Our first photoJason has been telling me since the beginning that I was going to have this baby the day of the Baltimore Comic Con and he actually meant the twenty-eighth (the day he planned to go). Still, technically he wasn't wrong since the convention lasted two days!
My Braxton Hicks had been coming daily and increasing in severity for most of the week, but I knew it wasn't labor. Labor wasn't crampy feeling. It was more like a pinch. A few times on Friday my Braxton Hicks felt like that, but it soon went away.
Saturday morning Jason and Heather took River to the Comic Con and I had the entire morning to myself which was just plain odd. I worked out, ate like a pig (I'd been so so hungry the last few days. Mostly for sweets! The same things happened before my labor with River!), finished my book (was determined to do so before the baby was born as it was a new release from the library and I knew I wouldn't be able to renew it come Friday when it was due), wrote a bit, and then watched a movie. On one of my many bathroom breaks I noticed that my stomach had dropped even more. I texted Jason and told him that maybe today was the day.
Jason and River returned, River asleep. I went into the bedroom to take my own nap. Glad I went and listened to my body's needs because that extra hour would be one of the few I was able to sleep for the next 24!
I took River to the pool before dinner and watched him swim. Then we finished watching the series, Avatar: The Last Airbender (yet another thing I wanted to do before the baby arrived!). Before going to bed I did some extra chores. I had this feeling I might go into labor and wanted everything done. I went to bed early (9:00ish) having some Braxton Hicks. Normal, so I didn't think a thing of it. The "contractions" were waking me up now and then. I was dozing. By 11:30, when River came into our bed, I was too uncomfortable to sleep. I told Jason I thought maybe I was in labor but to sleep and I'd wake him when I was sure. I told River that tonight might be the night mommy and daddy went to the hospital.
I got up and timed my contractions, read about early labor, packed last minute things, put the hospital bag by the door, and wrote a letter to River on his dry erase board for Heather to read to him in the morning. Even though I was afraid I'd be wrong, I knew in my gut that it was time to have the baby. The contractions were there laying down or standing up. Though the space between them was longer when I lay down. If I squatted they were more intense and I could "make" one come up sooner. They were the same "pinch" type feeling of my last labor in my lower belly, but this time I had back labor too. So the ache radiated in my lower back and my front. I would spend my contractions rubbing my lower back--that helped. I felt tired, but also restless.
I took River to the pool before dinner and watched him swim. Then we finished watching the series, Avatar: The Last Airbender (yet another thing I wanted to do before the baby arrived!). Before going to bed I did some extra chores. I had this feeling I might go into labor and wanted everything done. I went to bed early (9:00ish) having some Braxton Hicks. Normal, so I didn't think a thing of it. The "contractions" were waking me up now and then. I was dozing. By 11:30, when River came into our bed, I was too uncomfortable to sleep. I told Jason I thought maybe I was in labor but to sleep and I'd wake him when I was sure. I told River that tonight might be the night mommy and daddy went to the hospital.
I got up and timed my contractions, read about early labor, packed last minute things, put the hospital bag by the door, and wrote a letter to River on his dry erase board for Heather to read to him in the morning. Even though I was afraid I'd be wrong, I knew in my gut that it was time to have the baby. The contractions were there laying down or standing up. Though the space between them was longer when I lay down. If I squatted they were more intense and I could "make" one come up sooner. They were the same "pinch" type feeling of my last labor in my lower belly, but this time I had back labor too. So the ache radiated in my lower back and my front. I would spend my contractions rubbing my lower back--that helped. I felt tired, but also restless.
Twenty minutes after Jason lay down to sleep, I woke him up. I was sure and I wanted company. I made sure to eat something and then paced around. I was most comfortable walking during the contractions at that point. If I laid down and then got up the contraction was more painful. Painful enough to stop me in my tracks and rock bent over whatever piece of furniture I was closest to. I tried to move during the pains to keep the baby moving down. If I was going to hurt, I wanted it all over fast!
Every time I peed I would have what I called 'a toilet contraction' caused by the position. My goal was to try to keep moving and an empty bladder to speed everything along. I had Jason download a labor ap on his phone so we could time my contractions that way.
At 1:00 I asked Jason to call Heather. The three of us hung out until around 3:30 timing my contractions which were never consistent--ever. (same as with River) They hurt enough that I had to bend over the back of the sofa and breathe through them and rock. It was the pain level that made me feel like it the shit was going to hit the fan soon and never the timing of the contractions (a big reason we stayed home way too long with River was my inconsistent contractions!) I knew I had to get to the hospital to get the antibiotics for strep b. So I debated going...or not. Should I? Was it time? Yes? But...the timing on the contractions...
