Since Caitlin's birth happened so fast, and so unexpectedly, there isn't really too much to tell, but I'll do my best to make it interesting. Her birth story actually began at our baby shower as I opened our last gift. I was crouched down to unwrap the present (It was one of those stroller/car seat combos -- we knew that ahead of time.

I was scheduled to go in to the hospital on April 8th, 2003 for an induction at exactly 39 weeks. I was having no noticeable contractions, and had not been feeling any at all my whole pregnancy

You were born Monday June 3rd, 2002, Wow! I thought something might be up when I was having contractions Sunday at church. I'd only had them at night before. Well, my water broke about 5:30 am. The contractions were about 10 minutes apart and 20-30 seconds long.

Even though you've been anticipating the birth of your baby for several months, it may be difficult to tell when labor actually begins. People say, "you'll just know", but that's hardly reassuring. In fact you might feel like rolling your eyes! You will need to interpret your body's changes as labor approaches. Although every woman's pregnancy is unique there are a number of signals your body is gearing up for labor.

Much to my surprise, my waters broke at 6:00 am, approximately 12 days before my son's "official" expected date of arrival. There was water, but not much else in the way of birthing waves for most of that day.

Going through the birth of your child is a wonderful and unique experience. No two deliveries are alike and there is no way to tell how your delivery is going to be. What we can tell you is the stages you will go through during the birthing process and what you can generally expect.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am pregnant with my second child. During my first delivery, my midwife insisted that I receive Pitocin about five hours after my water had broken due to my labor not "progressing." I do not want this to happen with this birth.

When do you suggest Pitocin and is it really safe? I've been reading about the problems it sometimes causes. Is there anyway to prevent this from happening again?

Thank you.