Birth Story Part Two

A few days ago I shared part one of our baby boy’s birth story. In case you missed it read it here.

At this point I’ve been in the hospital since 5:30 AM and we’ve tried natural methods to get labor started. The doctor checked me around 2 PM and I was still 3 cm, 50% effaced. We decided it was time to start pitocin. I was honestly okay with this because I wanted this baby out and nothing seemed to be putting me in to labor. They started me on a very lose dose, 1 mL and it increased it by 1 every 30-45 minutes. 

I literally sent my mom a text at 4:45 PM and said “I’m bored.” It felt like we were just waiting around for something to happen. I was having contractions every 5 to 7 minutes, but they weren’t super strong. At 5 PM they checked me again. I was still 3 cm, but more effaced and my cervix moved forward. The doctor was actually able to break my water this time! By 5:45 PM I was feeling stronger contractions. I text my mom and sister saying “Ok, it’s finally starting to hurt.”

Throughout the day all the doctors and nurses asked me “What is your plan for pain?” My response “I don’t really have one” and I would laugh. With my daughter I tried to get an epidural, but it only numbed my feet. As a teenager I had scoliosis surgery and 10 of my vertebrae were fused. The anesthesiologist with my daughter said the spinal fusion could have prevented the epidural from working and he thought there was a good chance it wouldn’t work in the future.

I consulted with an anesthesiologist at our new hospital when we moved and he felt the same way. As preparation I memorized scripture and made a playlist with music to encourage me. The scripture I kept repeating was Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” 

At first the contractions were painful, but bearable. My husband did a great job massaging my back and encouraging me. Then all of a sudden they got to the next level. I admit it, I am one of those ladies who screams. I know you are supposed to breathe and relax, but I couldn’t help letting out a shout. I’m not sure exactly what time the doctor checked me again, but she told me I was only 5 cm. I almost started crying. I told my husband “I’m not going to make it, I can’t do this.” The nurses said “You are half-way there” and I almost lost it. How was I going to ensure this much pain for so much longer? 

Then about 10 minutes later I told the nurse I felt the urge to push. I honestly don’t think they believed me because minutes earlier I was at 5 cm. The doctor came in again and sure enough I was at 10 cm! I was so happy to hear this because I didn’t know how much more I could take. After approximately 15 minutes of pushing our precious baby boy was born at 8:09 PM. 

We did an hour of skin to skin and he latched on right away. We were shocked to hear that he was 9 lbs and 7 oz and 22 inches long. He seemed so little compared to our big toddler at home. We are slowly adjusting to a family of four and doing our best to soak in the new baby smell.

Phew, I know that was a long story! Thanks for reading and be sure to follow our journey through life on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.