Jenaleigh Kate's Birth Story

WARNING: This birth story may contain “too much information” for some of you. Only read if you don’t mind reading every little detail about my labor and deliver.

DISCLAIMER: It was a long labor. I don’t remember everything. Daniel and Stephanie may even have to correct me on a few of the details, but here’s how I recall it now …

Thursday Morning

Daniel and I left our house in Hardin and headed towards Mayfield for my 39 week appointment with Candy (our midwife). About 1 minute down the road I realized I hadn’t brought my Heparin (blood thinner) injection with us, so we had to turn around and go get back home to retrieve it. Little did I know that I wouldn’t need that small vile of medicine that day.

Thursday 9:20AM

During the appointment, Candy stripped my membranes in hopes of getting labor going. Everyone told me this wouldn't hurt, but I must be a little more sensitive than the average bear, because it was pretty painful! I had been having semi-regular contractions for the past few days that seemed to be leading nowhere. I was 2.5 cm dilated and about 45-50% effaced. At the end of the appointment (after discussing the induction that we were scheduled for on Monday) she measured my belly. It was measuring a little small. So, we went in for an ultrasound.

The ultrasound tech said that her estimated weight was 6 pounds 14 ounces – approx. where a 36 week 5 day old baby should be. We were 39 weeks 1 day. Needless to say this was worrisome.Especially since her last growth measurement showed 6 lbs 7 oz at 34 weeks (remember we were 39 weeks). So, Candy said for me to go ahead with my NST at the hospital and she’d chat with Dr. Christianson about what to do. I was so afraid Pitocin was going to be coming my way.

Thursday Noon

Candy came in and looked at my NST strip and we saw that I was having contractions about every 5 minutes! Stripping my membranes really worked! She told me that Dr. Christianson agreed that we had to have our baby THAT DAY due to her small size, lack of significant growth, and my Protein S Deficiency. Since I was contracting on my own, Candy ordered me to do some natural labor augmentation techniques(click here if you really want to know...) to keep the contractions going so we could avoid Pitocin. At this time we called everyone and let them know what was happening… we were going to have a baby! Woohoo!

Thursday 1:30-6:00 PM

I quickly learned that Ina May Gaskin was right about everything. EVERYTHING. In her book, “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” she discussed how our minds and bodies are connected and that labor can slow down or stop when “intruders” come into the room. My first “intruder” was a WELCOME one! Our doula Stephanie came in and I guess I was nervous, but my contractions stopped for about half an hour. Our second set of “intruders” came in to say, "Hi!"– again, WELCOME ones – my parents. My contractions stopped again!

The only thing that could bring those contractions back was the aforementioned natural augmentation (getting curious as to what it was, click here, but be prepared for TMI). My contractions were jump started in a major way.

Candy came back in around 4:30 or 5 to check me. I was about 4 and half centimeters to 5. I had only progressed 2 cms in 5 hours. But Candy was content to let me labor on without medical intervention. I was finally allowed off the stupid monitor and up for a walk! Walking really helped to keep the contractions coming strong. During this time I tried visualization of my cervix opening. I don’t think it worked, but it provided me with a few laughs… I told Daniel about how I was imagining my cervix as a flower opening and he proceeded to create a story about a flower who opened up in the sunshine. He even acted it out! Yep, we were having a little too much fun!

7:00PM -1:00AM

Contractions were coming nice and regular, I was even beginning to have to concentrate to get through them easier. However, it was time to be put on the monitor for 20 minutes, meaning I needed to lie in the bed. The contractions continued while I was on the monitor; but, I noticed the nurse was silent when she came in to look at my strip. She returned a few minutes later and said that I needed to stay on the monitor because she saw delayed decelerations, which was a sign that baby wasn’t getting enough oxygen right after a contraction. Once she told me this, I immediately stopped contracting. Once again – the mind/body connection is an amazing thing. I know I was freaked out that baby could be in danger because of my contractions, so my contractions ceased. After about an hour of nothing, Stephanie encouraged me to try to relax and try more augmentation (click here). The contractions started up again and I concentrated on taking DEEP breaths during them to make sure baby was getting enough oxygen and her heartbeat didn’t decrease when it wasn’t supposed to! During this time the monitor was not picking up my contractions, so the nurse was in and out fighting to move it around to the correct spot. This took forever and was quite distracting.

At about 11:30, the nurse said Candy had told her to check me for progress. Unfortunately, the nurse must not have been too skilled at checking for dilation, because it was P-A-I-N-F-U-L. I yelped and cried! Unfortunately, I had progressed very little – only to about a 5 and a half. However, I really wasn’t surprised, because of all the interruptions. I so wish that I could have labored at home for awhile! I was getting tired and scared that I’d be getting Pitocin. Afterall, it had been almost 12 hours since I arrived in the hospital.

I continued to have intermittent contractions (did I mention I was still hooked up to the monitor? No moving around for me!), but nothing strong and consistent. Stephanie was a huge advocate for trying to get me to stand up or use the birthing ball. But, each time I moved, the monitor would stop picking up contractions and the nurse would spend 10 minutes (no joke) trying to adjust it. This was the most frustrating part of the whole experience as it the constant adjustments continued for hours!

At around 1:00 Candy entered the room ; I told her I wanted her to break my water. I was about 6 cm.

