It's been almost four years now since I gave birth to Hunter, but I am still amazed at the experience! I was an older first-time mom (34 years) and had heard all the stories about how much it would hurt to give birth.

I discovered I was pregnant about three weeks after conception and started researching my options. I explored and then ordered one of the hypnobirthing programs. I listened to the CD for 8 months and mentally trained my body how to relax as well as learned the birthing affirmations.

My water broke at midnight about 10 days before I thought I should be due (silly me!). I went to the bathroom to check – yep, I wasn't peeing! I had not felt any contractions but woke my husband and called the girlfriend who was going to stay with my stepson. I called my mom too.

We got to the hospital at about 1 a.m. and they said I wasn't dilated – and if I had not been leaking amniotic fluid, they would have sent me home. Instead I got a room and ran a warm bath.

I relaxed in the tub and listened to the CD while waiting for something to happen. I wasn't feeling my body doing anything, but 20 minutes later I was dilated 4 centimeters. The nurse was happy with my progress and said I could remain there. Twenty minutes after that I was at an 8 and she said I had to get out.

Mom and Daddy showed up about that time. I still don't remember feeling any contractions. At about 3 a.m. the nurse told me it was time to start pushing – and I pushed – and pushed – and three hours later was still pushing! That part was exhausting!

They told me he was "caught in the curve." I was given the option of a forceps delivery. I declined. Changing positions didn't help – basically, Hunter wasn't ready to arrive yet. At 6:28 a.m. he did finally emerge! I was exhausted, but it did not ever hurt! Quite honestly, the most painful part of the whole process was the Novocain shot they gave me to put in the episiotomy!

My husband told me later that he was amazed because his former wife had had her babies vaginally, but with whatever that shot is so you don't feel it and she felt it anyway.

Hunter was 19 inches long and 7 pounds, 6 ounces.

If I weren't as old as I am and we didn't jointly have three children, I would do it again in a heartbeat!