I pondered how to answer the question about the best or worst pregnancy moments since I’ve had a few – being pregnant with Baby #5 right now. I decided to tell you about the hardest thing I’ve ever done – the birth of my second baby.

I’d been having contractions off and on but not serious for a couple of days. The midwife had come, stayed the night, and then left again. I think she knew that when things finally kicked into gear it would be hot and heavy because she left her kit and birthing bag there at my house when she left.

The next morning I sent everyone away – told my husband to go to work, I’d call him if anything changed. When 10:30 hit, things were changing alright! I called and told him to get. home. NOW!

Brianna Joy was born a scarce 1 hour and 45 minutes later. The contractions were so strong and intense I don’t even remember feeling pain as much as I remember feeling possessed. This couldn’t possibly be me. MY body making this much force. Full of this much power.

After her birth I remember telling my husband, if I could do that, I could do anything. Her birth proved how much I was capable of. How much strength there really was inside me waiting to be tapped into.

I think many of us have those pivotal moments with our children when we move from questioning, “Can I really do this?” to realizing that we are, in fact, doing this already.

What moments of your pregnancy or birth experiences have been life changing for you? Your best? Your worst?

Becoming pregnant changed my life, and I’d love to hear more about your best or most difficult pregnancy moments. By replying, you will be entered to win an exclusive Million Moms Challenge Gift Pack, which includes an all expenses paid trip to a conference on mothers hosted by the UN Foundation in DC (Jan/Feb 2012), an iPad2, a custom-made Million Moms Challenge pendant and $50 donation in your name to Global Giving.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Million Moms Challenge. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs September 19 to October 16, 2011. A random winner will be announced by October 18, 2011.

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