Having my water broken didn’t hurt (I was so afraid it would) and there was no meconium (yay!). There was the initial gush and then when I stood up another gush. It was such a weird feeling to having liquids pouring out of you that you can’t control!

1:15 AM

Daniel providing his support for me during "transition".
I love him so much!

This marked the beginning of transition for me. The contractions were so painful. I moved onto all fours at the beginning of this period and it definitely provided some relief. Stephanie coached me to make low groans through these intense times. They grew longer and longer, with some reaching 2 minutes. I finally said I need to lay down. I was SO exhausted! Daniel joined in during this time to hold my hand and encourage me along with a sweet touch. I remember saying 2 or 3 times that I just couldn’t do it anymore. All I wanted to do was fall asleep and have some relief. But, thankfully, Stephanie was there to tell me that I was so close. I remember asking her “what if I’m not?” But, she told me that I was -- that I was in transition and that it wouldn’t last much longer. Having her tell me this was such a great comfort and motivator. I was able to focus on each contraction as it came hoping that each one would bring me closer to the end.

I was in such pain. However, guess what? The monitors weren’t picking up any contractions, so the nurses were in there the WHOLE time I was in transition moving around the sensors, pressing on my uterus. I must confess, I have never fought back the urge to lash out at someone as much as I had to then – I was so tired of them messing with me! They continued to try to get my contractions to appear on the monitor right up until I was pushing.

There were three contractions that I thought I would never make it through. However, I prayed during them. I prayed not only for relief but a prayer of thanksgiving. God was getting me one step closer to holding my little girl in my arms. I was thankful for the pain.

3:00 AM

Finally I told them that I “felt like I needed to do something”. They asked me, “What do you mean?” And I said, “Maybe I need to push or something … or go to the bathroom.” I didn’t get up; but, had a few more contractions then started to say over and over again, “I need to push. I think I need to push.” Nothing seemed to happen then. I remember Stephanie said to the nurses, “Did you hear her? I think she may be ready?!” Finally, they believed me and the hustle and bustle began. The nurse who had so brutally checked me before gloved up for another check. I started to wimper and said, “I don’t want to be check again.” Stephanie said, “YES YOU DO!” So, the nurse checked me and I was fully dilated with baby ready to come out. The trays were rolled in. The warmer brought out.

But, it felt like forever before Candy got there (probably only 5-6 contractions) and I kept saying, “I need to push.” The nurses said, “Just wait until Candy gets here”; but, Stephanie leaned down and said, “Don’t wait. Go ahead and push.” It felt great to start pushing. I knew I wasn’t moving much with the little pushes before Candy got there, but it was still a relief.

Once she was ready, the real fun began. My contractions had shortened, and were only lasting 30-45 seconds making it difficult to get too many pushes in. I pushed without much coaching (per the instructions on my birth plan) for maybe 15 minutes. I asked Candy if we were getting closer and she responded with something like, “not really”. So, I finally told her to coach me. I was just so tired and ready to have my baby! Daniel was such a huge help during this time. I don’t remember his exact words, but several times he leaned over and whispered a “game plan” to me. He told me that I was going to get three pushes in and they were going to be productive. He also helped me with my breathing, which later on the nurses commented on… apparently, most people don’t stop to inhale, which makes the pushing, grunting, and exhaling a tad difficult, I’d say. After ever push, I’d stop and take a huge lung full of air (Daniel said he told me to pretend like I was about to play my clarinet; however, I don’t remember this comment) which made the pushing a lot easier. Through the coaching and pushing, I finally felt her head crowning. I was expecting extreme burning (the so-called ring of fire), but it was bearable. They asked me if I wanted to touch her head, but all I wanted to do was focus on pushing. So, that’s what I did!

4:43AM

Seconds after delivery

I felt her head come out and then the rest of her body wiggle out. It was such an amazing, euphoric feeling. Did I mention I did this without any pain meds?! I have no idea how anyone could have control over their pushing with an epidural. Obviously, it’s done all the time, but the feeling of pushing and having my daughter come out of me was one I’ll never forget. It was such a rush.

They immediately placed the flailing baby on my chest and she started crying – the most wonderful sound to a mother’s ears ever. She weighed a petite 7 pounds 1 ounce. I got to keep her there for a minute before they took her and noticed she had swallowed an excessive amount of fluids. They asked for my permission to take her to the nursery to suction it all out. Daniel went along with them. While they were gone, I expelled my placenta (what a weird feeling) and Candy started the stitching process. I had two tears. Not fun at all. I kept involuntarily fighting Candy. She’d start to stitch and my bottom would rise up trying to escape! I felt tons of pressure and a little pain as she sewed me up. After a few minutes, one of the nurses came back in and said that she scored a 8 and 9 on her Apgars and that they had her in the warmer. Candy (ever the advocate for my birthplan) retorted, “Why don’t we bring baby to mom. She can keep her just as warm as the warmer.” Jenaleigh came back in (in her daddy’s arms!) and was placed on my bare chest. But, unfortunately the stitching was so uncomfy for me took such a long time that I didn’t get to breastfeed until the end of the first hour.

I was so ecstatic, yet somewhat scared and bewildered by this infant that I had in my arms – not to mention exhausted!

After my stitches were set, we got Jenaleigh to latch on and breastfeed for a few minutes. I have to admit, I found it quite painful at first and wasn’t sure how I could do it much longer … little did I know I’d be here over one week later on a strict schedule of breastfeeding every 2 hours (more on that later)!

