"Birthing experience... Almost in the car park"

I was pregnant (and overdue) with my first Child in recently. Early in the morning I went into labour and events seemed to unfold rather textbook. Contractions increased throughout the day and I was managing at home well supported by my husband. As things progressed and contractions increased, I phoned the maternity dept on 3 occasions for advice. I was told to "wait it out," and "if I'm not coping I can come in but I'll just be sent away" and my favourite comment was about the fact I was a 'first time Mum'. By this point I was now worried that if this is how painful it was already, I'd never survive the active labour stage. After 15 hours at home and me knowing my body I started to experience the sensation to push, my husband by now was panicking and he just decided we had to go to hospital. 

Within leaving my home my baby was delivered in 20 minutes, needless to say, no water birth or mild pain relief as I'd hoped and he was almost born in the car park.

The experience at the hospital was slightly better but it's confirmed a few things for me, firstly I know my own body, secondly I'm tougher than I thought and thirdly I'll have a home birth next time!

We now have a beautiful baby boy and the day seems to be drifting into a distant memory, but every now and again I'll stand somewhere at home and remember having contractions that made my body tremble and sitting on the kitchen floor pushing and I shudder... I'd do it again though!!