Veronica Ruth is here!

Velleia101 · March 2014

We just got back from the hospital and I have some time between feedings to tell the story of my lovely daughter Veronica, who was born on March 11th at 5 50pm. We had a scheduled induction two days after my due date because my amniotic fluid levels were getting low. I was not initially convinced that this was the right choice., but I am so glad we followed through! I had made no progress towards labor when we were admitted and nine hours on cervidil didn't do much. My water was broken and was colored with meconium, which was scary but not really a cause for too much concern. I was started on pitocin and labored for five hours, feeling proud of myself for doing it that long med free, before requesting the epidural. Contractions were good, but progress was a bit slow.. Only made it to three cm... And DD Heart rate was slowing greatly after each contraction. Ob shutoff the pitocin, which made her heart rate somewhat better, but I did not continue to progress in labor on my own. Tearfully I agreed to a C-section. I was given a lot more epidural, but it apparently didn't quite do the trick. Getting her out was basically fine, and I was overjoyed to hear her first cry, but once they started putting me back together I was screaming with pain. Quickly they gave ketamine, aka a club drug and vet tranquilizer. I was basically hallucinating, but not in pain anymore, when DH brought her over to me. DD had to be taken away to have her lungs cleared just a bit, and DH followed reluctantly, as we had discussed. I was sent to a room alone to recover for several miserable hours. At one point when I came to I had no ability to talk and didn't know if she was ok.. Misery. Luckily, DH convinced hospital to allow him, DD and my wonderful MIL to join me in recovery. So two hours after the worst moment was the best moment in my life. She is so beautiful and strong and the best little breastfeeder! This made me feel confident as a mother and wiped away the feelings of inadequacy and betrayal of my body for not being able to labor or process pain medication. Though nothing went by the plan at all, I know we made the right decisions at every step and having a healthy daughter, and a nicely healing incision.. Not to mention still intact vagina;-)... Made up for it all. She was worth every second and every penny! I never knew it would be this great to be a mom. :-) I can't figure out how to attach a picture.. Will post one soon! Congrats to all the moms out there, and those waiting in the wings. Thanks for reading!