James Montgomery "Jamie" was born Sunday 10/16 (39 + 3) at 4:42 pm via emergency c-section. I was really holding out hope that the full moon magic would do its thing! On Saturday, I went to the MD Home and Garden show to walk around and attempt to walk him out. By 7:00 I was having mild contractions about 12 mins apart. I timed them until midnight when they were about 10 mins apart and then went to bed. I woke up two hours later and they were much more intense but still manageable and 7 mins apart. I took a shower and bounced on the yoga ball until 6 when they hit 5:30 apart. We headed to hospital at 7 am where I was checked and was 3 cm and 90% effaced. My water had also broken but I don't know when (I still maintain it was Friday morning even though I was sent home with a negative amniotic fluid test). I labored until about 1 pm with no meds and was checked to find out I had only dilated to 4, major bummer. The OB also said my water hadn't fully broken so she did that and HOLY. SHIT. Contractions were on top of each other and so intense, I thought I was being ripped in half. After an hour of that I still hadn't dilated anymore but Jamie was dropping quickly and putting a lot of pressure on my cervix causing it to swell. They decided to give me pitocin and I immediately asked for the epi knowing pit would only make things worse. Three hours later my BP bottomed out and I almost passed out. When that happened, Jamie's heart rate dropped too. They tried adjusting me a few times with no success and before I knew it we were running to the OR. Scariest moments of my entire life. I passed out on the table and woke up when they pulled him out and he started crying. It was the best thing I've ever heard. I turned and saw my husband holding my hand and sobbing and then passed out again. Overall, it was a traumatic experience but I'd do it again if I had to. He was 8 lbs even and 20.5 inches of pure perfection. Breastfeeding is going great but the C-Section recovery SUCKS. And let me just say, I have never been more in love with my husband. He is a rock star with Jamie and is taking such good care of both of us. I can't wait to go home with both of my boys.
Took me a week to write this because I've been so busy and I feel like it's a long story!
I woke up to contractions at around 11:30pm on 10/10 I labored at home until around 2:30am and then contractions were coming between every 2.5 and 6 minutes. I wasn't sure what to do so I called the OB on call and she told me to go ahead and go into L&D since I was past my due date. Got to triage and sadly was still at 2cm and around 80% effaced, no changes. I spent an incredibly uncomfortable hour of monitoring in triage, my only options for dealing with the contractions were standing next to the bed, which was exhausting, or sitting in the bed, which was painful. After an hour, I was still the same, but during a check the lovely nurse stretched me to a 4 so I could be admitted since I was going to be induced the next day anyways. I had planned on laboring unmedicated as long as possible, but I was in so much pain by the time I got to the labor room that I wanted the epidural ASAP. It wasn't nearly as painful as I thought and it worked like magic! My husband on the other hand almost passed out during it even though he didn't see it. Of course, my water did break on his shoes right before the epidural!
It was a long, slow labor. I didn't feel much pain but was exhausted from lack of sleep and the worst part was the shaking, either from labor hormones or the epi. They gave me pitocin to make my contractions more regular. I was excited that around 3:45 I was at 9cm, but hours later I was still the same. I never made it to 10 but I really didn't want a c-section, so the OB on call let me try to push for two hours. The nurses told me that most OBs never stay in the room for the pushing that long! Ultimately, it was determined that baby's head just wasn't going to fit and since my water broke so long before I needed a c-section. I was terrified, but it wasn't too bad except for the shaking again.
Everett Miller P was born on 10/11 at 1:15am via c section. He was 8lbs and 19.5in (so much for that ultrasound that said he was very small!). I got some skin-to-skin time when they were sewing me up and for a couple of hours in the delivery room. Unfortunately they then told me he had low blood sugar and had to go to the NICU. I was devastated. They were worried about possible infection, but in the end it was probably just due to the stress of a long labor. He was on IV fluids for a bit, then a feeding tube with a combo of breastmilk and formula. Breastfeeding was going terribly until they finally gave me a nipple shield which worked like a charm.
Although all of the nurses, doctors, and lactation consultants were wonderful, it was the happiest moment of my life getting out of that NICU after 5 days and heading home. Home has been wonderful and baby is thriving, he's already started putting weight back on and is mostly feeding without the nipple shield. I feel so incredibly grateful and the long labor and NICU stay already feel like ancient history. It was great to read some other birth stories and know that I am not the only one whose labor and delivery went nothing like they anticipated!!
(This is essentially the same as I posted on Facebook) Baby B made his debut after 18 hours of actual labor. I have been in the hospital since Monday - induction did not work initially so I got a break to eat Tuesday night. They did a second round of cervidil after that and my water ended up breaking on its own Wednesday morning at 7:45 after 2 contractions. I labored without medicine for about 3 hours but the pain was so bad I asked for IV meds. They didn't do much so I got the epidural and felt way better. Contractions were good and regular and we finally were dilated to 10 around 10:00. We pushed for an hour and he just was not moving down far enough. My doctor gave me the option of continuing to try to push, but she said he just seemed too big for my pelvis. I made the decision to have the c-section and he was here quickly! 8 pounds 12 ounces and 20.5 inches long! We're working on breastfeeding but when we get a latch, he is a champion eater. We had a small blood sugar drop but he's been back to normal since. Overall we're doing well!
Piper Leigh has joined the outside world and it wasn't without a little drama! Born at 3:20am on 10/21 via CS and 5lbs 15 oz (she's a little peanut at 41 weeks!)
I went to my appt yesterday morning and her fluid was really low so they said it was time to induce. I got to the hospital around 12:30 and ironically started having my first real contractions on my own, but with my cervix still only at a 1, they started the pitocin to see if that would work. After a while there was no change so the doc broke my water which ramped up contractions and the pain. I ended up getting an epidural and felt great. However after laboring for about 7 hours, baby's heart rate started to really drop with each contraction so doc said it was time to get her out. Luckily her heart beat picked back up and bought us more relaxed time to get set up for the CS. CS went really smooth and Piper came out wailing and healthy so we couldn't be more relieved. So far I feel pretty good, just sore and amped up from the whole experience, but hoping to get some sleep soon.
Cameron Andrew made his appearance 3 hours after his due date on 10/17 at 3:01 am. I had time able contractions (what felt like intense cramping then got progressively worse) from noon to the time we got in car to go at 11:30 pm. Got checked at 12:30 and was 5cm, moved into the holistic birth center room and was rechecked and was about 9.5 an hour later. I labored in the tub for a bit then got into the bed and my water broke and it was time to push. After 16 minutes of pushing, our angel was here! It happened so fast. I'm so pumped we were able to be Med and intervention free.