Then the bleeding came. No one told me about the immense about of bleeding. I thought it’d be similar to a period, but it was much much more. I was worried due to my blood clotting disorder, afraid that the blood thinner was having an effect, but they assured me it was normal! I continued to worry about the bleeding for the first few hours of my daughter’s life. I wish I hadn’t worried, but I had visions of hemmoraging, leaving this beautiful girl and her daddy without a mommy. Finally the bleeding let up and the real bonding began. I was so in love. (Still am.) What an amazing adventure that led up to having my baby girl in my arms. She's so wonderful and I can't imagine life without her!

Reflecting on my birth story, I realize that a few things didn’t go as planned. For example, I really wanted to labor at home for awhile; but, I was in the hospital the whole time. I also wanted to be free to move about, but had to be hooked up to the monitor the majority of the time. Having two tears were not in the plan either! Next time, I think I will be more reluctant to be coached by the midwife during the pushing, as the forceful pushing was the probable cause of one of the tears. But despite the hiccups, I am SO thankful that I was able to have my unmedicated natural vaginal birth and to have my baby girl – healthy and perfect.

Throughout my whole pregnancy I yearned for an unmedicated labor. I armed myself with knowledge. I cast out fear. If you’re pregnant, I urge you to realize that the pain is fleeting and that it is such an amazing experience to be able to feel every contraction and to control every push and to experience the sensation of your child coming out of you. The pain is not as bad if you don’t want it to be! Our society has created such a hype about the terror of childbirth, but it is really an amazing experience.

Also, if you want a natural unmedicated labor, you really need a midwife and a doula. Daniel and I both are extremely grateful for Stephanie. Daniel cannot stop singing her praises. He, especially, was so glad that she was there to tell us what was normal – to guide us through a time of unknown. She was able to reassure me during transition. If it had not been for her telling me that it would be over soon, I may have asked for pain medications. But, because I trusted her, I persevered without them. Thank you so much, Stephanie! Candy was wonderful as well. A doctor would certainly have administered Pitocin; but, she allowed me to labor on my own, trusting that my body would do the work it was meant to do.

GiGi (my mom) holding Jenaleigh for the first time.

Some of you may be wondering where my mom was during the labor. I had decided early on that I just wanted it to be Daniel and our doula. However, mom did stop in to say hi and even walked with us some outside. I'm so thankful that she went along with our plans and was always supportive of my wishes. Even though she may have stayed apart from us during most of the labor, she is DEFINITELY involved right now. I'll probably post more on this later, but it would have been nearly impossible to get through our first week with Jenaleigh home without Mom. Before Jenaleigh was born, I thought for sure that we could do it by ourselves and would need little help at first. But, wow! Was I wrong! Mom stayed with us for the first few days and nights and was able to let me catch up on a little sleep, cleaned some, cooked, and most importantly provided me with support when the breastfeeding wasn't going smoothly (I promise, more on that later). I am SO thankful to have had her here with us.

Daddy and "Critter"

My husband was the final, most important piece of the support puzzle. Daniel has been with me every step of the way throughout this pregnancy – such a rock. He continued to be so throughout labor. His quiet presence offering a hand to squeeze and a correctly placed encouraging word was the best gift he could have given me.  He supported me during labor exactly how I needed. I’m so blessed to have him as a husband and the father of my beautiful baby girl.

Ready to go home and start our adventure!

I hope you’ll continue to follow my blog as I’ll begin to bring you frequent updates on life with a newborn. We’ve already had some interesting challenges… stay tuned!

Birth Story Monday . Baby Tide's Story, Part II

(To read Part I of Baby Tide's Story, click here.)

Baby Tide's Story, Part II

By: Leigh B.

I believe there were 27 family members, friends, and special church family in the waiting room. I remember the operating room. Blah. Just scary memories. I can remember the doctor assisting Dr. Goolsby talking about buying new shoes. Strange how things stick in your mind. He said I would feel tugging and a little discomfort, but I didn't.

CrisDen Tide was born weighing 1 pounds 8 ounces and was 13 inches long. All I got to see of him was his hat. He was in a body bag (I learned that term in the NICU). All it is is a Zip-loc bag. It helps control their temp. I did hear him cry. I didn't know that was significant until Melody J., the NICU nurse and a sister in Christ, later told a friend of ours that normally babies that young don't cry! What a fighter he was.

The NICU staff whisked Tide down to the NICU with Tim following behind. They allowed my "people" to see him. That's uncommon because NICU is closely guarded and abides by a time schedule. I believe they were afraid he may not make it. I'm so thankful everyone was allowed to see him. I didn't get to see him until the next day. And Tim had warned me.
 
The NICU, at that point, was a scary, depressing place. Sick, sick babies. I later said if someone doesn't believe in God, just visit a NICU. You can see His Presence there. Just amazing stories lying in those isoletes and Ohio beds.

Tide's bed was closest to the nurses. He was the smallest baby at the time. He was so sick. Lines everywhere, beepers beeping. He was skin and bones. We talked about how he looked like Pa lying there. My grandpa had died in December 2007 and he had been in bed for a month and he was just skin and bones. (To this day, I wish my Pa could have seen Tide. He would have spoiled him so much!)