I said I'd wait to 4:00 to see if my contractions would ever meet the 6-1-1 rule (six or less minutes apart, lasting one minute in duration for one hour) and then call the midwife whether they did or not. But by 3:45 my gut said I needed to call the midwife. Jason called and we waited for her to return the call. She did rather quickly, remembering how I said I'd only gotten to the hospital with 55 minutes to spare when River was born. I explained how everything was going and she told me to come in--she would call the hospital for us.
There were no cars on the road. No traffic. We got stuck at the long light and I unbuckled my seat belt to turn around on my knees and have a contraction. At the hospital we got a great spot and walked into the dead quite birthing center. It was so nice to be admitted without being in excruciating agony or rushed by the speed of my labor. I felt relaxed and very happy. We went to the triage room, I changed, peed in the cup, and was put in the bed to have my contractions and baby's heartbeat monitored, answer some more questions and have my IV put in. When the nurse checked to see how far I was dilated, we were both thrilled to hear I was 7cm, fully effaced, and -1 station. I had been 7cm when I arrived at the hospital with River and went from 7 to 10 in a matter of 10 minutes.
That wasn't happening this time. Maybe 7 is the spot my body gets stuck for a bit. I chose to walk to labor and delivery over taking the wheelchair. I hate sitting during labor. Moving helps. I wanted to move. I turned down sitting on the bed. I'd have to get in now and then to be monitored, but could move around the rest of the time. I had my IV hooked to antibiotics. They did burn and make my arm ache because of the speed at which they had to be put in to make sure I got the full dose--but overall--not bad.
Soon that was done. The midwife checked me during a contraction which was very uncomfortable. I was 8cm. I wanted to get in the tub. I spent the worse part of my labor before the end in this massive spa-like tub filling with water as hot as I could get it. The sound of the water was soothing and the heat, but being in there actually sped up my labor. The contractions were bad enough that I was starting to dread them and fear them. I would grip the pole above my head and sorta squat/kneel and rock through the contractions. I liked to tap my fingers or rub my face during the pain. I started thinking of Bryan to help me get through them. I was chilly and thirsty, but all I could have was ice chips. I would make deep humming/moan sounds during the pain and that helped too. I felt in control still.
I knew I was entering transition when I started to need to hold Jason's hand and I couldn't think because of the pain of the contractions. Between then I felt hot and groggy like I was a little tipsy. So when the midwife and nurse came to check, I agreed that it was time to get out. I was being toweled off and dressed in the hospital robe but my mind was really locked into my body and the pain and when the next pain would come. I needed Jason's hand.
I was put into bed for more monitoring and to check my dilation. I was still 8cm and my water had yet to break (It broke at home with River). The midwife informed me that she would break my water at 9cm and get things really moving. The contractions were bad enough that I would grip the bed, moan, and toss my head side to side during them. I was calling myself crazy for not getting drugs and stupid to do this again and swearing never to have more children. The nurse wiped my face with a cool cloth that felt wonderful. The midwife check me again (it was horrible because she would only do it during contractions). I was 9cm and she went about breaking my water. That in-itself was no more painful than her checking my dilation. Bad news, merconium (baby poop) was in the fluid so I would not be able to hold the baby right away. Not that I really cared at that point. The pain was horrible.
Soon, everyone told me. Soon. I was feeling some pressure, than more pressure, and then I was pushing against my will. Mind you, on my back. I was just too tired at that point to want to do anything else. Pushing on my own was sickening. I felt like I was going to vomit. Afterwards Jason reminded me that I looked at him and said, "This is horrible." At this point the midwife said I was ready to go. They could already see the baby's head.
The room filled with people, plastic was laid down, the midwife put on this long sleeved robe. My legs were yanked up, stirrups up, butt slid down. "I can't" I protested and the contraction was barreling over me and I was pushing hard, moaning, grunting,yelling out "It's hurts!" and "Get her out of me!" I hardly had a break, a breathe and the midwife telling me to hold my legs (check) and keep my chin to my chest. Later Jason told me he grabbed my left leg and pushed my head down with his other hand. Everyone is yelling "Push!" and "She's right there!" Jason told me I could have her out with one more push. I wanted it to end and gave it everything I had.