Penelope was born yesterday at 7.30 pm after a slow start and an intense finish! I woke up to painful contractions around 3.30 am, timing them out to around 15 minutes apart. After waking everyone up, calling in to work, and getting DD1 to daycare they basically stopped. I was able to catch a short nap then they started up again. The contractions never got closer than ten minutes apart, but the intensity and length of them increased throughout the day. Finally after dinner they were under ten minutes apart when standing and I was in almost constant discomfort.
I called L&D on the way to the hospital and my water broke within seconds of hanging up! All of a sudden the contractions were back to back and extremely painful. By the time we got to triage I was 6 cm and head was right there. I wanted an epidural but because of my low blood pressure they wanted at least half a bag of IV fluids first and there probably would not be time. They got me in my room and started the IV anyway. By the time anesthesia got there I was at a 9, fully effaced, and nearly ready. No time for the epidural but they were able to get me a spinal anesthesia. It was the most painful moment- sitting up straight in bed while contracting almost constantly and trying so hard not to push. They got it in and the relief was magical. Within minutes dr was set up and it was time to push. The nurse had to tell me when I was contracting. Six pushes later she was here 7 lb, 20 in, and a head full of hair. Born less than an hour and a half after arriving at the hospital! She couldn't be more beautiful.
Late post, also posted on FB. Kinzley Mae came into the world via c section Wednesday, OCT. 19th at 12:41pm. She weighed 8lbs and 11oz. and measured 21.5in. long. We had a c section scheduled because of Kinzleys size and I have a borderline pelvis; however, she came out the same size she was measuring at our last U/S but I'm glad we went Csection route because the cord was wrapped around her neck and her shoulders which was preventing her from dropping as well. She has been perfect since she arrived. Her dad did skin to skin since I was still in surgery and he never cries but the minute they handed her him he cried and it just melted my heart. She is a breast feeding champ and feeds whenever shes not sleeping, and she sleeps for 6 hours at night (her ped. said not to wake up for bfing so we are looking pretty good right now)
Adabella Victoria make her grand entrance via repeat c section yesterday at 8:20am. This little girl came out much smaller than expected at 7lbs 6oz and 20inches long. The whole family is in love with this beautiful little girl
The short: Carol Jane (CJ) arrived via C-section on Wednesday 10/19 at 2:47pm (4 days after her due date) weighing 6 lbs 4.5 oz and measuring 17 inches long. (Not a typo, they came back to re-measure her the second day because she's so short )
The long: I started having contractions on Sunday evening (10/16). I went to bed excited that my water might break during the night or my contractions would get closer together and timeable. I woke up several times with painful contractions and moved to the couch to time them and not disturb DH. The next morning, Monday, I had a feeling I still had a ways to go, so I sent DH to work and sat around all day timing contractions between 6 and 12 minutes. They slowed down at lunch and I was able to take a nap. Did not sleep at all during the evening because contractions were consistently occurring.
Tuesday DH decided to stay with me because pain and lack of sleep was wearing on me. I also had an NST appt which showed I was having contractions, but they didn't even offer me a cervical check. That evening, contractions finally got to around 3-5 minutes apart for a few hours, so I took a shower, got excited to have a baby, and then they went back to 6-7 minutes apart. At this point I called L & D to bed for mercy. Please check me and send me home, but please give me something to deal with no sleep and 48 hrs of contractions on average every 10 minutes.
I went in and was surprised that I was at 4.5 cm and would be admitted. Sweet Jesus. Thank you for having my OB as the chief resident that evening. Yes, please I want the epidural immediately. Epidural was quickly placed and provided relief for three hours of glorious sleep. I progressed to 7 cm, and, spoiler, never made it any further.
I thought laboring in the hospital would be awesome, especially with the awesome epidural. Which might have been true had the epidural not worn off, and had attempts to boost it not been unsuccessful. I had to breathe/moan through every contraction while adjusting my position because CJ was getting increasingly distressed. The nurse finally convinced anesthesiology to replace my epidural, 1 for actual pain management and 2 in case I needed a c-section.
The second epidural was finally placed, they started pitocin to try to move things along, but soon after the doctors came in and told me that I wasn't progressing, actually I had gone backwards to a 5cm, CJ was in distress during a high enough percentage of my contractions, and likely my pelvic arch was preventing her from engaging. DH and I made the decision to get our baby out safely and quickly with a (semi?) emergency c-section. DH is a sensitive guy, so I knew he'd be a quivering mess, but seeing his response to CJ's entry into the world was the highlight of my birthing experience. And hearing her little cry for the first time without seeing her seemed so surreal.
I remember thinking during labor (multiple times), I'm never doing this again. CJ is totally worth it and meeting her was the best day of my life, but I'm still not sure if I ever want to experience labor again. We were on the fence about having one kid and if the labor isn't enough to scare us off, these early newborn days may seal the deal
Evelyn Marie Madden was born Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 12:37pm via a planned c-section. She weighed 7lbs 4oz and was 20in long. We love her so much already!!
Gabriel Gregory made his appearance on Thursday, October 13th at 5:12am via emergency C-section. He weighed 8lb, 13oz and measured 21 inches long.
I had a scheduled NST on Tuesday the 11th and was having pretty strong contractions. The nurses sent me up to L&D to get checked out by my doctor. I was high and closed, and not dilated at all. I got the spiel to come back if my water broke or when contractions had regulated a bit and were 5 minutes apart.
We went home. I rolled around on my yoga ball, we had dinner, and went to bed. I woke up around 12:45am for an antacid and when I rolled back over, felt a gush. Then another couple quick gushes. I called the hospital and the doctor on call said to come on in. I got cleaned up and we arrived at the hospital around 2am.
When I got admitted I asked for a yoga ball and took frequent walks around L&D throughout the rest of the night, morning and afternoon. My contractions started getting more intense in the late afternoon but I was still barely dilated. I'd been on pitocin all day, which they maxed me out on the dosage, and by around 8pm, the contractions had become so excruciating and constant, one after the other with no breaks, I requested an epidural. I was terrified and an epidural was not part of my plan but it brought instant and much needed relief. I was able to nap for a couple of hours which was also nice because I was so exhausted from the pain.
