Birth story (a tad long)

Finally, Isaac Matthew is here!!  At our 41 week appointment, the OB insisted on scheduling an induction for 3/23 if LO hadn't made an appearance before then (this would be the second attempt at induction). 

As of 3/22 I was feeling no contractions and had zero signs of labor. I went to work as usual and then my prenatal yoga class.  While hubby and I were getting ready for bed, the contractions started!!  I was too excited to sleep, so we stayed up timing them.  By 3:00am 3/23 we were headed to the hospital.  I couldn't stand the pain any more by 7:00am and asked for the epidural.  For most of the day, I made slow and steady progress.  Around noon, I started feeling excruciating pain.  The contractions were incredibly strong and coming one on top of the other.  I was literally crying from the pain.  Mercifully, the anesthesiologist was able to put a little extra medication into the epidural cath so I could get through it.  Turns out I had gone from 6cm to 9cm in less than 45 minutes! Of course this happened right after I sent my husband to go eat something. I had to call him back because I didn't think I could make it through the pain.

At 4:00pm it was finally time to push!  At first, my pushes were strong and productive but I couldn't keep it up after being awake for two days straight.  After an hour the baby was showing a deceleration in heartbeat so we had to get him out quickly.  The doctor hooked up the vacuum and the baby was out in ten minutes. 

Because they had seen merconium when they broke my water, the pediatrician had to take the baby aside and clear his airway before letting me hold him skin-to-skin.  The time it took before I heard his cry seemed like forever.  But he finally cried and I got to hold him for the first time and it was amazing!! 

My sweet boy was born at 5:15pm on 3/23.  He weighed 6lbs 5oz and was 20 inches long.  He's got a full head of wispy dark hair, some of it wavy, and the biggest hands and feet I've ever seen on a newborn!  But he is healthy and happy and for that I am so grateful!!

My husband and I are totally in love with Isaac and each day brings new challenges and immense pleasure!! I would love to post pics but have no idea how :-(

Good luck to those March Mommies with inside babies! Sending labor vibes your way!