I’ve noticed a trend among mommy bloggers to post their birth story- here’s mine. This was quite therapeutic so warning, it’s a long one so go grab a cup coffee and sit back & chillax while you read.
4.26 Monday
I remember going to bed Sunday night disappointed that Aaron hadn’t made his debut over the weekend, I was feeling really good, I mean the best I had ever felt throughout the entire pregnancy so I was sad that I would probably be pregnant forever!
I woke up at 2 am with the worst cramps –it took a couple minutes to register what was happening then I remembered that I had been to the hospital a couple months prior because I had some intense Braxton Hicks contractions, then I immediately recognized the discomfort and knew what was going on.
I ended up going to sleep on the couch because I would get maybe 15 minutes of sleep before the next contraction would come but I knew it wasn’t to the point of needing to go to the hospital yet. At around 8 am I emailed my boss telling them that I would be working from home. I think I knew what was going on but I didn’t think it would actually happen. I spent the day lounging around the house with Jason and took a nice long bath. I had been communicating with my OB throughout the day and when the contractions were about 7 minutes apart, we headed to the hospital.
We arrive at holy cross at 2pm and they start checking my vitals and they saw my blood pressure was really high – they decided to monitor me for about 3 hours and then it was decided to admit to high-risk maternity. I kept telling the nurses I didn’t believe them because I felt fine – aside from the contractions I felt amazing! Again – Denial.
I get admitted to high-risk maternity and then the contractions started slowing down – I remember around 5pm a doctor came over and wanted to induce labor. I really didn’t want to so they waited until a doctor from my ob practice arrived and when she did, she agreed not to induce and to let me walk around. Just then, my sisters arrived and provided a much-needed distraction from the contractions. After several hours, my sisters left and it was just Jason and I. From the time I was pregnant I thought I would want no one in the delivery room until after Aaron was born, I thought I didn’t want anyone to see my lovely lady bumps but now I don’t see why I even cared. So, while we kept everyone updated by phone we told everyone not to rush over. That is on thing I will change with baby #2 – I want my people there! It is so important to have that support system, I had Jason but sometime daddy’s need support as well.
At around 7-8pm the contractions picked up again and at 1:00 AM I was admitted to Labor & Delivery. Woo hoo!
4/27 - Tuesday
I remember getting to labor & delivery, Jason laying down on the couch and then falling asleep. All of a sudden 2 am rolls around and WHOAAAAAAA the pain went up a notch!!! I took Lamaze classes but for some reason every time a contraction came I held my breath, Jason had to keep reminding me to breath. At this point I think fear started setting in – the more intense it got the more scared I got. And while Jason was there for me, there was no one there for him and we were both exhausted!
At 4am, I was beyond exhausted and gave in to the epidural. Jason knew I didn’t want it but didn’t fight me much because he was too tired. I get the epidural and I am still feeling the pain – is that supposed to happen? My butt hurt like hell!!!!! I thought the epidural was supposed to take the pain awy! I kept trying to sleep and at around 6:30am my water finally broke!!! We could finally get this show on the road – I won’t suffer anymore (I am a drama queen!) And I can finally see his face! Well nope – all of a sudden about 3 nurses and a doctor rush in and tell me I was only 6 cm dilated and that Aaron’s heart rate had dropped. They tried to have me change positions and when that didn’t work they cranked down the epidural to see if that had any effect and then all of a sudden they throw Jason a gown and tell us they have to get Aaron out now!!! At that point, I went numb and my attitude was just whatever! I knew that this meant I wouldn’t be able to hold him right away and that killed me but I knew if he was in danger, I wanted him safe.
So as I am being taped down and given anesthesia and I kept wondering why the hell was taking Jason so long. I ask the doctors to wait for him- where was he? He was in the hallway taking pictures of his shoes! (I have pictures of his gown covered shoes in Aaron’s albums- NICE!) He finally comes and I remember telling Jason that I couldn’t breath but now when I look back I think it was nerves that everything was about to change! Or the anesthesia – who knows.
7:52 AM. At 7:52 AM, they tell us he’s here! Aaron is here and they call Jason to see him then he leaves me. It felt like I was waiting forever to hear his cry and when I heard it – it felt like a dream. I was mad that all these seconds were passing by and I still don’t know what he looks like, I hear Jason snapping pics and the nurses say he’s 6lbs 3 oz and they congratulate him. They tell us the cord was wrapped around his neck twice. Jason finally bring Aaron to me and he is just perfect! I can’t believe he is mine. Sometimes I still can’t believe it, I can’t believe I am this lucky to have him.
We go to recovery and my arms are numb, I still can’t hold him. That was the hardest part for me and I know I still struggle with this today! Jason got to hold him for hours and see him get his first bath and while I am so happy Jason got that moment with him and was there for him, I was supposed to be there too!
After 3 hours, when I got the sensation back in my arms, I was finally able to hold him and attempt breastfeeding. The one thing I do remember and won’t ever forget is the way Aaron looked at me, like he was waiting for me too.
Please excuse that I look like death!
I then spent the next 2 days vomiting from the effects of the anesthesia and I just kept could not stay wake! I kept dozing off, so I don’t remember much. I am not sure if that is normal, since I was planning for a natural birth I did not read up or look into c-sections at all, since I had a healthy pregnancy it never came up with my doctor either. I will say I am lucky that I recovered quickly but I am really hoping to avoid a c-section for baby #2. The worst part of having a c-section for me was the difficulties with breastfeeding. If there are any first time mommies out there who end up needing a c-section, please make sure you have a super supportive nurse and that you are able to see a lactation consultant. After about 9-10 days we were able to work it out but thru a lots of tears on both mama & baby’s part!
All in all he is healthy and happy so I can’t ask for more. Now it’s time for picture overload!
