Friday night while relaxing at home, I noticed that I was having menstrual like cramps and they seemed to be coming in consistent intervals of 20 minutes. I didn’t think much of it, and assumed it would pass so C and I headed to bed around 10:30. C fell asleep and I dozed on and off, aware that the contractions were not only continuing, but that they seemed to be coming closer together.
Finally around 1:30 or so, I woke up with the realization that something was definitely happening. I went downstairs to sit on the birthing ball and started timing the contractions (oh, and I had to post on the nest – what commitment!) At this point the contractions were coming about 3 minutes apart and lasting for a minute each time. After 20 minutes of very intense contractions, I went upstairs and told C that we needed to call the Dr.
While speaking with the Dr, she at first assumed that I was in early labor and suggested I labor at home for a bit before coming in. While talking to her, I had another contraction that left me breathless. At that point she requested that we head to the hospital immediately. I quickly I showered while C packed all of our stuff into the car. The 20 minute ride to the hospital was filled with excitement, anxiety, and for me, pain. C and I held hands the entire way and he said a few prayers that helped me focus through the contractions. We both knew that everything was about to change.
When we arrived at the hospital it was 4:45, we were placed in a triage room where the Dr examined me and with big eyes said “Congratulations, you’re having a baby today, you’re already 5 cm dilated!” The nurses were scrambling to move me over to L&D and an epidural was requested.
The next hour and a half are a blur to me, as I could only handle it in 2 minute increments. C was such a great coach- I couldn’t talk at all as it took every ounce of energy to concentrate through the contractions – and it was his voice that kept me focused, reminding me to keep breathing and letting me mutilate his hand through each long contraction. If it weren’t for him, I honestly don’t know how I would have kept going. The pain was so intense and it seemed like I was getting no break between contractions. The nurse mentioned to me at this point that there was another medicine that they could give me for pain, but the baby didn’t seem to be handling labor very well, and they couldn’t risk making the baby sleepy. This should have been our first clue as to what was coming, but I was just concentrating on trying to do what was best for the baby.
At about 6:15 the Dr checked me again and we were all surprised to learn that I was nearly 8 cm and 100% effaced. Things were moving very quickly, especially for a first pregnancy. Luckily it was around this time that the anesthesiologist finally came to give me my epidural. The only problem was that my contractions were coming so quickly and with such intensity that it was very difficult for me to stay still in order for him to get the line into my spine. After a few tries, finally things were in place and I was promised relief would be around the corner.
It’s blurry, but can you see the cross on the horizon? We took that as a good sign!
The epidural kicked in just as the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen broke through the windows of our L&D suite. At this point, I was a new woman. For the first time in hours, I was talking and smiling, excitedly waiting it out until we got the okay to push. What I didn’t notice at the time was the concern on the faces of our Drs and nurses and they studied the heart rate monitors for the baby and I. At some point they wound up putting an internal monitor on top of his head to try to keep a better eye on him.
As time passed, concern grew and at one point our room was flooded with Drs and Neonatal Specialists trying to figure out why the baby’s heart rate kept dropping dangerously low. At this point my hr began to slip too, and I was bleeding excessively. Eventually the Dr came in with a very concerned look on her face and told us that she thought the best thing at this point for the baby and I would be to deliver via c-section. With each contraction, the baby’s heart rate was dropping very low and it was taking him a long time to recover. C and I looked at each other and the fear was clearly visible in both of our eyes. After shedding a few tears, we quickly agreed as we just wanted our baby to be born healthy, no matter the means.
Once we agreed, it was as if someone hit a fast forward button and we then realized the urgency of the situation. I was quickly brought to the OR and prepped, while C waited outside with scrubs on. Those few minutes of being separated felt like forever. Once I was all ready to go, C was allowed in and he held my hand as my body trembled from a combination of fear, adrenaline and the epidural. The procedure was quickly underway and I felt a lot of pressure and tugging, but no pain. C talked to me the whole time to keep me distracted and about 10 minutes into it, the Dr announced that the baby was halfway out and in the next moment, several of the staff erupted “It’s a Boy!”
C let out a victory cry, and then the sweetest sound we have ever heard as our son took his first breath and let out an angry cry. We both burst into tears and clutched our hands together. C stayed with me while they cleaned the baby up and then went to go see him. He quickly reported back that L.A. had a full head of hair and some big old feet and hands. A few minutes later C brought him over for me to see, and in that moment my life was changed.
Our first family photo!
Tired, but never happier!
Finally home!
This boy would live in his swing if he could
Hey ladies, wanna ride on my stroller?
Hi Mom.
C didn’t really care for the “porno shot” as he called this one…