Oh wow What an amazing story! You did such a great job, HUGE pats on the back from me!! Can I have this birth for my next one, if I ever get one? I went (almost) drug-free for #2 and it was the best thing I ever did - next time I reckon I would be confident enough to leave the hospitals out of it entirely!

Hahaha I laughed at the 'I can have a cigarette if I get through this' - that sole thought is what got me through both of my births!

Congratulations, hun - you did an astounding job and we're all so proud of you!!