Birth Story - April Baby instead of a May Baby!

LMC84 · May 2012

I do not post most, but thought I would tell my birth story for those that are curious about labor, etc.

I was due on May 12, but ended up going into labor almost 3 weeks early. I delivered on April 23, 37 weeks 2 days. I woke up at 5AM and thought I wet my pants. I changed undies, and tried to go back to bed until 6, when I typically get up for work. After about 10 minutes I felt another gush of fluid and started having cramps. The cramps were already 6 minutes apart. I showered, got my DH up and threw some stuff in my half a$$ packed hospital bag! Got to the hospital around 6:45ish, and my contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart, but was not convinced I was in labor. HA! The nurse checked me and could not find my cervix...she then realized I was almost 10CM dilated with just a lip left. They threw a gown on me and admitted me and I was BEGGING for the epidural, which was what we had planned on. Jokes on me because they were like "you are ready to push there is no way you are getting an epi". It was painful, and pushing was not as big of a relief as I heard it can be. She was sunny side up so that may have been why pushing was so painful. I ended up pushing for almost 3 hours...I don't know how I had the stamina to do it but I pushed like a maniac and listened to my doctor and Madison Leigh popped out sunny side up at 11:24AM! So around 6 hours of labor, pain med free. It was hard work, and painful as hell, but you body has a way of "blacking out" in a sense. Once she was in my arms I forgot about the pain. She was and is perfect! Since her vitals were all good and healthy they layed her on my chest for a good 15 minutes for skin to skin time. I loved every second of it. They then weighed her and cleaned her and I got to BF her. She did so great! I was shocked by how powerful a baby's suction is. Was not expecting that! She nurses like a champ, I am so proud of her.

Fun fact: My doctor was out of town, so I had a midwife (who was on call at the hospital) deliver Maddie. The nurses all said I probably would have ended up with a c-section, but the midwife wanted to stick with the pushing since the baby had a healthy heartbeat and vitals. They said my doctor was overly cautious and would have c-sectioned me after an hour of pushing. Funny how things fall into place! I was so glad to have a vaginal birth as my first labor and delivery experience.

I only ended up with a small tear and 3 stitches. They are not sure why she came 3 weeks early, but now that she is almost 4 weeks she is actually awake a couple of hours a day and getting the cutest personality. We are thrilled to have our Maddie Leigh!

Goodluck to all those still waiting for their babes. And Goodluck to all those moms who are having sleepless nights like we are. Would not trade it for the world!

LMC84 · May 2012

P.S. Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes. I am typing fast and furious before Maddie wakes up!

mrs+harlow · May 2012

Congratulations!!! Your labor sounds like the way my mom labored with my brother and I...pretty fast and furious ( she didn't have an Epi either)! Enjoy Mama!!!