Well, it appears that having my membranes stripped really did work. 2 days later I went into labor. I was in Triage for 4 hrs. with the most awful back labor and only 4cm dilated -___-. I had no contractions in the front at all, unless maybe I just couldn't feel them over the excruciating pain in my back. Needless to say, I had an epidural. Even though I really did not want one. The midwife that delivered him was AWESOME and I'm pretty sure that she is the sole reason why I did not tear or have to be cut. She literally massaged me with oil the ENTIRE time I was pushing. Baby Gabriel was born on June 8, at 4:51 am, 7lb 8oz, 21 in. long and looks just like his daddy =] We are completely beside ourselves as this little angel has fully captured our hearts. I did not know that it was possible to be so in love. <3