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Every experience in childbirth is different for every woman. I've heard women say everything from "didn't hurt at all, took 2.5 hours" to "13 pound kid ripped me in half" (the pain is not THAT bad!). I think there are a lot of different factors in how the labor and birth is going to go. For one, every doctor handles childbirth differently. Your doctor may not believe in pain-relievers -telling you that Eve didn't have an epidural, or he/she may insist on them at your first grimace of pain (even if it was just a grimace from the terrible itching your enduring from that Velcro belt around your belly). The relationship you have with your doctor is more important than you'd think. Whether you high-five each other when your wheeled in the room, or you give each other death-eyes, you and this doctor are a team. It is also important to have a trusted family member or friend at your side. Someone to hold your hand, someone for you to scream curse words at, and someone to cry along with you when you get that first look at your beautiful baby. This person can be just as important as your doctor, being your support system, especially if it turns out to be a long labor.

There are some things the doctor doesn't tell you about the birth. These "surprises" can be anywhere from crude or painful to quite a treasured moment in the birth of your baby. There really isn't anyway to be 'polite' or use 'soft words' when discussing the actual experience of the labor and delivery.

1. Yes, you have to wear that Velcro belt thing around your belly. They don't care if it itches and you want to take it off. Don't try to be sneaky and take it off yourself when Nurse-Nancy isn't looking... the machine will beep loudly (VERY loudly) to inform everyone within earshot that you have taken off "the belt". In all seriousness, this belt plays an important roll in monitoring your baby while your body prepares itself for labor. It is important that it stay around your waist and be adjusted to fit properly.

2. You are not the first, nor the last, to scream that awful four-letter word followed by mumbling something about this being the last time your husband ever gets to touch you intimately again. It is perfectly normal to go through surges of hormones throughout the labor process. You may experience feelings and emotions that you'd least expect. Your also slightly uncomfortable, which can make a person a little on edge.

3. There is always the question of the excruciating pain you'll feel if you happen

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