Returning home from an exhausting trip into town, I'm struck by a bout of painful contractions the moment I step through my front door. Thankfully I'm with my friend, who quickly sits me down and begins trying to calm me. She has me practice the breathing techniques I've learned and coaches me as she comfortingly rubs my back. "I think you better take off your jacket," she says, having gone through her own pregnancy and knowing how constricted these excruciating contractions can make you feel. I do as instructed, unzipping my jacket and groaning in agony as I rub my bare belly. "Breath, bre...

Returning home from an exhausting trip into town, I'm struck by a bout of painful contractions the moment I step through my front door. Thankfully I'm with my friend, who quickly sits me down and begins trying to calm me. She has me practice the breathing techniques I've learned and coaches me as she comfortingly rubs my back. "I think you better take off your jacket," she says, having gone through her own pregnancy and knowing how constricted these excruciating contractions can make you feel. I do as instructed, unzipping my jacket and groaning in agony as I rub my bare belly. "Breath, breathe! Try to relax," my friend says calmly as I continue to fight off the contractions. "I know it's painful but you have to breath." In an effort to cool me down and make me feel even less constricted, my friend strips me down to my panties and gently rubs my back again. I'm lucky to have such a good friend! Together we manage to stave off the contractions and postpone my childbirth a little longer.