Hi! Wanted to share my experience as I know I liked reading when I was waiting for my daughter.
EDD 12/27 Born 12/28 8lbs 3oz ( I am 5'2" petite!) Start to finish 11 hours. Pretty quick!
Went in for check up at our 7:15 appt 12/28. Membrane sweep. Not painful for me and had bloody show immediately.
Dr sent me for ultrasound just to check on her and I. All looked good except my amniotic fluid levels. They were low. Concerns w my water breaking and resulting in crushed umbilical cord and I live an hour from hospital not to mention ice storm coming. Said we would rather be conservative so decided to induce. I was 80% thinned abd 2cm.
Started pitocin at noon. Felt great. Walked hallways. Hung out. Around 4 or 5 started to hurt a little but still good. Dr came in and said let her know when I felt pressure to push. They don't check you often to minimize infection risk.
Dr walked out abd I felt a pop. My water broke. Contractions became much stronger. An hour later I asked for epidural. Baby girls heart rate never faltered the entire labor. Epidural was not too bad. Hard to sit still but it was pretty quick. Then nurses said try to rest. Epidural made my legs numb which kind of freaked me out so I didn't push the button to keep it flowing. (BIG mistake).
A few hours later felt pressure on my tailbone avd rectim. Got progressively worse. Told nurses. They checked me avd I was 7. Another half hour (8ish) and I said the pressure was really bad. Checked again almost 9. Before I knew it they said ok you are at ten. I tried to push with the contractions and at first it wasn't horrible. Once she was crowning it got extremely painful. I pushed for about an hour and 45 minutes. Epidural was too low so I felt EVERYTHING. I remember thinking this is insane it's like the discovery channel. I held my own legs and screamed after pushing at the end. She turned herself at the last second and came out. 11:05pm. I went into shock from the pain and was shaking horribly so I couldn't hold her. I stared at my husband holding our daughter while they stitched me up. 2nd degree tear and I tore a little of my cervix. That may have been the worst part. I felt the stitching abd it took almost an hour. Had to bring in hemorrhage kit. Then finally got to hold her. I swear every pain I felt disappeared.
I don't want to scare anyone but I want to be accurate. Push the epidural button!!!!!
I already am forgetting pieces of what happened. Honestly except for the cervical tear it really wasn't terrible. Only about 2 hours of true pain.
Recovery going well. And now that my milk came in we are getting the hang of breastfeeding.
Landon William EDD 12/28 Born 12/31 at 1:37 pm 8 lbs 5 oz, 21 inches
Went to my 40 week appt and dr decided it was time to get baby out due to borderline blood pressure. Started pitocin around 8:30 pm. Received fentanyl via iv at 1:30 am and it didn't help at all. Asked for epidural at 3:30 and it was immediate relief! My water broke as I got back into bed from epidural and the combo of meds and hormone release caused both baby and myself to crash. Luckily his heart rate came back up within seconds of me being sent for emergency c section. Around 9 am the pressure was ridiculous but i wasn't able to start pushing until 11 due to three emergency c sections taking up all of the residents. Pushed for two hours. Had a scare with meconium but the NICU dr determined it shouldn't be a problem, thank goodness. Many pushes later Landon came screaming into the world. He is perfect. Only had some second degree tears but already feel 90% back to normal. The hemorrhoids are no joke though.
Londyn Marie EDD 12/31/15 Born 12/27/15 7lb 7oz 20 1/2 in
Very Long Beware!!!
Was scheduled to be induced 12/29 due to time working against us and my husband having to go overseas (military) but our princess decided to come on her own! That night I jumped out of bed thinking my dog was puking and ran down stairs full speed to let him out. Not even a minute later I had to pee and had my first contraction on the toilet (it hurt so bad to pee) got up and they were every three minutes lasting a minute and half long with small but painful contractions in between. Woke up my husband and mom who is visiting for the birth and decided to call L&D because I did not want to go just to be sent home. I wanted to wait a little to see if the contractions settled down but they only got worst. Contractions started at 2am and got to hospital by 3am was checked and was 4cm dilated with bulging bag. The admitted me and contractions got even more painful! I admediatly asked for epidural because I knew laboring natural was not for me! I waited about 30min to get some fluids and blood work, then got epi which was painless. I was so nervous for epidural because I seen one administered (work in medical field) and the girl jumped off the table! Doctor came in around 5am and checked me again and I was 8cm and water broke as soon as he stuck his hand inside me! He came back a hour later and no progression so he started pitocin which got me to 10cm in 30min! I started pushing right away and pushed for three hours on my side because baby heart rate kept dropping with epi turned off due to me being to numb. Doctor came in and said she was stuck behind my pelvis and had to do c section. The turned my epi back on plus other drugs which was awesome! Went back for c section and daughter was born @ 1221! She is the most beautiful thing I ever laid my eyes on! Such a blessing! C section pain is no joke I will say that but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world! Breastfeeding has been a breeze for her but torture to my nipples!
Claire Amelia EDD 12.24.15 Born 12.28.15 7lbs 9oz / 18.5 in.
13 hours of labor and she was here in three pushes. Thank goodness for the epidural! Congratulations to all the December mamas out there! Love reading your birth stories and showing your photos to my older daughter (one of 1,000+ things we did to try to prepare her for her baby sister's arrival)!
Water broke at 11pm, baby born at 7:33am. Only 8 hours of labor from start to finish, 10 minutes of pushing (this is our second baby). All natural birth with no tears or stitches. Can't lie, don't think I would ever do it without an epidural again.... I don't know what the "F" I was thinking doing it natural!!!!!! But he's here and beautiful! :-)
After a stalled labor on 1/6 and mere hours before I was scheduled for induction, I went into intense labor in the middle of the night. Got to the hospital at 4cm and was at 8cm within an hour. Thank god for epidural- I could NOT stay ahead of the pain. Even though it didn't fully take, the edge it took off the contractions was an actual life saver, I thought I would lose my mind. 17 hours total labor, 1 hour of uncomplicated pushing (with a few small tears) and we welcomed our beautiful daughter! Every moment since then has been like a dream - in all the best and worst ways possible! We're thrilled to bring her home tomorrow and start our new chapter.