He was on a ventilator, he had central lines in his belly button, he was nearly translucent! We could only lightly press a finger to his foot. Preemies are so sensitive. We also had to be very quiet. He was under the lamp because of his bilirubin. Looking back, he favored either a skinned squirrel or pictures of "aliens". But to us, he was absolutely, perfectly beautiful.

We had already met with Dr. Bruce before he was born. I loved him but we called him "Dr. Doom" because he gave us the worse case scenarios. I am grateful he did because it gave us more of an insight into what we were facing. He and Dr. Beard and the nurses and nurse practitioners were so good about telling us everything going on.

I do remember having to give them our hospital and then our lodge number. This way they could reach us if anything happened. I've never felt such panic and fear as I did every time the phone rang. The first night we were in the lodge, Tim thought I was having a panic attack because I couldn't find Tide's picture and I couldn't breathe. A week later, we found out I had passed a blood clot to my lung...that's another story!

Everyone says a stay in the NICU is like a roller coaster ride. (I got so sick of hearing that term, but it is completely true.) One day...or minute...you're on a high, the next you've dipped down in a valley. Preemies are so quirky and have their own time line and personality. One day, we were in the NICU and Tide was struggling. The nurse asked us to leave so they could put him back on the vent. We already knew this might happen. He would go on and off the vent several times during his stay. We went to the waiting room and a few minutes later, she walked in, laughing and holding a tissue. She said she just had to show us...she opens the tissue and there is a HUGE booger (come on, mommies, it's gross, but it happens!) That's what was causing him to struggle with his breathing! So, fortunately, that was one time he avoided the vent!

After watching weight gain (that wasn't the biggest worry, believe it or not--it's lungs), checking to see if the flap at his heart was ok (can't remember what it's called but if it hadn't corrected itself with medicine, surgery would have been performed), feeding him, keeping his body temperature up, bradies (when his heart rate goes down and his breathing goes down), and many other things, we were finally able to bring him home on May 2, 2009. This was about 2 weeks after his due date.

I know I have left out so much. It's overwhelming the ride we have been on!

If any of you ever face circumstances like these, just pray! Some odd positive things (besides Tide) that came out of this is I learned patience! You just learn to wake up each morning and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Another thing is our marriage was put to the test and we came out winners. I can't imagine how stressful this was for Tim. He still had to go to work and make a living and some days not knowing if I or his baby would make it. That's a pretty big weight on his shoulders. Even though we had been married so long and were older, sometimes during that time, I felt like he and I were teenagers, not knowing what to do in the adult world I'm not sure if that makes sense to anyone else.

Another piece of advice, just trust your nurses and doctors. They are there to take care of you and your baby. They won't do anything to intentionally harm your baby. I always had the feeling they loved Tide nearly as much as I did. I witnessed some parents who were ugly to the nurses or who thought they knew more than the doctors. Just listen and be patient. I know it's hard but that is their job. The nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners, even the housekeeping crew were AMAZING! I do believe scrubs are like super hero costumes. I do not see how these wonderful people do what they do.

Also, this time really allowed us to feel the love of our Christian family. Not just our home congregation, but other congregations around--even out of state. I know we made the prayer list for churches all over the Southeast. We are so thankful for that.

We also met such wonderful new people. Tide had a pod mate named Maddox. His mother and I became close friends. I loved Maddox because he looked like Tide did just 2 months earlier. He died a day before his one month birthday. He had developed NEC. This is a problem preemies face. Tide's feedings had been stopped several times for fear of NEC.

Tide is now a healthy, way active 2 year old. He has a bit of a speech delay. Also, we have been told since before he was born that he may have learning disabilities. I care, but I don't. After what he's been through, I'm just happy to have him here. God was with us through the really sick days of Tide's life, and He will be with us through all the little obstacles.

Birth Story Monday. Baby Tide's Story, Part I

(Martha's Notes: Leigh and Tim are members were my father-in-law preaches and each time I get to hang around them I like them more and more! They have 2 beautiful daughters (on the inside and out) and a sweet "baby" boy. Daniel and I would love to be half the parents that they are -- we can tell just by being around them for a short amount of time that they have reaching heaven as the ultimate goal for their family and are willing to do what it takes to achieve that goal. Here is Leigh's adventure-packed story of Tide's birth! Enjoy!)

Baby Tide's Story, Part I

By: Leigh B.

After nearly 15 years of marriage and 2 beautiful daughters, Tim and I thought our family was complete. We wanted another child, but were told about 2 years before I wouldn't be able to have another baby. After a year of having problems, I changed doctors.

My first visit with Dr. Goolsby I said I want a baby or a hysterectomy...what a combination! After performing an internal ultrasound, he said it would be easy for me to have another baby. He gave me a prescription to make me start my period and another for fertility medicine. After 6 weeks, I never started. Back to the doctor I go, this time with Tim in tow because we were afraid something bad was going on.

Instead, the nurse hands me a stick to hold...well, it was a POSITIVE pregnancy test. She has to run get Tim because I am a mess! A tickled, shocked mess. After an ultrasound that I expected to show a dot, instead it showed a baby with arms and legs, it was determined I was 11 weeks and 6 days pregnant. My due date was April 17, 2009.

Even after being married so long, that's just a little unnerving! The girls were happy and shocked and glad I didn't have cancer (that's what Darla thought.) By the way, I found out about my pregnancy 2 weeks before Darla turned 13.