Around midnight, I was started on an antibiotic drip because I'd been ruptured for 24 hours and we didn't want to risk infection. Shortly after, it was time to start pushing, and my epidural was turned down - unbearable pain again.
I pushed for nearly 4 hours. It was excruciating and difficult. I tried so hard to push Gabriel out, but it turns out he was hung up on my pelvic bone and had flipped posterior and had his head in an odd position to boot. We finally made the decision to have an emergency C-section because his heart rate was beginning to drop during pushes and mama was spent. I remember feeling so tired. I told my doctor, "Just don't kill us."
The C-section went well - we had a healthy baby boy! All of a sudden I heard him crying and everyone in the room was commenting on what a good-sized baby he was, but I couldn't see him. Hubby finally brought him to my face. I kissed his tears and couldn't believe I finally had my baby.
Gabriel did have jaundice and starting on his 3rd day he had to go under the Bili-lites for 24 hours. That doesn't sound so bad, but I felt absolutely helpless. By that night, DH was frustrated and exhausted from standing next to his bassinet listening to him cry and plugging his pacifier. Our awesome night nurse pulled him from the lights in the bassinet and moved him to my chest. She moved the lights to my bed and we snuggled and everyone in the room got some sleep that night. Gabriel had also lost almost 10% of his birth weight so we worked hard to feed him enough formula to both boost his weight and flush the bilirubin from his system. By Sunday afternoon, he had dropped to low risk with his bilirubin levels and he'd gained back 3 ounces, and we were able to go home on schedule.
Sorry for the long AW post. Baby boy is happy and healthy and we're just trying to adjust to his schedule now. Hope all the other mamas are feeling good and enjoying their little ones.
Sunday Evening I really got the urge to get things moving along, I was 40Weeks+1 - she was my 4th and I had never gone past 38weeks. My last two were inductions but this OBGYN wasn't the same as my previous pregnancies and didn't see a reason to induce. I literally tried everything on my own to get baby here before I went over but she hung in there. So Sunday I convinced my husband to walk with me and our 2 boys around the neighborhood. It was the first rainy day of Fall & we loved it. We walked for 30 minutes to the park all around and back home. I felt a small squish of ickyness during the walk and checked it out when we got home. It was a big piece of MP and i was soaked but it smelled like pee so i doubted it. Well all night and the next morning i had to keep changing because of feeling wet. I dropped my oldest off at school and walked for another 20 min at the park with my 2 other kids &mom. At this point i was crampy but it didnt feel that bad. I made plans with my sister to make dinner and she started driving the 30+miles over. When i got home i felt weird so i thought i would just go get checked, sent home and then continue with my day. Wrong. The test came back for ruptured membranes at 12:30 pm. I was admitted by 1pm but was still 2cm thick and high. We got the iv set up, it started leaking into my arm so it had to be redone and then the doctor couldnt find my GBS test results so we started Antobiotics and fluids & i took one dose of Cyotek but only moved to a 3 by 5pm. By 7pm i was a 4 and contractions really sucked so i agreed to the epi if the doctor would start pitocin. Waiting for the anesthesiologist my contractions started picking up really well but the doctor said NO to Pitocin, he said its baby number 4 and your body will eventually remember ... ugh. I sent my hubby home to rest after the 10 pm check revealed i was only a 4.5. I got the epi at 12pm and started pitocin at 2am really slow. It started working but not well. The epi made me kinda sick but i knocked out until 5am. When i was checked finally i was at a 6 but thin and the new nurse started to bump up the pit a lot. It felt good and i stopped the epi extra dose to start feeling contractions. Then it went empty and while eaiting for her to return the contractions got real ! My mom and kids came to visit around 9am and even with the epi back i was really trying to breathe through the waves ... the nurse came to check me at 10 am and fresked when she didnt feel my cervix, she said it was gone and it was all baby. She said to do a trial push and then screamed to srop because baby was coming. My mom rushed the kids down stairs, and the doctor was called. He was taking his sweet time, she said he must be riding his pony over lol. I had to hold in 6 pushes with my knees together and when my feet went up baby's head came out. 3 pushes later and she was here a little squirmer on my chest. She immediately started snorting like a piglet wanting to eat and we have been doing good. Its weird how 5 minutes of sleep completely refresh you ! Im complete and so happy !!!
Hey girls! Sorry for the late update! It's been a whirlwind but, Ella was born at 2:56 am on 10/25 weighing in at 7lbs 8oz and 21" long. She is absolutely perfect!
Birth story: I started having contractions on Friday night but they were weak and irregular. By Saturday night they were stronger and more regular and hit 5mins apart by around 3am on Sunday morning. I woke DH up, we both took showers, loaded up the car, and made it to the hospital around 4:30am. When they checked me I was at 0cm dilated so they had me walk for an hour but nothing changed so they sent me home at 7am. I was in tears.
I continued having contractions all day on Sunday, with most at 8-9mins apart but the intensity was getting worse and worse. By around midnight that night the pain wasn't bearable and I told DH we had to go back. When we went back I was only dilated to 1cm and stayed there after walking. When they discussed discharging me, I sobbed. I asked for something for the pain and something to help me sleep. They didn't feel comfortable releasing me on both of those meds so they decided to keep me for 6 additional hours and give me those so I could sleep. They were hoping that having those meds would let my body relax bc they suspected that I was so tensed up with each contraction that my body couldn't dilate like it was supposed to. After sleep and pain meds I dilated more and they admitted me.
I labored on my own for a bit but got an epi quickly. By 2am I was fully dilated and the nurse asked me to do a few practice pushes. I wanted to labor down, but after those practice pushes the urge to push was so unbearable that I had to get labor going. By the time they got everything set up, I pushed with the nurses for a little bit and the baby was almost out but the doctor wasn't there yet. One of the nurses was literally holding her head in
Our precious little one arrived on Tuesday! I was still at 1 and only 40% effaced after 12 hours of cervadil, but had started having mild contractions around 3AM on 10/25. Started Pitocin at 6AM and contractions started hard & heavy. And holy crap, wow they hurt. Went through 5 hours of contractions that were almost back to back and was only dilated to "almost a 3" Thank goodness my doctor had mercy & went ahead & let me have an epi. An hour later, epi was in and all was well. I must insert - I love epidurals!! Wow, what a difference. Immediately after the epi, I was able to cat nap for about an hour but the nurse would come in every 20 minutes or so and change my position, mostly using the peanut. About 1:00 my doctor came to check on me & had to wake me up. Her immediate reaction was, "She's right there & crowning! We're about to have a baby - let me go get my shoe protectors, and nurse get everything ready!" My immediate reaction was, "Wait - what? Now?!" Lol. I fully anticipated laboring all day/night. After pushing through three contractions, she arrived at 1:24PM. I've mentioned before, but what makes it even more special is that my mom passed away on 10/25 in 2005. And now, eleven years later, my sweet little girl entered the world on that date. Kind of like life has come full circle - pretty cool! 6 lbs 5 oz & 19 1/2 inches - Miss Elliana Kay
Olivia Jean arrived yesterday, 10/27! She's tiny at 5lb 14oz and was exactly a week early. she's 19 in long.
