The home birth was without pitocin. Now that I think about it I'm pretty sure they give you that with or without the epidural if you are in the hospital. If you do get an epidural they will increase the flow of the IV bag to move the process along. That is what makes the contractions more intense.

Contractions come without the use of pitocin. When they start is all up to your baby, and when they are ready to be born. I think most women start having contractions before their water breaks, but the opposite can happen as well.

If it's your first baby, labor can take a bit longer compared to a second or third pregnancy. The ring of fire is intense... Breathing and staying calm is important. Midwives are pretty good at keeping their moms calm during that point in labor.

God bless you and your spouse! Whatever you two decide I pray that you both are safe and happy during the experience. Pregnancy seems like a never ending process, but it's a short lived experience to cherish. Once your baby is born there is such a wonderful sense of awe and peace. Finally getting to see the little person you have come to know while pregnant is hard to explain. You love that baby before you even know who they are or what they look like.

If you have any more questions you can send me a message!