one tough moment

The sensations of labor are overpowering. As they get stronger and start getting closer Cheryl seems surprised that they could get any worse. The pain completely takes over her body. They don't build, they come on strong and continue to build from there. It's hard to tell where they plateau, but they seem to be lasting at least a minute.

The doubt that she can continue to cope med free is increasing. It's been on her mind constantly. And now, she tells me to request an epidural from the nurse. I try the usual reasoning with her... all the stuff I practiced in my mind for denying her these requests. She knows what I'm doing and says, "I know I've said... and I can't make it. Ask for the epidural now." I'm stumbling what I've practiced like a rookie used car salesman. I know she can't continue, so I make the request. The nurse, well aware that we intended to go "natural" accepts the request quickly and spares us any grief about our previous intentions.

Our folks are in the lobby, but I can't leave her to let them know what's going on. The contractions are coming faster and the medicine can't get here soon enough.