My water broke in bed at 1am and after dropping off big brother we headed to the hospital. I was 4cm on arrival but the nurse was concerned about her presentation. Baby was coming in face first which could hurt her neck/ spine during delivery. She called the OB who said we could try some positions to get her to turn. unfortunately at that point my contractions slowed down and she was not interested in changing her position so we waited for the OB to arrive to start a c-section. of course by the time she did I was 9cm and my contractions had picked up again so it was a rush to get me into the OR before I reached 10.
The last few contractions were the hardest thing I've ever done. My body wanted to push but I couldn't or it might hurt her. I was terrified about the surgery, I've never had any major surgery before. I managed to hold off and get a successful spinal. she came out screaming.
Her only issue is low blood sugar. since she's so small she's getting tested every few hours and we've already had to supplement to keep her level high enough until my milk comes in.
My recovery has been as good as I can expect but I'm pretty bummed about not being able to do much the first few weeks.
Cameron James was born 10/21/16, weighing 7lbs & 18 3/4 inches long. It was a scheduled, repeat c-section(4th). He's had some mild jaundice as he tested positive for Coombs, but otherwise he's done great.
Henry Jubilation was born Tuesday 10/25 at 2:30pm at 9lbs 5oz via C-section
We call him Hank, I call him Pumpkin.
As we got into the 3rd trimester my OB was concerned that he was measuring big for gestational age. The plan was to induce at 39 weeks if my cervix was favorable, but we got to 40 weeks and I wasn't dilating, no effacement and he wasn't descending. Our 40 week ultrasound estimated him to be 10lbs 1oz so the OB encouragedo us to go ahead and schedule a C-section. This is my first baby and all my mom's kids ended up being cesarean so I wasn't opposed.
It turned out the only available timeslot in the OR that week was the next day, on his due date. It was a little intense changing gears from waiting for labor to start to going to the hospital for surgery but it worked out for the best.
I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, which worked out since I was so excited/nervous I didn't have much of an appetite anyway. I could barely sleep, I couldn't stop trying to feel him kicking in my belly because I knew it would be the last time. It's been no picnic but I enjoyed being pregnant and it was a little bittersweet knowing it was about to be over.
We checked in to the hospital at noon, 2 hours before surgery and I was put on the monitor. Met with our OB and the anesthesiologist before surgery who both made me feel better. They brought me back to the OR first, administered the Spinal anesthesia and got me prepped, then brought in my husband.
I threw up when he came in but he got to hold the emesis basin. Surgery itself went by pretty fast, everything went smoothly. Baby came out with an APGAR of 9 and we got to do skin to skin in the OR. He peed before they could get the first diaper on, but no meconium. Couldn't have asked for a better birth all things considered.
Katerina was born on 10/29/16 at 3:35 pm at 40wks+2days via unplanned c- section. My water broke at 3:00am saturday and off to the hospital we went. I was 3cm dilated when admitted into triage and by 6.00am was already 5cm dilated,but from 6.00am to 2.00pm I was stuck at 5cm,the doctors tried moving things along with picotin but this just made the baby's heartbeat drop repeatedly. We had no other choice but to start getting ready for the cesarean. She was out by 3:35pm with the most beautiful cry ever, she weighed 6lbs 11oz at birth and doing pretty great. We are still at the hospital but will be out hopefully by tomorrow. Am just so happy and excited that we are both doing fine.
Our story: On Wednesday morning, I went to my OB appointment 40 weeks, 5 days pregnant. My OB recommended I be induced Thursday or Friday. She then gave me another membrane sweep.
I'd been having contractions since the Thursday prior, but they never increased in intensity. On my way home from this OB appointment, they suddenly felt painful.
That evening, I labored at home while we watched the Cubs/Indians final World Series game. I kept waiting for the contractions to get less intense or disappear. They did slow down at one point in the night, but that didn't last for long.
At 2-ish a.m., we headed to the hospital. I was 4 cm dilated (I'd been 2 at my OB appointment that morning, so I wasn't encouraged that a full day/night of painful contractions had only dilated me 2 cm). But, at least I was admitted!
I labored epi-free from check in until early afternoon. I wanted to give this big baby the best chance at moving down into my pelvis, and doc thought being up and walking around would be most helpful. I knew I'd be getting an epi for pushing. The shoulder dystocia concern had been raised, and if Baby needed cut out (from below OR c section) I wanted to be prepared.
Transition was NO JOKE. I went from 6 cm to 10 in an hour and a half or so (after 20+ hours of labor). I've never felt intense pain like that, and my hubby and sister did a great job of helping me through while they prepped my epidural.
Got the drugs, spent an hour and a half trying to rest, then it was push time.
With my first, I pushed an hour and 45 minutes. With Baby Roman, I pushed 11 minutes (about 3 contractions & 7 pushes).
I couldn't believe it! His arrival was so calm. He cried then as soon as he was placed on my chest, he got quiet and just looked at me. So aware and alert.
He's having a hard time with coughing/gagging up some amniotic fluid - and he's been pretty fussy today. But, he's just the sweetest. And my first is an adorable and excited big brother in the world.
Looking forward to being discharged tomorrow and spending our first night together as a family.
Baby Roman: 9lbs, 2 oz, 20.5 inches long. And, the final puzzle piece to our little family. ❤️ -F47
Vada Siobhan made her way into the world on November 3rd at 8:40 pm. I went in to begin my induction on the first and only ever experienced productive contractions when receiving pitocin. Vada was ready but my body thought otherwise.
