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June 2014 Moms
CVislo
member
Late Birth Story.
CVislo
member
Jackson Theodore was born June 3 weighing 9 pounds 6 ounces and 20.5 inches long.
I went for my 40 week appointment on May 28. My doctor said there was no dilation or effacement and to come back on June 2 to check again... I was really pushing for a VBAC and he was okay with it until 41 weeks. So, June 2, no dilation or effacement and we scheduled a c-section. I was to come in Tuesday, June 2 in the afternoon for preparations and surgery would be done on Wednesday morning, June 4. I woke up at 5:30 on June 2 with contractions. I thought nothing of it because I'd been having contractions regularly for nearly two weeks. At 6, I was starting to think maybe it could be the real deal, so I messaged my MIL to get her opinion on things. I decided to wait until 3 pm when I needed to be at the hospital and just mention my contractions. By 6:15 am, I knew we needed to go now. I woke my husband up and had him get himself and our older son ready. I could not reach our sitter, so he ended up going with us. We took our time getting ready because I wanted to labor at home to avoid the epidural as long as possible... And because it was really hot in the hospital because buildings here in Japan are not cooled as much as buildings in America are.
We got to the hospital shortly after 8 am. My water broke while I was walking up the stairs to the labor and delivery floor. The nurse checked me after I changed and she said "You're a 7, almost 8." My first thought was that she was lying. I was expecting a 4, maybe a 5. I asked her if she was serious and she said yes. They said that they would prep me for my c-section but my doctor asked me if I'd still like a VBAC and I said yes. So I got the epidural and 30 minutes later, I was a 10 and was told that I could push when I felt the urge. Unfortunately, medicine of any kind puts me to sleep, so I was in and out of sleep for nearly 3 hours. Finally, when the medicine wore off a bit, I was able to keep myself awake and push. I pushed 4 times and the baby's heart rate kept going down, so the doctor recommended assistance with a vacuum. I said okay and a few moments later Jackson was born. The cord was around his neck once, which the doctor said was causing the heart rate issues.
I was so happy to have had a VBAC. I was in a sort of sitting position, so I was able to see him born and it was so wonderful. I had a very small tear that my doctor stitched up and then I was rushed out of the delivery room because someone had shown up in labor while I was pushing. My hospital only has one delivery room and one surgery room. It's very small. I was up and walking as soon as my epidural was taken out. My IV was removed when the epidural was because I had asked for removal as soon as possible. The nurses here were so nice and helpful. I was expecting an experience like my first labor with rude nurses who are not encouraging and do not really care for my wishes. I was shocked. There was one nurse who stayed in the room and entertained my 4 year old and explained to him what was happening. Another nurse stayed by my side the entire time I was in the delivery room. She and my husband were so supportive and helpful. I could not have asked for better nurses. I could not have asked for a better experience. Giving birth in Japan was scary to think about, but my experience here was MUCH better than my experience giving birth in America.
The hospital stay was a bit awkward though. Not all of the nurses spoke English and those who did, did not speak it well. So, there was a cook that often came to my room to check on me and make sure my questions were answered because she spoke English very well. The food was... interesting. I tried everything but did really eat anything my first day there. I just did not like what was served that first day except for my dinner, which was fantastic. My second day there, the food was so amazing that I cleaned my tray each meal except tea time. My stay in the hospital was only two days and it forced me to try new foods, which has in turn inspired me to try as many foods and experiences as I can while I'm in Japan.
I went for my 40 week appointment on May 28. My doctor said there was no dilation or effacement and to come back on June 2 to check again... I was really pushing for a VBAC and he was okay with it until 41 weeks. So, June 2, no dilation or effacement and we scheduled a c-section. I was to come in Tuesday, June 2 in the afternoon for preparations and surgery would be done on Wednesday morning, June 4. I woke up at 5:30 on June 2 with contractions. I thought nothing of it because I'd been having contractions regularly for nearly two weeks. At 6, I was starting to think maybe it could be the real deal, so I messaged my MIL to get her opinion on things. I decided to wait until 3 pm when I needed to be at the hospital and just mention my contractions. By 6:15 am, I knew we needed to go now. I woke my husband up and had him get himself and our older son ready. I could not reach our sitter, so he ended up going with us. We took our time getting ready because I wanted to labor at home to avoid the epidural as long as possible... And because it was really hot in the hospital because buildings here in Japan are not cooled as much as buildings in America are.
We got to the hospital shortly after 8 am. My water broke while I was walking up the stairs to the labor and delivery floor. The nurse checked me after I changed and she said "You're a 7, almost 8." My first thought was that she was lying. I was expecting a 4, maybe a 5. I asked her if she was serious and she said yes. They said that they would prep me for my c-section but my doctor asked me if I'd still like a VBAC and I said yes. So I got the epidural and 30 minutes later, I was a 10 and was told that I could push when I felt the urge. Unfortunately, medicine of any kind puts me to sleep, so I was in and out of sleep for nearly 3 hours. Finally, when the medicine wore off a bit, I was able to keep myself awake and push. I pushed 4 times and the baby's heart rate kept going down, so the doctor recommended assistance with a vacuum. I said okay and a few moments later Jackson was born. The cord was around his neck once, which the doctor said was causing the heart rate issues.
I was so happy to have had a VBAC. I was in a sort of sitting position, so I was able to see him born and it was so wonderful. I had a very small tear that my doctor stitched up and then I was rushed out of the delivery room because someone had shown up in labor while I was pushing. My hospital only has one delivery room and one surgery room. It's very small. I was up and walking as soon as my epidural was taken out. My IV was removed when the epidural was because I had asked for removal as soon as possible. The nurses here were so nice and helpful. I was expecting an experience like my first labor with rude nurses who are not encouraging and do not really care for my wishes. I was shocked. There was one nurse who stayed in the room and entertained my 4 year old and explained to him what was happening. Another nurse stayed by my side the entire time I was in the delivery room. She and my husband were so supportive and helpful. I could not have asked for better nurses. I could not have asked for a better experience. Giving birth in Japan was scary to think about, but my experience here was MUCH better than my experience giving birth in America.
The hospital stay was a bit awkward though. Not all of the nurses spoke English and those who did, did not speak it well. So, there was a cook that often came to my room to check on me and make sure my questions were answered because she spoke English very well. The food was... interesting. I tried everything but did really eat anything my first day there. I just did not like what was served that first day except for my dinner, which was fantastic. My second day there, the food was so amazing that I cleaned my tray each meal except tea time. My stay in the hospital was only two days and it forced me to try new foods, which has in turn inspired me to try as many foods and experiences as I can while I'm in Japan.
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Re: Late Birth Story.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe
DD2: October 2016
DC3: coming May 2019
Once, in a Japanese grocery store, we were asking where we could find the Panko Flakes. The young man who was trying to assist us just did not understand us. He looked very uncomfortable and after about five minutes, he just kind of shrugged and walked away. We did not find the Panko Flakes that day. lol.