The day I went into labor, I must have had my real "nesting" going on. Went and got a mani/pedi and then stopped by the hair salon to pick up a little travel hairspray for my hospital bag. I had a guy coming at 2pm to put up the chandelier I had bought for the nursery. He finished at 3:15 and I still had things to do! I learned how to size the carseat, work my breast pump and baby monitor and then I re-packed my hospital bag. About 4:30, I decided to lie down and watch "Nurse Jackie." Went downstairs first to grab a snack and when I bent down to pick up a sleeve of saltines that I had dropped, Pop! My water broke! I was excited and nervous all at once! I opened the door to the basement to yell at Rian (he was downstairs playing Fifa soccer with his friends online on the XBox.
"Uh, Rian?" "Yeah?" "My water just broke." "You're kidding!" is how the conversation went. "Nope, you'd probably better come upstairs so we can get ready to go." Contractions hadn't really started yet so I went upstairs to get the few last minute items packed. I called the doctor's answering service as well as my doula. Rian came upstairs and his eyes were so big it looked like he'd seen a ghost! He threw some stuff in the bag and was ready to go. I took my time because I didn't want to forget anything. We called our mom's so they could try to get on flights right away to come visit. My mom was scheduled on a flight out on May 1st but Abby decided to come 2 weeks early! As we were driving down our street, I remembered that the next morning the sprinkler people were coming to start up our system and I needed to turn on the water so he could do it without us being home. So, I made Rian turn around and go back. He looked at me like I was crazy but since my contractions weren't very strong just yet, we turned around. ha ha I'm a detail person!
Once we got to the hospital, the contractions were more regular but still just felt like strong menstrual cramps. They were about 5 minutes apart. In the lobby of the hospital, there were a bunch of people waiting for the elevator. I was laughing in my mind thinking, "I'm getting on the next elevator even if I have to push people down!" ha ha We got settled in our room and the doctor came to check me. I was 3cm and 90% effaced. This was about 6pm. Contractions were regular but still just felt like strong menstrual cramps. The doctor said I could have the epidural anytime but he'd like to check me in an hr to be sure I'm progressing. I decided to hang out on the birth ball and see how things went. My doula wasn't there yet as she had a childbirth class from 6:30-7:30 that she wanted to teach so said she'd be at the hospital about 8:00pm. I sat on the birthing ball for an hr and Rian and I just visited and watched tv. We enjoyed the fact that it was a Tuesday so TBS had hours of Seinfeld and "The Office." Two of our favorite shows!
The doctor came and checked me again at 7:30. I was 5 cm. He said the labor would probably start to pick up so be sure to let them know when I was ready for my epidural. About 2 minutes after he walked out the door, my contractions started to get really painful. They were coming every 3 minutes and lasting 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. They were one on top of another! I told the nurse I was ready and she called the anesthesiologist. I was in quite a bit of pain now. It took about 45 minutes for him to get set up and get the epidural in. My doula showed up when I was sitting on the bed waiting. It was perfect timing to have her there because now I needed the support. They asked Rian to leave the room so my doula and the labor nurse were there with me. I was in so much pain and every contraction caused me to shake violently. My nurse said I was probably at 7 cm by now because I was having what's called "transition shakes." I could hardly answer the doctor's questions and was thinking "just put the dumb thing in!" ha ha At this point, I couldn't care less about the risks! It was 8:30 when the epidural was in and had started working. That was the best relief I've ever felt! I was physically exhausted by this point and felt like I could just fall asleep.
The nurse checked me at 9:30 and I was complete! Wow! Honestly, I was a little disappointed because I wanted to get some sleep...ha ha But, hearing those words got me very excited. We were so close! The doctor came in and checked me as well. Said the baby was still high and since I was so numb (I didn't feel any urge to push), that I could just hang out for 30-45 minutes and she would come down further with each contraction on her own. That way, I wouldn't have to push for so long. At 10:20, he came back and we started pushing. Got the bed all set up and brought a mirror in so I could watch. I really wanted to watch her come out. I only had to push for 20 minutes. That was hard work! I loved watching her come out and it was helpful too because I was so numb that I still didn't have the urge to push. Rian was a trooper holding one of my legs but did need to sit down at one point. Afterwards, he told me "I got a little too curious." ha ha But, he was back up and ready to cut the cord when she came out. He did get to see her come out but it was from a chair next to me. Whatever keeps him from passing out on the floor! Once she was laid on my belly, I sobbed. It was such a relief that she was finally here and healthy.
After 7 years of hoping and praying for a baby, we finally have our little miracle. She's perfect and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful labor experience...Welcome to the world little Abigail, we have so much to show you!
2 comments:
love your post! abby is beautiful! wish we were there to see her in person! sounds like you are having fun playing mommy!
Yay!!! Love reading birth stories!! Yours sounds pretty similar to mine! So funny about Rian getting "curious" and needing to sit down! So happy for you guys and your little 7 yr miracle! :)
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