I knew from the beginning that I would be getting an epidural and that started trying at 10 Wednesday night. The first try resulted in a wet tap and the next two tries went into veins. The fourth stick took and I am so glad. If the pressure I felt was as bad as it was I can't imagine the pain. They worried the wet tap would result in a post dural headache so I was on saline for my entire stay as well as a direct caffeine drip. Thankfully I haven't experienced a headache yet and they think if I was going to I would have by now.
I was in real labor for about twelve hours and pushed for about two. once she was beyond the pelvic bone she came flying out in seconds. We all suspected she would be a big baby and we were right, we just didn't know how right. She ended up being 11 pounds even and 22 inches. I still can't believe I gave birth to such a large baby but I wouldn't change a thing about her.
I just noticed my announcement never posted, not sure why. But Harper was born on 10/17 by scheduled c-section. She was 7lb 10oz 19". This c-section was so much easier than my emergency one with my son. The whole recovery has been easier too. This time around they offered to do skin to skin right away while they stitched me up so that was great because she wasn't taken away and I got to experience the first moments with her.
Joseph Nathan was born at 5:06 pm on Thursday, November 10th. 11 freaking days past my due date.
9 lbs 3 oz, 21 inches long.
I went into labor on the evening of the 7th around 8pm, labored at home all night, went and voted at 6am on the 8th when contractions were between 2-5 min apart. That was pretty fun as we had to wait in line an hour to vote and contractions were getting more and more intense. Went back home to labor some more as I was determined to do an all natural birth. Contractions got further and further apart, then stopped completely. Wtf. Went to the doctor on Wednesday to try and get the contractions started again. They said I was dilated 2cm. Did Cervadil around 1pm Wednesday, and contractions started about 2 hours later - finally. Labored until about 3am with Cervadil, contractions were back to 2-5 min apart and getting pretty intense again. They checked me and I was still only dilated 2cm. They started Pitocin, and kept upping it and upping it which was absolute hell. They checked me about 10am, and I was still only dilated to 2cm. Oh no. Pitocin was upped more and more. By 4pm I was just shaking and on my hands and knees. They checked me and I was still only dilated 2cm. They were predicting him to be a big baby, and talked to me about a c section as my body just wasn't cooperating. c section it was, so I got an epidural, and Joseph was born about an hour later. He came out screaming, and I'm just grateful to have a healthy baby boy.
I hope it's still okay to post my birth story even though it is so belated - I'm finally in the swing of things now and would like to reconnect with all the Oct 16 moms I enjoyed getting to know since BFP last February. Baby and I had some medical issues which are luckily resolved but they kept me offline for quite a while.
Vera Jean born Saturday 10/15/16 10:52 pm 7 lbs. 9 oz. 18.5 inches long
Disclaimer: this is lengthy, detailed and semi graphic. Thursday 10/13 I woke up at 3:30 a.m with my first "painful" contractions. I had a cervix check that Wednesday which I believe jump started my labor. I called in to work and started timing my contractions until they were every 3-5 minutes apart and went to the hospital around 10:30 am. They checked me and I was 2 cm and 80%. I had no progression over the next hour and even though my contractions felt painful and strong they weren't even registering on the monitors. The Dr. told me that I was experiencing prodromal labor and when it is "the real thing" I will know and sent me back home. I was devastated and discouraged because the "fake" contractions were so painful I couldn't imagine them getting any worse. I went home afraid but expecting the contractions to let up a bit. They never did. I had the same "prodromal"painful contractions every 3-5 minutes from the second I left the hospital. I couldn't get any sleep and was just suffering and waiting until they got worse. I was embarrassed when I went in and they weren't even registering on the monitor so I thought I must have zero pain tolerance. I found slight relief from sitting on the toilet and laying in the bathtub so spent all day Friday 10/14 going from one to the other. Now its Saturday 10/15, I have slept very little and still am having painful contractions every 3-5 minutes. They are not much worse then when I went in the first time so I stayed home, going from tub to toilet to bed until I started feeling the urge to push. Dummy me was still focused on how they told me it was going to get worse so I stayed home a bit longer "waiting for it to get worse". at this point i was looking for any excuse to go back to the hospital but was worried i would be sent back home again. I saw a yellow spot under me on the bed and found an excuse to go in..My water broke! I get to the hospital and the nurse checks me and I tell her as she is examining me "if you tell me I'm 2cm and 80% I will flip" she looks at me and says " you're 9 cm and completely effaced. My water was still intact (what I thought was my water breaking was actually urine) She paged the Dr. who checked me and said no, shes not 9 I'm feeling just a lip. She broke my water and told me to let her know when I had the urge to push. I was elated. It was almost over, It was push time. The painful "fake" contractions were real all along. They never got worse. It was too late for any pain meds and I suffered that long without them so I was ready to get her out. My husband and I were both born on the 16th, with it being a little over an hour away until midnight the nurse asked if I wanted to hold her in until the 16th. I said absolutely not! 20 minutes off pushing, pooping on the table (Dr. kept saying "Push like your pooping", so I listened) and a 3rd degree tear later Vera Jean was here. Born on sweetest day. Vera had jaundice and a heart murmur and needed treatment for a few days in the hospital but those few days were packed full of helpful nurses and breastfeeding education. In the end I almost had an elevator baby and I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe for the sweaty nervous security guard on his second day on the job escorting me to L&D. He was pushing me in the wheelchair with the breaks on the whole time, banging my legs against things and couldn't find the button to open the elevator. poor guy thought he was going to have to deliver the baby! The truth is, If I waited thirty minutes longer to get there he might have had too!
As far as my health problems, which started happening right when we got home from the hospital. Turns out I had hundreds of gallstones which resulted in the removal of my gallbladder.I guess gallbladder issues are relatively common with pregnancy. I unfortunately wasn't diagnosed properly and had months of suffering before it was figured out. No matter what, I am grateful to God for getting me through everything, and the unwavering support from my husband. We are blessed with a sweet baby girl.
