Well there had to be one didn't there? Baby Toby born 19.44pm on 1/4/04 weighing 7lb 3 - waters broke at home 1.30am, went into hospital at 8am, midwive didn't seem to think I was in enough pain but then a contraction came and she said 'maybe you are being stoic' (!), examined me and I was already 2 cm dialted. Managed to breathe through pain til 12pmish, had gas and air til 2pmish, then really need something else. She suggested a hot bath and pethidine but I thought an epidural was a much better idea Had to have 2 epidurals done as 1st one didn't work on one side (only realised this 2 painful hours later), started pushing round about 5pm. Had long second stage as baby had cord wrapped round his neck 3 times and under one arm! So they had to monitor heart rate. And pushed him out at 7.44pm with help of epistomomy but couldn't feel a thing due to epidural. Toby is gorgeous and thanks everyone for help and advice. Hope haven't given too much detail Will be on breastfeeding thread soon as nipples already starting to be sore -grrr!!!