I haven't read the whole thread, but as I have never put my birthing story down before, I thought it might be nice as I am currently 38+2 with 2nd DC.
And before I start, the reason you hear horror stories is because it seems to be a part of human nature to skip the good and focus on the bad and ugly. (Like when you check the reviews for a restaurant or product online, there are nearly always 10 rants to the 1 good point) We really do like to moan lol
The night after my DD was due, I was trying to get comfortable in bed and just couldn't, nothing new really when you feel like a whale anyway. So I got out of bed and walked down to the kitchen, I got a sudden contraction (although only felt it in my back) and knew she was on her way. Through excitement (even though I still laboured in my back and yes-it does hurt, but it really isn't unbearable) I couldn't sleep. I was just eager for her to be here. I took a single duvet to the lounge and snuggled on the sofa, watching the clock.
By midday the next day, I really hadn't made much progress, but each contraction made me even more excited (contradictory to those who dread them) And I finally went into the hospital. I was told I was only 3cm dilated and sent home, but that my daughter was back to back so that is why I seemed to be feeling so much pain early on. Back at home I just couldn't contain myself. I sorted through much of her nursery, clothes etc and made dinner for my 2yo brother for who I was carer.
That evening, my contractions really worsened and I was doing anything and everything to try and ease my back, massages and rest, warm bath, shower the lot. Before I gave up and went back into hospital about 11pm. The midwife thought I was crazy because I couldn't stop laughing (except when a contraction came along, but even then I laughed as it trailed off) I Got changed and started to use G&A because although I was ultimately happy, I was in pain and 8cm dilated.
When the time came to push, I just kept thinking 'oh my goodness, I am bringing my little girl into this world!!!' I was ecstatic. She did get a little lodged on exit, owing to her being back to back, and I was given an episiotomy, before two final pushes and she was delivered onto my tummy at 5.25 am! I can remember thinking that I had never seen such a beautiful baby, and being so proud that I had managed to get her here by myself (as you can see there was no DP around)
I was given stitches and got a shower, then dressed and couldn't wait to be on my way home with my new little bundle of joy, to introduce her to her toddler uncle and just to wallow in the wonders of our little family unit. I felt a bit sore with the stitches, but these healed and were fine within two weeks.
So, for a FTM, single and with a toddler, a back to back labour and no pain relief besides G&A, an episiotomy and stitches... I really relished my labour from beginning to end.
I believe it is the mental attitude towards your labour that helps you through. Yes it gets tough, it gets painful, it might get boring and it might get complicated- but when you are holding your LO for the first time, being able to see the little details until then unknown, watching their facial expressions, feeling their tiny fingers clamp around yours, hearing the snuffling and grunting, even their cry, and knowing that you saw it through, was with them every step of the way, went through hell and back with pregnancy symptoms and then birthed them into this world for their first breath, you will feel amazed... and so you should.
I am really looking forward to my next labour and will embrace it as much as my first no matter what happens!
Good luck OP, congratulations and you must be due any day now :O !!!