Hello ladies! I am so over the moon to announce that after four years, and many losses, our rainbow baby arrived safe and sound on the 2nd at 5:57pm. The 2nd of January also happens to be one of my SIL's birthday's. She has had ten years of devastating losses and infertility that we have shared together and I grew up with her in my life, so we are so much closer than in-laws. This was such an amazing twist to our story, and my SIL was the only one present for the birth with my husband and I. It was a perfect day.
I went into labor in the evening of the 1st, but was able to sleep (though filled with some crazy dreams about giving birth from all the contractions). I woke up at 6:00am with really steady contractions every six minutes, which quickly became fewer minutes apart and stronger. By 11:00am MIL was taking over with DD (who was starting her first day of school at a new school) and we were out the door!
I was asked if I wanted a midwife or one of three physicians on duty that day (I have Kaiser so it is not likely that your OB will attend your delivery) and I chose the midwife, which was an excellent choice for me! At 3cm, 70% effaced, consistent contractions, and this being my 2nd delivery, she admitted me. I spent the next three hours walking the halls.
Now, I will admit that after my epidural did not work during my first delivery and my DD came "naturally", I had toyed with the idea of doing this naturally, and I "failed". I am totally okay with that. I was doing well, and then all my contractions moved to my back. I was rocking and walking my way through them, with lots of encouragement, when I had one that made me think... Nope. I'm done.
Well, it was a great decision in the long run. My midwife checked me and I was still at 3 cm, so she asked if I wanted my water broken. I was tentative but she reassured me that it was my decision, and I decided to go for it. It was a quick hour and a half later, five quick pushes and Ariel Rose arrived! It was the most fantastic, quick, happy, and thrilling moment of our lives, for the second time.
I will try and post a picture in a day or two.
Congrats to all the January mama's!
Re: Ariel Rose's arrival
Our house building adventure (UPDATED 8/20/12)
Wedding Planning Bio
Our wedding blogged! (Click Brad & Briana on the right side)
"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." - Eleanor Roosevelt