Coming into the family birth center to have my 5th baby girl, I was beyond scared. I had been on bed rest for weeks. The last baby I delivered, they had to redo my epidural 3X's, and still then I had to get a blood patch, which came undone, and 2nd one as well a few days after being at home. The pain was unbearable. So, coming in, I met with Jessica and asked if I could meet the anesthesiologist to feel out his character and knowledge before I decided if I wanted an epidural. She said, "Of course!" Hunted him down. I spoke with him. I felt a little better.

Now, forgive me if I forget or leave anything out. I got situated to begin this mission. Before active labor, Jessica was so comforting and reassuring, was confident, and helped me stay positive and calm. Now, the real stuff begins. When it was time to get that crazy needle in my back, I got scared. Jessica stayed confident. The epidural wasn't taking. I was in so much pain. Jessica, my support person, my daughters, and another nurse guided me. I couldn't bear any more pain. The anesthetist and Jessica were discussing options. They wanted me to let them try to re-position the epidural. I almost couldn't. Jessica explained why and her concern for my comfort through the rest of the labor. So I agreed.

The 2nd epidural was nothing compared to the pain I was in at the time. 2nd epidural didn't work. I was screaming and crying my eyes out. The little advice from them was so helpful. (To smell the flowers, to blow out the candles - (Breath in the nose and out the mouth). When you feel contractions and pain, push it out as hard as you can. I went from being able to only push 2Xs to count of 7 to pushing 4Xs to count of ten. I know this does not even describe all of it. But I do not think I could have had a better group to help bring lil' miss into the world.