Share your natural birth experience!

FTM here. Just gave birth at the end of December. Elective induction because I told my gynae I wanted 2023 baby and she was already 39wks by then. Dilation itself took about 20h (different people, different outcome). I was on epidural at 1cm mark because my back was breaking (I do not have stomach cramps. Only back pain). When I was 10cm dilated, I took less than 2mins to push baby. Just need to follow gynae’s instructions and don’t rush. Gynae & the nurses will guide you on how to push and hold even if you feel numb. My stitch was only 1cm at most. Didn’t need painkillers after. In fact I was still walking at super speed (according to my family & friends) in hospital. Hope you have a smooth delivery!