ok...so I'll step in and say i am one of those that has experienced a truly painless and totally joyous birth (in that there wasnt a moment of fear or pain). and it was AMAZING. it was my first HB (so DD2s birth). it was more magical than my wildest imaginings. i had read that account of Read where the first time labour of one of the women he witnessed and she turned around after he asked her why she didnt appear to be in pain and she responded: "was it meant to hurt?" before i had DD2 and didnt understand it or believe that it could actually be true. after DD2s birth i realised just how true it could be. it is truly, one of those life experiences i will never forget.

I didnt get that the third time around though despite similar birth conditions (home, same IM etc). but i had some triggers from my not so nice first experience....and i will put it out there that I *really* dislike giving birth at night. dude, i just wanna sleep LMAO! i was alot more grumpier this last time TBH and didnt get the huge high or rush. it was a bit too matter of fact for my liking . i mean, it was magical and all and i was stoked, but it was a bit too, well, normal. i guess i wanted a bit more of a special intense experience like i had with DD2s birth. like Cricket i have really quick births and i think that also contributed to DD3s birth being a bit 'wham bam' all done and dusted before the festivities could kick in IYKWIM.

I hope that if i ever get the chance to have another baby that i get to honor the journey and the upcoming birth with the respect and awesomeness that it deserves. i got to blase after DD2s birth

WM: i was the same with the threatened preterm labour of DD3...i was so so worried that i wouldnt get my home waterbirth...it really plagued me until i hit that magical 36 week mark and i knew that we could stay home. big here's to the next few weeks passing without incident so that you can go back to just getting into labour-land!