I can't explain pushing to you. It's a horrible, odd feeling. With River pushing didn't hurt and took forty minutes with spaced out contractions. My body stopped pushing as soon as they put me on my back. But with Sage pushing felt uncontrollable--like when you vomit. It couldn't be stopped. I had no break between contractions. Crowning didn't hurt nearly as much as it did with River. There was the burn, but it didn't stop me. I pushed through it and her head was out. A pause and here Jason said the cord was around her neck and removed. It all flowed very quickly. Out came her shoulders and then the hot gushing release of the rest of her body. She was crying, gone, waving arms and legs in the warmer with people all around her. I was so so tired and shocked, trembling and moaning through the massage and everything else that followed.
Jason stayed with me the entire time which was such a comfort because at that point I just wanted to curl around my pain and be left alone. But the midwife had to deliver the placenta, I had to be massaged, and then there was the numbing needle and two little stitches. A superficial tear that didn't even need to be stitched but the midwife thought it would be more comfortable for me if she did it so I wouldn't pee into the cut. LOL
Finally, I could sit up and hold my baby. I put her on my breast right away and got her latched. She was so small! So much smaller than River and her head so round because she came out so quickly! I was so happy. So proud of Jason and I.
The birth was amazing. I didn't feel like I had a baby at all. I wasn't swollen. I could walk, sit, and get up and down by myself. I stopped using the ice packs the next day even though I had many left. I can't even compare it to how bad I hurt after River. It was so different this time. No hemorrhoids and I hadn't even shit myself during labor! Lucky me!
The worse pain was the cramps.. The midwife warned me that the cramping would be worse this time because my uterus isn't all strong from having River. It's true. The cramps were like contractions. Also, blood clots. I had huge gelatinous blood clots the day after. Not painful, just weird. Didn't have those with River. And the bleeding is so much lighter this time around. Also, my milk started coming in the next day which made Sage happy enough to sleep well the second night.
When I saw the midwife twenty-four hours later, she complemented Jason and I. She said she had never had such an upbeat couple. We joked, laughed and spoke between contractions to the very end and kept such a positive attitude.
I feel blessed by this pregnancy, this labor, and my tiny peanut of a daughter.
Every time I peed I would have what I called 'a toilet contraction' caused by the position. My goal was to try to keep moving and an empty bladder to speed everything along. I had Jason download a labor ap on his phone so we could time my contractions that way.
At 1:00 I asked Jason to call Heather. The three of us hung out until around 3:30 timing my contractions which were never consistent--ever. (same as with River) They hurt enough that I had to bend over the back of the sofa and breathe through them and rock. It was the pain level that made me feel like it the shit was going to hit the fan soon and never the timing of the contractions (a big reason we stayed home way too long with River was my inconsistent contractions!) I knew I had to get to the hospital to get the antibiotics for strep b. So I debated going...or not. Should I? Was it time? Yes? But...the timing on the contractions...
I said I'd wait to 4:00 to see if my contractions would ever meet the 6-1-1 rule (six or less minutes apart, lasting one minute in duration for one hour) and then call the midwife whether they did or not. But by 3:45 my gut said I needed to call the midwife. Jason called and we waited for her to return the call. She did rather quickly, remembering how I said I'd only gotten to the hospital with 55 minutes to spare when River was born. I explained how everything was going and she told me to come in--she would call the hospital for us.
There were no cars on the road. No traffic. We got stuck at the long light and I unbuckled my seat belt to turn around on my knees and have a contraction. At the hospital we got a great spot and walked into the dead quite birthing center. It was so nice to be admitted without being in excruciating agony or rushed by the speed of my labor. I felt relaxed and very happy. We went to the triage room, I changed, peed in the cup, and was put in the bed to have my contractions and baby's heartbeat monitored, answer some more questions and have my IV put in. When the nurse checked to see how far I was dilated, we were both thrilled to hear I was 7cm, fully effaced, and -1 station. I had been 7cm when I arrived at the hospital with River and went from 7 to 10 in a matter of 10 minutes.
That wasn't happening this time. Maybe 7 is the spot my body gets stuck for a bit. I chose to walk to labor and delivery over taking the wheelchair. I hate sitting during labor. Moving helps. I wanted to move. I turned down sitting on the bed. I'd have to get in now and then to be monitored, but could move around the rest of the time. I had my IV hooked to antibiotics. They did burn and make my arm ache because of the speed at which they had to be put in to make sure I got the full dose--but overall--not bad.