Let me first say being pregnant at 34 is so much different than being pregnant at 21 and 23. I think that's why I didn't notice I was getting sick. On New Year's Day, 2009, I was at my grandmother's for breakfast. I didn't feel too well and was very puffy. My brother-in-law, who is a firefighter, came out and checked my blook pressure. Although, I can't remember the exact numbers, it was high. He told me to get to the doctor soon. I reluctantly went home, thinking how disappointed I was to miss the traditional New Year's meal at my mother's. I had so been looking forward to hog jowl, cabbage, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. (Yum!) Instead, Tim and I find ourselves on our way to St. Vincent's.

We get there and I was in triage with the sweetest nurse Pam. She was just great. I was hooked up to every possible monitor and still thinking I'll be home that evening or the next day to eat my leftovers. Instead, I was told at some point (a lot of this is a blur or Tim told me later because I was so yucky on meds) that I may be staying until the baby is born. I went in at 24 weeks and 6 days. I found out later that there were several times that weekend they had a bed prepared in the NICU. That would have been really bad to have a baby at 25 weeks. Even hours matter at this point.

I was put on magnesium, blood pressure medicine, and sleeping medicine because I couldn't sleep. We couldn't have bright lights on due to the risk of seizures. I was also diagnosed with preeclampsia. The doctor had set several goals for us. Thankfully, we had already reached the 24 week goal. My next goal was 28 weeks, then 32, then delivery at 36. Because of all these meds, I can't really remember everything. I had so many visitors but thinking back, I have no idea what I said or did while they were around! (So, if you're reading this and you were one of them, please forgive me and just laugh!)

Although pre-eclampsia isn't resolved until delivery, I did get better. I was even thinking I was going home! I was so homesick. I missed my girls. I missed my church. I missed my family. I was just miserable. My aunt and sister would stay with me on the nights Tim would go home. That made me even sicker! Tim and I had only stayed away from each other a few times in our 15 years of marriage. (I know I'm a baby). He only worked 15 minutes from the hospital but an hour from home.

On January 16, 2009, I was released from St. Vincent's to go to UAB for a targeted ultrasound. Tim took off work that day to take me. I was actually excited to go because I hadn't been outside for over 2 weeks! I showered, did my hair, wore CLOTHES!, and makeup. I remember the brutally cold day. There was ice everywhere. I was so big I had to be extra careful not to fall.I got there and that place was so cold and distant compared to St. Vincent's. (UAB is an excellent hospital, this was at a clinic and I missed my nurses who spoiled me!) She did the ultrasound and saw where my placenta had been damaged from my high blood pressure. In my mind, I was going home. I just didn't realize the severity at that time.

Later that evening, Dr. Goolsby came in to talk to us. He said he had spoken with several of his doctor friends and his wife, who is also an ob/gyn. Some said the baby is better inside and some said he was better outside. I realize now how hard a doctor's job is. He looked over at a table in my room and saw a book. He asked if that was a Bible and Tim said yes. He then said, "Let's just pray." After a very touching, comforting, lovely prayer, he claps his hands, jumps up, and says, "Let's do this!" I sorta felt like I was about to take the field for a football game. 

He said at 7 we'll have a baby. This was around 6. Tim told him our family lived about an hour away. He said no problem we'll do it at 7:30. Tim makes frantic phone calls to everyone! I'm just lying there, scared to death! ...

Check back next week for Part II in Tide's birth story!

Birth Story Monday . Baby Andrew's Story

(Martha's Notes: I've only known Holly for a few months; but she's already come to my rescue at least twice! First of all, I was quite frantic about switching care providers mid-pregnancy. Before we had even moved to Hardin I posted on FB about how I wasn't having much luck finding a midwife in the Western KY area and sweet Holly messaged me and told me about Candy (one of the few-- if not the only -- midwives allowed to deliver in hospitals in the area). Then I was have difficulties finding a doula and Holly pointed me in the direction of her sister-in-law, Stephanie! Woohoo! Anyway, here Holly shares her fourth kiddo's birth story on Birth Story Monday -- which happens to fall on a Tuesday today ;-) !)


Baby Andrew's Story
By: Holly R.
This is Andrew's story, he was born December 7, 2007. He is my fourth, and Lord willing, final baby. With this pregnancy, and my previous two, I had gestational diabetes(gd). I was blessed to be able to control it with diet only and weekly non-stress tests. Other than the gd I had a normal pregnancy.

Our main concern with Andrew was his size. I have big babies, they get bigger with each one I have. Although I have big babies, I have never had a c-section or an episiotomy. Little did I know though that Andrew would not be big, he would be huge.

My older three children were born in Lexington at Central Baptist Hospital, but this time I used a midwife, Candy. I loved my doctor in Lexington, but Candy being a midwife approached pregnancy not as a medical condition, but a natural process of life. Candy was a wonderful support and advocate for me.  

At 39 weeks Candy ordered an ultrasound to try to get estimate of Andrew's size, as she was very nervous about him fitting through my pelvis. The ultrasound was done and the estimate -- 10 pounds. Candy said the doctor would probably want to do a c-section. Now I know that c-sections are sometimes necessary, but, in my humble opinion, are performed way too often. This was a route Tim, Candy, and I did not want to take, but it was up to Dr. Wynstra and what he felt was safe. In the end Dr. Wynstra said my pelvis had proven itself in my other deliveries and felt it would be ok to let me try a vaginal delivery. It was Wednesday, I was told to come back Friday morning to be induced. My first induction.

