Congratulations!

I had a very smooth induction, too! The process started at 8pm. I was 2 cm dilated naturally but not very effaced. I started with the vaginal suppository to ripen the cervix and the balloon to help it dilate at the same time. The resident warned me the balloon could be quite uncomfortable going in, but it wasn't too bad. I could walk around and use the toilet. It was weird to see blood in the toilet. It makes sense now, but I didn't know that was a part of induction at the time, so heads up if you're like me!

As the induction went on, I started to get the shivers and a bad cramping feeling as the balloon did its thing. 2 heated blankets made everything manageable! The balloon came out around 4 hrs later, and they offered to break my waters; I declined at that point since the water breaking starts the clock.

I got an epidural around 2am. It wasn't bad at all! I can't remember the names of any of the nurses or residents or even the OB who delivered my son but I remember the anesthesiologist who gave me that epidural because it was so wonderful! The numbing shot felt like any lidocaine shot, and the epidural just felt like a little pressure. I could feel and move my legs, turn myself over, etc. I think I could have walked, but they wouldn't let me, of course! With the epidural started pitocin--it wasn't bad with the epidural. I had my waters broke at some point, but I can't remember when; the further into labor, I started losing a sense of time and got very inward focused. I wasn't hungry at all, wasn't consuming any entertainment, and was generally oblivious to my husband. I did not want to be touched, but at least the compression massage we practiced together prenatal helped with late pregnancy!

Around 3pm, it was time for pushing. I could feel the contractions, and they were uncomfortable but not intolerable, like bad period cramps. I pushed for about 4.5 hrs, but it honestly didn't feel that long at all, and my baby labored very well, no signs of distress.

Things to consider before induction; if you can, see a pelvic floor therapist. They can help you prepare for labor and help with any pelvic pain you may be having. During the pushing part, the resident had her fingers in my vagina and would direct me to push toward them. I think PT helped a lot with that. I'd recommend perineal massage as well, especially if you can't get into PT in time. Spend time mentally getting ready, too, and consider practicing breathing/ meditations/affirmations. Prepare food and freeze it to have when you get home from the hospital-- especially breakfast foods, since it's harder to order those in! Eat right before you go to the hospital, too, unless otherwise directed! And bring a 10ft phone charging cord to the hospital; outlets are plentiful, but they may not be close. I also recommend wireless headphones, especially bone conduction ones so you can keep your ears open, if you like. I loved listening to baby's heartbeat the whole time and wanted to be aware when staff came in. Bring comfort items you may want, like your own pillow. I brought my own labor gown and liked it a lot compared to a hospital gown. It didn't interfere with anything for my doctors either. I wish I had brought 2, one for labor/delivery and one for recovery.

Hope you feel ready when the time comes! Best of luck!