Soon that was done. The midwife checked me during a contraction which was very uncomfortable. I was 8cm. I wanted to get in the tub. I spent the worse part of my labor before the end in this massive spa-like tub filling with water as hot as I could get it. The sound of the water was soothing and the heat, but being in there actually sped up my labor. The contractions were bad enough that I was starting to dread them and fear them. I would grip the pole above my head and sorta squat/kneel and rock through the contractions. I liked to tap my fingers or rub my face during the pain. I started thinking of Bryan to help me get through them. I was chilly and thirsty, but all I could have was ice chips. I would make deep humming/moan sounds during the pain and that helped too. I felt in control still.
I knew I was entering transition when I started to need to hold Jason's hand and I couldn't think because of the pain of the contractions. Between then I felt hot and groggy like I was a little tipsy. So when the midwife and nurse came to check, I agreed that it was time to get out. I was being toweled off and dressed in the hospital robe but my mind was really locked into my body and the pain and when the next pain would come. I needed Jason's hand.
I was put into bed for more monitoring and to check my dilation. I was still 8cm and my water had yet to break (It broke at home with River). The midwife informed me that she would break my water at 9cm and get things really moving. The contractions were bad enough that I would grip the bed, moan, and toss my head side to side during them. I was calling myself crazy for not getting drugs and stupid to do this again and swearing never to have more children. The nurse wiped my face with a cool cloth that felt wonderful. The midwife check me again (it was horrible because she would only do it during contractions). I was 9cm and she went about breaking my water. That in-itself was no more painful than her checking my dilation. Bad news, merconium (baby poop) was in the fluid so I would not be able to hold the baby right away. Not that I really cared at that point. The pain was horrible.
Soon, everyone told me. Soon. I was feeling some pressure, than more pressure, and then I was pushing against my will. Mind you, on my back. I was just too tired at that point to want to do anything else. Pushing on my own was sickening. I felt like I was going to vomit. Afterwards Jason reminded me that I looked at him and said, "This is horrible." At this point the midwife said I was ready to go. They could already see the baby's head.
The room filled with people, plastic was laid down, the midwife put on this long sleeved robe. My legs were yanked up, stirrups up, butt slid down. "I can't" I protested and the contraction was barreling over me and I was pushing hard, moaning, grunting,yelling out "It's hurts!" and "Get her out of me!" I hardly had a break, a breathe and the midwife telling me to hold my legs (check) and keep my chin to my chest. Later Jason told me he grabbed my left leg and pushed my head down with his other hand. Everyone is yelling "Push!" and "She's right there!" Jason told me I could have her out with one more push. I wanted it to end and gave it everything I had.
I can't explain pushing to you. It's a horrible, odd feeling. With River pushing didn't hurt and took forty minutes with spaced out contractions. My body stopped pushing as soon as they put me on my back. But with Sage pushing felt uncontrollable--like when you vomit. It couldn't be stopped. I had no break between contractions. Crowning didn't hurt nearly as much as it did with River. There was the burn, but it didn't stop me. I pushed through it and her head was out. A pause and here Jason said the cord was around her neck and removed. It all flowed very quickly. Out came her shoulders and then the hot gushing release of the rest of her body. She was crying, gone, waving arms and legs in the warmer with people all around her. I was so so tired and shocked, trembling and moaning through the massage and everything else that followed.
Jason stayed with me the entire time which was such a comfort because at that point I just wanted to curl around my pain and be left alone. But the midwife had to deliver the placenta, I had to be massaged, and then there was the numbing needle and two little stitches. A superficial tear that didn't even need to be stitched but the midwife thought it would be more comfortable for me if she did it so I wouldn't pee into the cut. LOL
Finally, I could sit up and hold my baby. I put her on my breast right away and got her latched. She was so small! So much smaller than River and her head so round because she came out so quickly! I was so happy. So proud of Jason and I.
The birth was amazing. I didn't feel like I had a baby at all. I wasn't swollen. I could walk, sit, and get up and down by myself. I stopped using the ice packs the next day even though I had many left. I can't even compare it to how bad I hurt after River. It was so different this time. No hemorrhoids and I hadn't even shit myself during labor! Lucky me!
The worse pain was the cramps.. The midwife warned me that the cramping would be worse this time because my uterus isn't all strong from having River. It's true. The cramps were like contractions. Also, blood clots. I had huge gelatinous blood clots the day after. Not painful, just weird. Didn't have those with River. And the bleeding is so much lighter this time around. Also, my milk started coming in the next day which made Sage happy enough to sleep well the second night.
When I saw the midwife twenty-four hours later, she complemented Jason and I. She said she had never had such an upbeat couple. We joked, laughed and spoke between contractions to the very end and kept such a positive attitude.
I feel blessed by this pregnancy, this labor, and my tiny peanut of a daughter.