I arrived at the birthing center bright and early and got all hooked up and the pitocin was started. On a side note, I think pitocin may possibly be a tool of the devil. Anyway, Candy came in and made me get out of the bed and told me she didn't want to see me in that bed again! I was to be up moving or on the birthing ball. Since I was attached to monitors, moving was a little more difficult. I must say though that I LOVED the birthing ball, it was great.

I labored all day and into the evening. Pitocin contractions are different, they come closer together than regular ones. At about 5:00 I was at a 4 and requested my epidural, sweet sweet relief. I am not ashamed to admit to having epidurals with all four babies, it was a good choice for me. I kept laboring another hour and half and my blood pressure dropped. They started pumping fluids into me and got it brought back up. It was then time to push. 

Candy had me lay on my side and push, but that wasn't really working, so in came the stirrups. This was actually funny, because it took Candy and two nurses to figure out how to put the stirrups on the bed! Candy had also called Dr. Wynstra in, just in case Andrew would't fit and a c-section was needed. I began pushing again, with great encouragement from Candy and Dr. Wynstra. They got the vacuum out and used it to help me, but I really don't think it helped all that much. After much pushing, they were saying look, look here he comes. I looked down and saw my precious boy slide out, face up. The first words I heard are, "We have got to get him on the scale." 

He was huge. Andrew Nicolas weighed 11 lbs 7 oz and was 22 inches long. He was born the size of a three month old. No newborn diapers for him and the little shirts they put on the babies didn't fit him, way too small. The little hat was too small also and wouldn't stay on. He was perfectly healthy and absolutely beautiful.

I was told that he was the biggest baby born vaginally at Jackson Purchase, I hope no poor woman gets to break my record. It was a difficult delivery, but the payoff was amazing. There is nothing in the world like looking into your child's eyes for the first time, even when it is number four, it was amazing each and every time. I thank God for letting me get to experience it.

Birth Story Monday . Baby Isaac's Story

(Martha’s Notes: I met Jessica while in college when we both were attending the Pleasant View Church of Christ. We quickly became friends, as did our husbands, and enjoyed talking about clothes, pop culture, and life in general together! Enjoy her story of a relatively uncomplicated labor and delivery!)

Baby Isaac's Story

by Jessica H.

This is my story of how it all went down at the end of my pregnancy with my baby boy, Isaac.

I was originally supposed to be due on October 2, 2009 but my son had other plans. Around the second week of August I started dilating and felt the heaviness on my bladder. Around the last week of August I had managed to get to a "3" and had to leave work early because I had horrible contractions, so I went to the doctor and was placed on a monitor and given an IV to slow them down.

On September 14th I had a busy day with my patients in the dental clinic and went home to lay down. I woke up at midnight with my water breaking in my sleep! It was so weird like someone twisted a lemon in my belly and popped the juice! We were so excited and my husband got upset because I wanted to take a shower and do my hair- my husband is a nurse anesthetist so he takes these things seriously! I sat on towels all the way to the hospital and they got me in a delivery room when all the contractions started like major menstrual cramps gone terribly wrong!

So, the student anesthetist comes in the room and what do you know- he is my husband's classmate! So, he will not touch me out of extreme fear of "messing up", so I had to endure more pain and wait on the licensed anesthetist.

I got my epi and was high on life- pushed my precious little baby boy out and he just looked at me as to say, "So you are the crazy person always talking on the outside!"

About 2 hrs later I was eating lunch and asking all the nurses for hair gel because I left mine at home. My grandmother thought I was doing too much with drying my hair, applying makeup, and obsessing over hair gel to have just delivered a baby.

We left the hospital in 2 days and began our lives as parents.

Four weeks after, I had to return to Baptist Hospital to have my right ovary removed due to a dermoid cyst. It was soo hard to deal with this and take care of my son!

I also went back to work exactly a week after that because I was putting my husband through school- that whole experience put me in postpartum depression. It was all okay once I talked to a therapist and got myself together. I talk about this because I don't want other moms to be ashamed of this disorder. It is normal and it is okay to admit it- especially new moms.

We now live in a new city- Columbus, OH and my son is enjoying his preschool. I love my little family of my husband, son, and me. I will never forget being pregnant with Isaac because I enjoyed every minute of it and I just wanted to embrace every aspect!

Birth Story Monday . Baby Noah's Story

(Martha’s Notes: I can’t remember the first time I met Rachel. She was a grade ahead of me in school, so I’m sure I always ‘knew of her’. But, the first time I really got to know her was in band. She played the clarinet and just happened to play it so well that she was first chair. I aspired to be like her in many ways, her gentle spirit, positive attitudes, and musical ability. Rachel was a great role model for me in high school – 

whether she knew it then or not! Anyway, on to the main event… the birth story!)

Guest Writer: Rachel

Blair and I decided to try to have a baby in May of 2009. Six weeks later, I found out I was pregnant!

After a healthy, normal pregnancy I went to the doctor for my 39 week check-up. It was four days before the due date, and I was feeling great. I was teaching at the time, and I had even spent 30 minutes dancing with kindergarteners that morning. I had to wait a little longer than usual to see my midwife, and I started developing a headache in the waiting room. When the nurse came to get me she did the usual weight check and then led me to a room.

