Four weeks before my due date (which was February 5, 1999) I got out of the bed leaking a small amount of water. At the time, I didn't realize it was water; I thought maybe it was just urine. So I called my doctor anyway just to make sure everything was OK and he asked me to come in. After checking me, he said I was 100% effaced and 2 centimeters dilated. He advised me to go home and pack and head to the hospital. What a surprise! I wasn't ready yet! I didn't have anything together and wasn't prepared, but off I went. Of course, my husband had to be out of town when this happened, but he rushed in and made it in less than two hours. I stayed in the hospital bed all that day while nothing happened. I was having small contractions every two or three minutes but I could not feel them, even though they were being picked up by the monitor. The doctor came in that night and induced me. But I still made no progress and had no pain all night long. Finally, at 4 centimeters dilated, I felt a small amount of pain and they gave me the epidural.

At that time, I was tired and so sick of being there – not to mention the stupid blood pressure machine and IV in my arm that were driving me crazy! My husband and mom were there with me and they were great! My husband fed me ice chips and my mom held my hand several times when the nurses came in to check me because it hurt so bad. After he put the epidural in, the doctor advised my mom and husband that it would be a while, and that they should go take a nap. Of course, they declined. They wanted to stay right there with me. I am glad they did, because in about 40 minutes I started feeling strong contractions. The epidural was wearing off already and when the doc came in to check, I was 10 centimeters dilated already! We could not believe it. I was so excited, but exhausted at the same time. He put the epidural back in and in about an hour, my beautiful 6 pound 6 ounce baby girl was born into this world. The doctor put her on my belly and she immediately stopped crying and held my finger. It was love at first sight! She was in good health and was (and still is) perfect!

I wish I could help all of you moms-to-be that are reading this by describing how I made it through a contraction and my way of helping relieve the pain, but I can't. I only felt five bad contractions, and they hurt really bad! My husband helped me breathe through them and then the epidural kicked in again. After that, I felt no pain – just a lot of pressure. Get the epidural! It was a lifesaver for me. We named her Jessica Joan and she is the joy of our lives! That day is surely a day to remember and an experience I will never forget.