I was 20 when I found out I was pregnant. I had already decided I wanted to do natural childbirth. I had watched tons of videos and done lots of research. I went into the experience with a very positive attitude and figured it would not be as difficult as many people say. Boy, was I wrong!

I went into labor at 8 a.m. on March 6. Things started out pretty easy and I was anxious to get to the hospital. After about five hours my contractions were only five minutes apart. My boyfriend and I left for the hospital. I was having very serious contractions but I was still feeling pretty good. After what felt like days (more like four hours), my doctor told me I could start pushing if I wanted to. I was so excited I was finally going to meet my baby!

I started pushing and things seemed to be going well. I was making progress and I still felt very positive. After 30 minutes of pushing I started to get frustrated that my baby wasn't out yet. Finally I could see the very top of her head in the mirror. I continued to push and began feeling intense burning. It hurt but I was so excited she was almost here! I pushed again and the burning sensation was unbearable. Instead of pushing through the pain I just stopped and she slipped back in a little bit. Then I was terrified to continue.

After lots of coaxing I began pushing again. When she began to crown again I screamed in pain. I told myself I would not be the woman to scream throughout the birth but I totally was. I didn't stop screaming until her head was out. All of the nurses were trying to calm me down but I just wanted the baby out!

I took a few quick breaths to get ready to push the rest of her out. Some more intense pain and a few screams later Madison was born! She weighed 9 pounds even and was 21 inches long. My birth experience was extremely painful but holding my baby made everything worth it!