She took my blood pressure. And took my blood pressure. AND TOOK MY BLOOD PRESSURE!

After a few odd looks at me, she quickly left the room to find my midwife. Jan came in, sat down, and took my blood pressure. Again. She looked at me and asked how I was feeling. I mentioned that I had a bit of a sinus headache, but other than that, I felt great. Jan said that I most likely did not have a sinus headache. That's when the blood pressure taking became very important. The week before, like every other week, my pressure had been 110 over 80. This week it was 195 over 135. Wait. WHAT? 195 over 135?! How did that happen?! Jan said she wanted us to go to the hospital immediately, and I asked if we could run home first and get my bags. She said no. She didn't want to take the risk of me having a stroke. WHAT? How did this happen? I was completely baffled. This was most certainly not a part of the birth plan.

Once we were at the hospital and checked in it didn't take too long to get a room. We were blessed to get there at a slow time, so we were able to get a LDR room (labor, delivery, recovery) where Noah would be able to stay with us after he was born. It even had a private shower. My pitocin drip was started and we were off!

I was only dilated to 2 cm when we got there, so they had the drip on pretty high. Several hours and no further dilation later, they continued to up my dose. And up it. And up it. For most of my pregnancy, Noah was head down, with his head planted firmly into my left pelvic bone. He liked it there. A lot. So much that he decided he was not going to rotate any further. The nurse practically insisted that I get an epidural. After three attempts by the anesthesiologist, the epidural catheter was in. It did me no good. Noah's position caused labor pains very similar to back labor with is unaffected by epidurals.

After thirteen hours of labor, the doctor (my midwife couldn't make it) decided it was time. They brought in the delivery team, and I got to pushing. Pushing was actually my favorite part of labor and delivery. I was in control of every bit of it, and the breathing techniques I learned as a voice major in college were extremely helpful. An hour-and-a-half later, I was holding my dear sweet Noah.

Unfortunately, my story doesn't end here. There's no, "And the next day the three of us went home with Blair and me smiling at our new bundle of joy." The doctor who delivered Noah was an unsupervised first year resident. I had second degree tearing due to Noah's 8-pound, sideways birth, and he was more concerned with the fact that he didn't really know how to suture my tear than he was in the fact that his hasty deliver of the placenta has ruptured my uterus, and I was bleeding out. I lost three units of blood before someone came in to check on him. It took a very long time and several different techniques to get the bleeding to stop.

Once it did, I settled in to learn how to nurse. The hospital had a great lactation team. They did everything they could to get us off to a good start. It was a struggle to get started. My breasts weren't quite made right for nursing, so we had to use some "products" to get going. But once my nurses figured out what needed to be done Noah and I hit the ground running.

Running, figuratively of course, because after all of that blood loss, no one thought to replace any of it.

Twenty-four hours later my new nurse noticed my levels were "off" and checked with the on-call obgyn. Sure enough, I needed a transfusion. Unfortunately, the wing of the hospital I was in didn't perform transfusions. So, remember that great LDR room I got? I had to leave. I was taken to a different part of the hospital. My new room barely had its own bathroom, and there was no shower. The walls were dingy. And my hormones were starting to crash. Quickly. With the transfusion I received several bags of fluid and two units of blood. 

During all of this, my medical team had been trying unsuccessfully to stabilize my blood pressure (what landed me in the hospital in the first place). I was unable to get out of bed on my own. A shower was out of the question. The blood loss hadn't helped the situation at all. Each afternoon I was told to expect to be there another day.

Unfortunately, I discovered in my second day after birth that I fall into the category of women who struggle with postpartum depression. By the third day, I found myself severely panicked and being loaded with anti-depressants and sleep aids in addition to the never-ending flow of fluid bags to lower my blood pressure.

Four days after delivering Noah, I insisted that my doctor discharge me. I was not going to stay any longer. He let me go with the condition that I stay on bed rest at home. I agreed and left the hospital with prescriptions for two pain killers, antibiotics, stool softeners, anti-depressants, birth control, and blood pressure meds.

However, none of that mattered as I sat in the back and stared and the most perfect little face ever created. Moments after I delivered Noah, my nurse asked how many children I wanted. I replied "Four," because no matter how difficult labor and delivery might be, it is worth it all for the privilege of raising a child.

Birth Story Monday | Baby Aspen's Story

(Martha’s Notes:  I first met Suzanne in one of our many PR classes together at APSU. I remember my first impressions of her was how she was always dressed and accessorized SO cute and looked extremely put together! We worked on a few projects together, chatted about professors, and continued to take classes from Pam during our time at APSU. However, we never got to be close friends. Fast forward a couple of years… I posted a post about my plans for a natural childbirth and Suzanne sent me a message on FB saying how she had the same plans, but unfortunately they didn’t go how she wished. She just wanted me to be prepared in case plans changed. At the time I listened but didn’t think too much about that. Funny how now my plans have changed due to my complications! Thanks Suzy for the advice throughout pregnancy, the sweet gifts you gave me, and for sharing your story with us all!)

