Second labours are typically shorter than the first, but as with all aspects of 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, they are unpredictable. This mother had prodroma larbo and was 3 cm for three weeks before an induction was scheduled at nearly 41 weeks gestation.

They arrived at the hospital at 8 a.m. and began administering pitocin at 9:20 a.m. The doctor ruptured her amniotic sac and casually mentioned that the infant would be 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 by “late lunch.” My luggage had been packed for weeks, so I simply waited for the go-ahead to leave. Not even two hours later, she reports that the contractions are occurring every two to three minutes and that she has requested an epidural.

I did not know how dilated she was, so I bolted out the door. At 11:34 am, when I arrived at the hospital, it was evident that she was in transition. The nurse suggested they prepare for the epidural, but the labour ward was so busy that the anesthesiologist wouldn’t arrive for another 20 minutes.

The anesthesiologist arrives and attempts to administer the epidural, but the situation rapidly deteriorates. At 12:13 pm, the entire room realises that the epidural will not be administered because the delivery of the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 girl is imminent.  The nurse calls for a midwife because the obstetrician will be late, and within a minute, sweet Pilar is delivered. This mother has the following to say about her delivery:

“As the contractions intensified, my confidence in the imminence of the sweet relief of an epidural swiftly dissipated. The nurse and anesthesiologist repeatedly instructed me to “relax, hold still, and stay put” despite the fact that my body was experiencing unexpected waves of pain.

My first daughter’s 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 was also induced, and the epidural kicked in before the contractions became intense, so I lacked the mental paradigm and context of spontaneous labour and “natural” contractions. Here I was, heading into the valley of darkness, and all I could think was, “This was not part of the plan!” I recall saying, “I can’t do this, I can’t do this!” repeatedly.

Then, all of a sudden, it felt as if the infant was being 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 and I was sitting on her! I distinctly recollect yelling, “Something’s coming out!” I was frightened. I had no idea what would transpire. I felt like I was about to be wrenched apart.

This is the stunned expression of a woman who realises she has accomplished something she never envisaged she could. I’m still trying to process the fact that I gave 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 without an epidural. As soon as Pilar was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧, all of my anguish vanished, and I felt nothing but joy, relief, and love. I never would have believed I was capable of this, and I already have one 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥! I am so grateful that Lisa was there to document this incredible voyage. I will always cherish the revelation.”