Re: October 2016 Birth Announcements
I labored until about 1 pm with no meds and was checked to find out I had only dilated to 4, major bummer. The OB also said my water hadn't fully broken so she did that and HOLY. SHIT. Contractions were on top of each other and so intense, I thought I was being ripped in half. After an hour of that I still hadn't dilated anymore but Jamie was dropping quickly and putting a lot of pressure on my cervix causing it to swell. They decided to give me pitocin and I immediately asked for the epi knowing pit would only make things worse. Three hours later my BP bottomed out and I almost passed out. When that happened, Jamie's heart rate dropped too. They tried adjusting me a few times with no success and before I knew it we were running to the OR. Scariest moments of my entire life. I passed out on the table and woke up when they pulled him out and he started crying. It was the best thing I've ever heard. I turned and saw my husband holding my hand and sobbing and then passed out again. Overall, it was a traumatic experience but I'd do it again if I had to. He was 8 lbs even and 20.5 inches of pure perfection. Breastfeeding is going great but the C-Section recovery SUCKS. And let me just say, I have never been more in love with my husband. He is a rock star with Jamie and is taking such good care of both of us. I can't wait to go home with both of my boys.
Me: 32 & DH: 37
BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16
IT'S A BOY!!!!
DS Born 10/16/16
I woke up to contractions at around 11:30pm on 10/10 I labored at home until around 2:30am and then contractions were coming between every 2.5 and 6 minutes. I wasn't sure what to do so I called the OB on call and she told me to go ahead and go into L&D since I was past my due date. Got to triage and sadly was still at 2cm and around 80% effaced, no changes. I spent an incredibly uncomfortable hour of monitoring in triage, my only options for dealing with the contractions were standing next to the bed, which was exhausting, or sitting in the bed, which was painful. After an hour, I was still the same, but during a check the lovely nurse stretched me to a 4 so I could be admitted since I was going to be induced the next day anyways. I had planned on laboring unmedicated as long as possible, but I was in so much pain by the time I got to the labor room that I wanted the epidural ASAP. It wasn't nearly as painful as I thought and it worked like magic! My husband on the other hand almost passed out during it even though he didn't see it. Of course, my water did break on his shoes right before the epidural!
It was a long, slow labor. I didn't feel much pain but was exhausted from lack of sleep and the worst part was the shaking, either from labor hormones or the epi. They gave me pitocin to make my contractions more regular. I was excited that around 3:45 I was at 9cm, but hours later I was still the same. I never made it to 10 but I really didn't want a c-section, so the OB on call let me try to push for two hours. The nurses told me that most OBs never stay in the room for the pushing that long! Ultimately, it was determined that baby's head just wasn't going to fit and since my water broke so long before I needed a c-section. I was terrified, but it wasn't too bad except for the shaking again.
Everett Miller P was born on 10/11 at 1:15am via c section. He was 8lbs and 19.5in (so much for that ultrasound that said he was very small!). I got some skin-to-skin time when they were sewing me up and for a couple of hours in the delivery room. Unfortunately they then told me he had low blood sugar and had to go to the NICU. I was devastated. They were worried about possible infection, but in the end it was probably just due to the stress of a long labor. He was on IV fluids for a bit, then a feeding tube with a combo of breastmilk and formula. Breastfeeding was going terribly until they finally gave me a nipple shield which worked like a charm.
Although all of the nurses, doctors, and lactation consultants were wonderful, it was the happiest moment of my life getting out of that NICU after 5 days and heading home. Home has been wonderful and baby is thriving, he's already started putting weight back on and is mostly feeding without the nipple shield. I feel so incredibly grateful and the long labor and NICU stay already feel like ancient history. It was great to read some other birth stories and know that I am not the only one whose labor and delivery went nothing like they anticipated!!
It's a boy!
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
I went to my appt yesterday morning and her fluid was really low so they said it was time to induce. I got to the hospital around 12:30 and ironically started having my first real contractions on my own, but with my cervix still only at a 1, they started the pitocin to see if that would work. After a while there was no change so the doc broke my water which ramped up contractions and the pain. I ended up getting an epidural and felt great. However after laboring for about 7 hours, baby's heart rate started to really drop with each contraction so doc said it was time to get her out. Luckily her heart beat picked back up and bought us more relaxed time to get set up for the CS. CS went really smooth and Piper came out wailing and healthy so we couldn't be more relieved. So far I feel pretty good, just sore and amped up from the whole experience, but hoping to get some sleep soon.
I called L&D on the way to the hospital and my water broke within seconds of hanging up! All of a sudden the contractions were back to back and extremely painful. By the time we got to triage I was 6 cm and head was right there. I wanted an epidural but because of my low blood pressure they wanted at least half a bag of IV fluids first and there probably would not be time. They got me in my room and started the IV anyway. By the time anesthesia got there I was at a 9, fully effaced, and nearly ready. No time for the epidural but they were able to get me a spinal anesthesia. It was the most painful moment- sitting up straight in bed while contracting almost constantly and trying so hard not to push. They got it in and the relief was magical. Within minutes dr was set up and it was time to push. The nurse had to tell me when I was contracting. Six pushes later she was here
Kinzley Mae came into the world via c section Wednesday, OCT. 19th at 12:41pm. She weighed 8lbs and 11oz. and measured 21.5in. long. We had a c section scheduled because of Kinzleys size and I have a borderline pelvis; however, she came out the same size she was measuring at our last U/S but I'm glad we went Csection route because the cord was wrapped around her neck and her shoulders which was preventing her from dropping as well. She has been perfect since she arrived. Her dad did skin to skin since I was still in surgery and he never cries but the minute they handed her him he cried and it just melted my heart. She is a breast feeding champ and feeds whenever shes not sleeping, and she sleeps for 6 hours at night (her ped. said not to wake up for bfing so we are looking pretty good right now)
SO and I have been together: 5 Years+
BFP: 03/10
First Baby: 10/20/2016
The long:
I started having contractions on Sunday evening (10/16). I went to bed excited that my water might break during the night or my contractions would get closer together and timeable. I woke up several times with painful contractions and moved to the couch to time them and not disturb DH. The next morning, Monday, I had a feeling I still had a ways to go, so I sent DH to work and sat around all day timing contractions between 6 and 12 minutes. They slowed down at lunch and I was able to take a nap. Did not sleep at all during the evening because contractions were consistently occurring.
Tuesday DH decided to stay with me because pain and lack of sleep was wearing on me. I also had an NST appt which showed I was having contractions, but they didn't even offer me a cervical check. That evening, contractions finally got to around 3-5 minutes apart for a few hours, so I took a shower, got excited to have a baby, and then they went back to 6-7 minutes apart. At this point I called L & D to bed for mercy. Please check me and send me home, but please give me something to deal with no sleep and 48 hrs of contractions on average every 10 minutes.
