing my body for the labour ahead. These contractions lasted all day, when eventually reaching the hospital at midnight I was only 5 centimetres dilated and in agony so I was given an epidural and put on a drip (this seemed just as painful because the doctor couldn't find a vain) I managed to get some sleep while the epidural took effect but not for long because I soon felt the urge to push, 45 minutes later my daughter was born.

My second was painful but much quicker and I felt much more relaxed this time because I knew my body had done it before so I could do it again. I started getting contractions 3 weeks early so I phoned the hospital and they told me to have a bath and take some painkillers, so I did and eventually fell asleep when I woke I was in no pain at all so I went to the clinic for a check up. They found I was 3 centimetres but because I still had 3 weeks to go they told me to go home and rest and see what happens. Nothing happened so I went for my 40 week check I thought the hospital would send me home again but instead they broke my waters which was a bit scary. Things started to happen really quickly after 20 minutes my contractions were coming thick and fast I coped for half an hour then felt I needed an epidural but after being examined I was told to push and within 15 minutes my son was born.

My third was just as quick it started with strong back pain and contractions so I went straight to the hospital, my waters broke in the car so I knew it wouldn't be long before my baby was born. We arrived at the hospital and within 20 minutes my daughter was born. My births were all so different but all worth it.

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