Baby Aspen's Birth Story by Mommy Suzanne
 
Saturday August 21, 2010. One of my baby showers was planned for the day. I decided to rest before getting ready. My water broke at 10:27 am. I was exactly 37 weeks to the day. I had just woken up and when I stood up I felt a trickle. Then a gush of water and it kept coming! My mucous plug was visible on the floor along with a lot of water. I was shaking as I called my husband and our doula, Rhonda. I couldn’t believe it was finally time!!!

After my water broke I began feeling pain in my lower back. We decided to wait a bit before going in to the hospital. I was trying for a natural birth. About 10 minutes after my water broke I began feeling contractions, They were about 10 minutes apart, and lasting about 30 seconds to a minute. Our doula arrived at 12:30 and I sat on the birthing ball and she rubbed my back. I was still leaking a lot of amniotic fluid. I was surprised, since I thought it would be one gush & done. I ate some lunch since I knew once I got to the hospital I wouldn’t be allowed anything. I even baked some cookies for my L&D nurses.

My mom couldn’t believe I was so calm at this point. She was freaking out more than me!

We decided to take a walk around the neighborhood and hopefully this would allow the baby to descend. I had some contractions while walking (and it was SO HOT. August heat in Tennessee!) While outside I was so aware of everything around me it was crazy! I could feel my senses heightened! When we came inside from the walk I decided to shower and hopefully that would help. I never got that far.  I sat down to go to the bathroom and felt pressure. We were concerned things were moving fast since my water had broken about 3 hours prior. So off to the hospital we went!

I got to L&D around 2:45 on Saturday afternoon. Got dressed in the gown and hooked up to everything. (even though I really didn’t want all that!) They agreed to an IV port for the moment and intermittenent fetal monitoring. But once they saw my blood pressure I was not allowed to really get up anymore. The baby’s heart rate was great and now it was time to check me. I was a whopping ONE CENTIMETER DILATED. Same as I had been at my check up appointment 4 days prior. I was crushed, very emotional. I was fearing a c-section since I know after water breaks they like to have the baby delivered within 24 hours. I was glad my husband and Rhonda were there to comfort me. I started doing some visualization exercises and picturing things opening. After several hours I was still not progressing, so they wanted to start the Pitocin. I was afraid of the intensity of the contractions with the Pitocin. At this point my contractions were pretty strong and they were irregular, coming every 5-10 minutes and lasting 3-5 minutes!!!! Humming/chanting was the only thing that helped me. My husband called it “my song.” I couldn’t do anything else. I was in Laborland! The contractions were unbearable and were going on 12 hours in labor with only maybe 1 cm progression, I knew I was going to have to do Pitocin, so I agreed to an epidural.

I had really planned for a natural birth and I had read SO much and thought I could do it, and I’m not going to lie, that epidural was GREAT. I am proud of myself for going 12 hours with nothing and especially with my crazy contraction pattern! Once they did the epi, we started the Pitocin and I got to get some rest. I did have some hot and cold flashes and I was shaking pretty badly with the epidural, but compared to contractions, that was nothing,

At  18 hours I had to go on antibiotics since my water had been broken for a while. When they checked me throughout the night I was progressing. It seems like things flew by. Around 12 pm they checked me and I was 9 cm. Almost there!!!! I mentally prepared and I could feel the pressure. My epidural began to wear off, which I actually am grateful for, because I got to feel a lot during the pushing stage.

I started to push around 1 pm. I had a couple practice pushes and pushed her down a bit and next thing I knew my doctor was suiting up and we were ready to have a baby!!! Pushing was a relief in a way, but it was SO HARD. I was on an oxygen mask for the baby and I had to remember to take a deep breath, hold it, relax my bottom and just PUSH. My husband and Rhonda helped greatly during this stage. Rhonda held my foot back and my husband fanned me & I was sweating and sooooo thirsty!!! I pushed maybe 8 or 10 times, about 45 minutes and I was getting tired. I decided internally to just get it done with the last push, and I bared down and I felt the “ring of fire” for about 10 seconds and I felt my baby slide out! I could NOT believe I just had a baby!! My doctor said I had one of the most shocked looks she had ever seen on a patient.

Aspen was 7lbs, 2 oz and 19.5 inches long and she was still covered in vernix since she was 37 weeks when she was born, she didn’t cry at first and then I heard her wail. I had a third degree tear because she had made a last minute turn and her head was sideways when she came out. I didn’t feel anything though thank God. They sewed me up and I finally got to hold my little princess. I told her happy birthday and that we waited so long for her. I didn’t cry like I had thought I would, but I was very happy. It felt like an out of body experience.

I am SO grateful for my husband, my doctor and my doula. I ended up being in labor for 28 hours, many doctors would have wanted to do a Cesarean, but my doctor had faith in me. Labor didn’t exactly go according to “my plan,” but that’s life. You have to be flexible. I am just happy I had a beautiful, healthy daughter and I got to have her vaginally. My husband was incredibly supportive throughout the whole thing. Bless his heart, he took a peek when she was crowning and almost passed out! The nurses made him sit down because he flushed and turned as white as a sheet!!! Lastly, I was so glad of our decision to hire a doula. Originally this had been due to the fact we wanted a natural birth. But even after that was gone, I really appreciated her knowledge of the things going on, and her comforting me through the contractions, pushing and everything in between! I had great support during labor, all of which helped me bring my daughter into this world!!!

(To read more about Suzanne's adventures with her baby, visit her blog, 'the life of little A'.)