I went in and was surprised that I was at 4.5 cm and would be admitted. Sweet Jesus. Thank you for having my OB as the chief resident that evening. Yes, please I want the epidural immediately. Epidural was quickly placed and provided relief for three hours of glorious sleep. I progressed to 7 cm, and, spoiler, never made it any further.
I thought laboring in the hospital would be awesome, especially with the awesome epidural. Which might have been true had the epidural not worn off, and had attempts to boost it not been unsuccessful. I had to breathe/moan through every contraction while adjusting my position because CJ was getting increasingly distressed. The nurse finally convinced anesthesiology to replace my epidural, 1 for actual pain management and 2 in case I needed a c-section.
The second epidural was finally placed, they started pitocin to try to move things along, but soon after the doctors came in and told me that I wasn't progressing, actually I had gone backwards to a 5cm, CJ was in distress during a high enough percentage of my contractions, and likely my pelvic arch was preventing her from engaging. DH and I made the decision to get our baby out safely and quickly with a (semi?) emergency c-section. DH is a sensitive guy, so I knew he'd be a quivering mess, but seeing his response to CJ's entry into the world was the highlight of my birthing experience. And hearing her little cry for the first time without seeing her seemed so surreal.
I remember thinking during labor (multiple times), I'm never doing this again. CJ is totally worth it and meeting her was the best day of my life, but I'm still not sure if I ever want to experience labor again. We were on the fence about having one kid and if the labor isn't enough to scare us off, these early newborn days may seal the deal
BFP: 8/20/2018 - EDD 5/4/2019
I had a scheduled NST on Tuesday the 11th and was having pretty strong contractions. The nurses sent me up to L&D to get checked out by my doctor. I was high and closed, and not dilated at all. I got the spiel to come back if my water broke or when contractions had regulated a bit and were 5 minutes apart.
We went home. I rolled around on my yoga ball, we had dinner, and went to bed. I woke up around 12:45am for an antacid and when I rolled back over, felt a gush. Then another couple quick gushes. I called the hospital and the doctor on call said to come on in. I got cleaned up and we arrived at the hospital around 2am.
When I got admitted I asked for a yoga ball and took frequent walks around L&D throughout the rest of the night, morning and afternoon. My contractions started getting more intense in the late afternoon but I was still barely dilated. I'd been on pitocin all day, which they maxed me out on the dosage, and by around 8pm, the contractions had become so excruciating and constant, one after the other with no breaks, I requested an epidural. I was terrified and an epidural was not part of my plan but it brought instant and much needed relief. I was able to nap for a couple of hours which was also nice because I was so exhausted from the pain.
Around midnight, I was started on an antibiotic drip because I'd been ruptured for 24 hours and we didn't want to risk infection. Shortly after, it was time to start pushing, and my epidural was turned down - unbearable pain again.
I pushed for nearly 4 hours. It was excruciating and difficult. I tried so hard to push Gabriel out, but it turns out he was hung up on my pelvic bone and had flipped posterior and had his head in an odd position to boot. We finally made the decision to have an emergency C-section because his heart rate was beginning to drop during pushes and mama was spent. I remember feeling so tired. I told my doctor, "Just don't kill us."
The C-section went well - we had a healthy baby boy! All of a sudden I heard him crying and everyone in the room was commenting on what a good-sized baby he was, but I couldn't see him. Hubby finally brought him to my face. I kissed his tears and couldn't believe I finally had my baby.
Gabriel did have jaundice and starting on his 3rd day he had to go under the Bili-lites for 24 hours. That doesn't sound so bad, but I felt absolutely helpless. By that night, DH was frustrated and exhausted from standing next to his bassinet listening to him cry and plugging his pacifier. Our awesome night nurse pulled him from the lights in the bassinet and moved him to my chest. She moved the lights to my bed and we snuggled and everyone in the room got some sleep that night. Gabriel had also lost almost 10% of his birth weight so we worked hard to feed him enough formula to both boost his weight and flush the bilirubin from his system. By Sunday afternoon, he had dropped to low risk with his bilirubin levels and he'd gained back 3 ounces, and we were able to go home on schedule.
Sorry for the long AW post.
Our precious little one arrived on Tuesday! I was still at 1 and only 40% effaced after 12 hours of cervadil, but had started having mild contractions around 3AM on 10/25. Started Pitocin at 6AM and contractions started hard & heavy. And holy crap, wow they hurt. Went through 5 hours of contractions that were almost back to back and was only dilated to "almost a 3" Thank goodness my doctor had mercy & went ahead & let me have an epi. An hour later, epi was in and all was well. I must insert - I love epidurals!! Wow, what a difference. Immediately after the epi, I was able to cat nap for about an hour but the nurse would come in every 20 minutes or so and change my position, mostly using the peanut. About 1:00 my doctor came to check on me & had to wake me up. Her immediate reaction was, "She's right there & crowning! We're about to have a baby - let me go get my shoe protectors, and nurse get everything ready!" My immediate reaction was, "Wait - what? Now?!" Lol. I fully anticipated laboring all day/night. After pushing through three contractions, she arrived at 1:24PM. I've mentioned before, but what makes it even more special is that my mom passed away on 10/25 in 2005. And now, eleven years later, my sweet little girl entered the world on that date. Kind of like life has come full circle - pretty cool! 6 lbs 5 oz & 19 1/2 inches - Miss Elliana Kay
My water broke in bed at 1am and after dropping off big brother we headed to the hospital. I was 4cm on arrival but the nurse was concerned about her presentation. Baby was coming in face first which could hurt her neck/ spine during delivery. She called the OB who said we could try some positions to get her to turn. unfortunately at that point my contractions slowed down and she was not interested in changing her position so we waited for the OB to arrive to start a c-section. of course by the time she did I was 9cm and my contractions had picked up again so it was a rush to get me into the OR before I reached 10.
The last few contractions were the hardest thing I've ever done. My body wanted to push but I couldn't or it might hurt her. I was terrified about the surgery, I've never had any major surgery before. I managed to hold off and get a successful spinal. she came out screaming.
Her only issue is low blood sugar. since she's so small she's getting tested every few hours and we've already had to supplement to keep her level high enough until my milk comes in.
My recovery has been as good as I can expect but I'm pretty bummed about not being able to do much the first few weeks.
It was a scheduled, repeat c-section(4th).
He's had some mild jaundice as he tested positive for Coombs, but otherwise he's done great.
