Of COURSE you can do it Missy! Look how many moms go on to have MORE kids The exciting thing is that the contractions are strong at times and YES they hurt - but you KNOW what is causing everything and it is normal. Also, just when you think the labor is so intense you maybe can't handle it, it is suddenly time to start pushing and that feels GREAT and a bit later you have Tyler!!

If you go with the epi - that is fine Nobody gets an award for gritting their teeth and not taking pain relief if needed but you may not need it and if so - good for you

You still have all week for Tyler to come out on his own and I am betting that when you least expect it - you will suddenly be aware that those tight feelings are happening more often and you are REALLY taking notice. Then you can eventually practice some breathing when they are very strong...timing them ...soon a regular 3-5 minutes apart and off to the hospital for the last hours of INTENSE focus on riding over those waves of contractions like the waves of the ocean...then you see your baby!

Every woman is different in how they accept the labor and participate. You are a champ at concentration and I know you will do just fine - I can't wait to hear about every detail of Tyler's birth Oh wait until you hear that first yell he makes - so precious!!

You will do FINE and I am betting it will happen in just a few days before the week is out