It started Monday night, the 19th, sometime after the evening news with a terrible backache. I had a similar backache a week earlier, and after a long painful night I called Gretchen who suggested that I get into the tub to relieve the pain. Well, that had worked wonders, so I did not waste any time getting into the tub this time.

After a while in the tub, the coolest thing happened!!! I saw and felt the baby turn completely around in my stomach!! He must of been facing the wrong way, because after that I was able to feel my contractions. The backache that had been so strong that I couldn't even tell I was having contractions before. They were three minutes apart and about 25 seconds long. In hindsight, I realize that I probably should have called and gone into the hospital at this point, but the contractions just did not seem that serious compared to the backache, I did not even wake up my husband. I relaxed in the tub for a while, then I decided to get up and finish packing my hospital bag. They were coming every three minutes on the nose, but I made it around the house just fine, stopping and swaying every time I had contractions. I knew I was going to have to leave for the hospital soon, but goofy me thought I had time to wash my hair first so I could look nice in all my photos with my new baby. Well, I got back into the tub, and as soon as I ducked my head under the water, my water broke!! My contractions got real serious real quick, and so did I. I threw my wet hair into a ponytail, marched into my bedroom, and announced to my husband (mind you, it was almost 2 in the morning), "My water broke and my contractions are 2 minutes apart. We need to go to the hospital right now!! The look on his face was priceless, and I have never seen anyone bolt out of bed faster.

It did take us a little while to get out of the house, with him packing the car and me trying to get dressed in one minute intervals between contractions, but we managed, arriving somewhere around 2:45. They wheeled me up through the Emergency and checked me. I was already 4 centimeters dilated and completely effaced. Gretchen arrived shortly thereafter, and between her, my husband Scott, and the two nurses, Sue and Debbie, I had great support. Everyone was wonderful. They held me, rubbed my back, and talked me through it. It is so strange, being completely lucid between contractions and having all logic escape you during one. The contractions eventually reached a point when I felt like I did not have enough time in between to collect myself. I told everyone that I have had enough and that I was going home and in my mind everything was going to be just fine if I could only make it to the door!! Of course, I could barely get off of the bed!!

Less than an hour after I was checked, Gretchen checked me again. I was so happy when she told me that I was 7 centimeters dilated and in transition!! We went into the shower and Gretchen aimed the water at my back. I think I only had two more contractions before I felt the urge to push. I pushed for about 25 minutes, and each time I was determined to get him out!!! He came out bright, pink and crying! The first thing I said when I saw him was "He is so beautiful!! They put him right up on my chest and he started nursing before Gretchen even had the placenta out. It was awesome!!

Walter William was born on January 20, 2004 at 4:36 AM. He weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and was 19 inches long. I could not have asked for a better birth experience. Everyone was fantastic, and they respected my wishes on not offering any pain medication. It was fast and furious, but worth every minute. And as far as looking great in all my pictures with my new son... Well, everyone says "Scott looks happy.... Jen looks tired!!"

Jennifer Simmers, Greensburg