We call him Hank, I call him Pumpkin.
As we got into the 3rd trimester my OB was concerned that he was measuring big for gestational age. The plan was to induce at 39 weeks if my cervix was favorable, but we got to 40 weeks and I wasn't dilating, no effacement and he wasn't descending. Our 40 week ultrasound estimated him to be 10lbs 1oz so the OB encouragedo us to go ahead and schedule a C-section. This is my first baby and all my mom's kids ended up being cesarean so I wasn't opposed.
It turned out the only available timeslot in the OR that week was the next day, on his due date. It was a little intense changing gears from waiting for labor to start to going to the hospital for surgery but it worked out for the best.
I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, which worked out since I was so excited/nervous I didn't have much of an appetite anyway. I could barely sleep, I couldn't stop trying to feel him kicking in my belly because I knew it would be the last time. It's been no picnic but I enjoyed being pregnant and it was a little bittersweet knowing it was about to be over.
We checked in to the hospital at noon, 2 hours before surgery and I was put on the monitor. Met with our OB and the anesthesiologist before surgery who both made me feel better. They brought me back to the OR first, administered the Spinal anesthesia and got me prepped, then brought in my husband.
I threw up when he came in but he got to hold the emesis basin. Surgery itself went by pretty fast, everything went smoothly. Baby came out with an APGAR of 9 and we got to do skin to skin in the OR. He peed before they could get the first diaper on, but no meconium. Couldn't have asked for a better birth all things considered.
I knew from the beginning that I would be getting an epidural and that started trying at 10 Wednesday night. The first try resulted in a wet tap and the next two tries went into veins. The fourth stick took and I am so glad. If the pressure I felt was as bad as it was I can't imagine the pain. They worried the wet tap would result in a post dural headache so I was on saline for my entire stay as well as a direct caffeine drip. Thankfully I haven't experienced a headache yet and they think if I was going to I would have by now.
I was in real labor for about twelve hours and pushed for about two. once she was beyond the pelvic bone she came flying out in seconds. We all suspected she would be a big baby and we were right, we just didn't know how right. She ended up being 11 pounds even and 22 inches. I still can't believe I gave birth to such a large baby but I wouldn't change a thing about her.
9 lbs 3 oz, 21 inches long.
I went into labor on the evening of the 7th around 8pm, labored at home all night, went and voted at 6am on the 8th when contractions were between 2-5 min apart. That was pretty fun as we had to wait in line an hour to vote and contractions were getting more and more intense. Went back home to labor some more as I was determined to do an all natural birth. Contractions got further and further apart, then stopped completely. Wtf. Went to the doctor on Wednesday to try and get the contractions started again. They said I was dilated 2cm. Did Cervadil around 1pm Wednesday, and contractions started about 2 hours later - finally. Labored until about 3am with Cervadil, contractions were back to 2-5 min apart and getting pretty intense again. They checked me and I was still only dilated 2cm.
Baby and I had some medical issues which are luckily resolved but they kept me offline for quite a while.
Vera Jean born Saturday 10/15/16 10:52 pm 7 lbs. 9 oz. 18.5 inches long
Disclaimer: this is lengthy, detailed and semi graphic.
Thursday 10/13 I woke up at 3:30 a.m with my first "painful" contractions. I had a cervix check that Wednesday which I believe jump started my labor. I called in to work and started timing my contractions until they were every 3-5 minutes apart and went to the hospital around 10:30 am. They checked me and I was 2 cm and 80%. I had no progression over the next hour and even though my contractions felt painful and strong they weren't even registering on the monitors. The Dr. told me that I was experiencing prodromal labor and when it is "the real thing" I will know and sent me back home. I was devastated and discouraged because the "fake" contractions were so painful I couldn't imagine them getting any worse. I went home afraid but expecting the contractions to let up a bit. They never did. I had the same "prodromal"painful contractions every 3-5 minutes from the second I left the hospital. I couldn't get any sleep and was just suffering and waiting until they got worse. I was embarrassed when I went in and they weren't even registering on the monitor so I thought I must have zero pain tolerance. I found slight relief from sitting on the toilet and laying in the bathtub so spent all day Friday 10/14 going from one to the other. Now its Saturday 10/15, I have slept very little and still am having painful contractions every 3-5 minutes. They are not much worse then when I went in the first time so I stayed home, going from tub to toilet to bed until I started feeling the urge to push. Dummy me was still focused on how they told me it was going to get worse so I stayed home a bit longer "waiting for it to get worse". at this point i was looking for any excuse to go back to the hospital but was worried i would be sent back home again. I saw a yellow spot under me on the bed and found an excuse to go in..My water broke!
I get to the hospital and the nurse checks me and I tell her as she is examining me "if you tell me I'm 2cm and 80% I will flip" she looks at me and says " you're 9 cm and completely effaced. My water was still intact (what I thought was my water breaking was actually urine) She paged the Dr. who checked me and said no, shes not 9 I'm feeling just a lip. She broke my water and told me to let her know when I had the urge to push. I was elated. It was almost over, It was push time. The painful "fake" contractions were real all along. They never got worse. It was too late for any pain meds and I suffered that long without them so I was ready to get her out. My husband and I were both born on the 16th, with it being a little over an hour away until midnight the nurse asked if I wanted to hold her in until the 16th. I said absolutely not! 20 minutes off pushing, pooping on the table (Dr. kept saying "Push like your pooping", so I listened) and a 3rd degree tear later Vera Jean was here. Born on sweetest day.
Vera had jaundice and a heart murmur and needed treatment for a few days in the hospital but those few days were packed full of helpful nurses and breastfeeding education. In the end I almost had an elevator baby and I wouldn't change a thing. Except maybe for the sweaty nervous security guard on his second day on the job escorting me to L&D. He was pushing me in the wheelchair with the breaks on the whole time, banging my legs against things and couldn't find the button to open the elevator. poor guy thought he was going to have to deliver the baby! The truth is, If I waited thirty minutes longer to get there he might have had too!
As far as my health problems, which started happening right when we got home from the hospital. Turns out I had hundreds of gallstones which resulted in the removal of my gallbladder.I guess gallbladder issues are relatively common with pregnancy. I unfortunately wasn't diagnosed properly and had months of suffering before it was figured out. No matter what, I am grateful to God for getting me through everything, and the unwavering support from my husband. We are blessed with a sweet baby girl.