My Rainbow Birth story (long)

songbirdsinging55 · November 2014

I had been 8 days past the estimated due date. I met with o.b. a few days prior to discuss options as we were not comfortable with going to 42 weeks because of the risks of still birth. They did a cervical check and I had no progress of any sort. We planned to start with cervadil gel to start the dilation. Then have the tabs inserted and if necessary the Foley bulb inserted. We went in to have this done and they decided to do another cervical check. Turns out over the weekend I had dilated to 3.5 cm and 75% effacement on my own. The cervadil and bulb was not needed. The following day, we got the call to come in for induction. We arrived around 1 pm. They ordered me some lunch, placed the IV (took 4 attempts) and started the pitocin. Before the drip was started the nurse had mentioned that I was having contractions about 5 min apart. I had not noticed because the whole time I thought it was just cramping or the baby pushing against my belly. They said for me to try and rest before things got more intense. Around 4 pm contractions were so much stronger and closer together. 2-3 minutes apart and 1 min long. I was able to breathe through these using the hypnobirthing techniques I learned in a session. I also pictured each contraction as an ocean wave. I started becoming very shakey too. The nurse came in to inform me that because I knew I wanted the epidural, they would be doing it soon, as there were a lot of emergency c-sections needed that day and they didn't want me to miss out.The epidural was placed around 7pm. I didn't even feel the sting or shot, just the pressure against my back. I couldn't feel the contractions at all but could still move my legs. At this point I was at 5 cm and they had decided to break my water since I wasn't feeling anything. After, I rested. They periodically checked to see if anymore progress had been made, every 3 hours up until about 6am. I had stalled out at 6 cm and had no change. At the 6 am check, the o.b. explained that if there was no change, we would need to do a c-section because I had a higher temp. Luckily when she checked this time I was fully dilated and ready to go. I was having the urge to push. They explained that they wanted the baby out soon because of my temp creeping up. At this point, my epidural had stopped working. They added more but I could feel everything. I kept repeating the hypnobirthing mantras in my head.I pushed for 1 and a half hours . I was scared for Isaac because I knew he needed to be out soon They were concerned that his shoulder was stuck under my pelvis and had me try the side position for a bit. I thought that I couldn't push anymore. I felt like i would split in half but i knew he had to be out. As soon as he was out, all the pain disapeared instantly. It was euaphoric. He came out with the cord loosely wrapped around his neck and was face down. He didn't cry but had his eyes open as if he was in shock. He also had a huge bowel movement as he came out and inhaled some meconium. They rushed him over to the pram to be deep suctioned. After a few moments, he let out that beautiful first cry. I was so relieved to hear him. Everyone was congratulating me and all I could hear was him crying. When they were able to bring him to me to do skin to skin, I was kind of in shock. I couldn't feel any pain while they stitched me up. I had second degree tears and lacerations. I was also very gaggy the first few nights because of the meconium. It was very scary to see him choking up the liquid. Despite the scary moments, I feel it was an incredible experience. I am shocked at how I was able to have a vaginal birth or even have the experience at all. I still kind of cannot believe he is here. :-)