Same, 29 hours, and I have the photo of us holding our first-born, drenched in sweat but relieved, a bruise on my forehead (from when my wife tried to knock herself unconscious) and blood on my shirt (from where she bit through the skin after asking for a hug).
It's funny looking back, after 3 kids, but I honestly thought she was going to die that first time. Fortunately, the next two were easier.
But I never thought for a minute about leaving her side. The nurses found it funny though, especially when she cursed out the doctor like a drunken sailor when he told her that he couldn't give her an epidural at the time.
I just delivered mine 2 days ago. Unmedicated home birth and i have sensory issues and cptsd (I'm not crunchy, I had previously thought i would only do a hospital birth but for me the stats were best where I felt safest and had agency). Had a wonderful midwife (we are in germany) team and my cervix was only 5 cm dilated until the last hour. It was so intense and painful, buttt the discomfort from 3rd trimester went away immediately after and the bliss set in. My endorphins were insane during, it was like a trip, I'd much rather have the endorphins than opiods in hindsight and the bonding was amazing. I was low risk but I am 36 (gardener, so fit, but low pain tolerance). The only way out is through but you learn so much about pain and strength and it is really really incredible. You've got this!!! It's a lot but it's so brief in the broader scope of life.
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u/Dockers4flag2035orB4 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
Same here, for 29 hours.
My knees were in agony, because I would get up and hug my wife for every contraction.
I’m sure it wasn’t fun for my wife either. 😂