Ulysses is here, he arrived 12/20 at 2:13am. 14 hours of back labor only to realize that he was wedged in my pelvis and refused to come out. Unplanned c section and he finally arrived after drinking 30 mls of amniotic fluid on his way out! 9lbs 9oz, he's perfect!
Zoe arrived Jan 3, (DD Dec 25), by emergency c section after over 24 hours of labor. The story is long, as was the labor, but she is a sweet and lovely girl and I am so blessed for the whole experience, even if it wasn't how I wanted it to be.
Went in to be induced on Jan 1 at 41 weeks. I was really disappointed because I wanted a natural, intervention-free birth. Labor started strongly with the foley and cervidil overnight, no pitocin necessary, so I was allowed to transfer to the alternative birthing center like I wanted. It was really a beautiful experience. I labored in the tub with the lights low, my husband and midwife by my side. I progressed to an 8 quickly and I was feeling so happy and blessed knowing our girl was coming soon. But then 3.5 hours of painful labor later we were still at an 8. Baby girl was sunny-side-up and we tried every position imagineable to turn her. Somewhere in that time my water broke and things got really intense. I basically spent almost 4 hours in transition with no gains. My midwife told me I was "failure to progress" at this point. She gave me another hour to make progress on my own, then said we needed to do an epidural to see if we could relax the pelvis enough to get her through. At this point I was basically having 15 min long contractions with no break in between as my body was trying to get her moving. I was shaking and crying because of the pain and because I didn't want to have an epidural, but I wanted to do the right thing for the baby.
After the epidural they started pitocin to make stronger contractions, and I "labored" like this for several more hours. It felt so weird, like I had pressed pause on having a baby. I eventually got all the way to 10 and we started to push. Again, we tried every position I could manage with the epidural for pushing, but she wouldn't budge. I pushed for 3 hours with no progress. My midwife again gave me an hour to make some progress, and told me we would need a c section if I didn't progress. I tried so hard, pushed with everything I had, but she just wouldn't move. Finally we were wheeled in for a c section. The absolute last thing I wanted. But it was clear that she wasn't going to come out any other way.
She was born at 10 pounds, 7 ounces, still facing the wrong way inside me. She was over 22 inches long and her head was 14.5 inches around. I understand now why she wasn't coming - she just couldn't fit through my pelvis at her size and wedged in there the way she was. It was not how I wanted it to be for her or for me, but we have a healthy baby and that is what is important. I had complications after her birth with blood loss and an infection, so it has been rough going, but we are all recovering and figuring it out.
Clifford EDD 12/27/15 Delivered on 12/26/15 6lbs 15 oz 20 inches long
Went to sleep on Christmas night for a couple of hours only to hear that "pop" sound of my water breaking. Went to the hospital and was admitted around 3:30 am. Pitocin was started to help things move along. Had an epidural and it was AMAZING!
Started pushing at 4:20 pm and baby was delivered at 5:14 pm. I have to say that having a mirror to see how you are doing really helps when you can't feel anything due to the epidural medication. The nurse at the hospital was amazing and had a wonderful sense of humor. Labor was amazing and fun. Now enjoying life with the little one finally here.
I was scheduled for induction on 12-29, noticed some spotting the morning of 12-28 went into L&D at 2pm i was 3 cm. A few hours later the dr broke my water and i gave birth at 8:20pm. Im Really enjoying being a mom. I cant get enough of this little girl
Finally at 42 weeks our son Marlo Jack Sprague was born on January 14th! 7 lbs 1 oz, 21.5 inches, lots of hair! Pretty happy and cuddly disposition after being verrrry stubborn coming out!
Started having mild contractions 1-2 minutes apart around 11-12 am January 13th after taking the midwife cocktail under supervision to induce at 9 (yes it's the castor oil one...also has lemon verbena, almond butter, apricot juice - FWIW I didn't get sick at all and didn't pop during labour/delivery. He had meconium, but again I was 2 weeks overdue.) Contractions progressed in intensity fairly quickly and stayed 1-2 minutes the whole labour. The doula came over by 3 and we called the midwife by 4. Was a 6 around 6 pm with bulging water, so we decided to head to the hospital. Progressed fairly quickly at the hospital to a 7-8, enjoyed labouring in the shower the most. I think around 12 I seemed to be transitioning as I had some back to back intense contractions, so the midwife checked me but I hadn't progressed. I can't remember if she broke my water at that point or I laboured a bit longer and had another check with no progression, but once my water was broken the midwife realized baby hadn't turned from LOA and thought that could be the issue with progression of dilation. There was very thin meconium in the water. Since the contractions were now extremely intense but I wasn't progressing and baby wasn't turning, she suggested the epidural. I was determined I didn't want intervention and asked for another hour to try. I did everything my body could manage - all fours, squatting, rocking and rolling my body, talking to the baby, etc. At one point I started to get the urge to push and told the midwife. She tried to look while I was still labouring and told me to trust my body. I started to go with the pushes and she did an official check only to see he wasn't moved an inch and I was still only 7-8. At that point I couldn't control the urge to push and we all agreed the epidural was the only way. The contractions then were completely overwhelming and I had no control over the pushing, which was terrifying. It was like this for the hour I waited for the epidural...
Finally got the epidural at 4:30 and it was truly magical as everyone says. I could feel everything - wiggle my toes, shift my body, move my legs, feel contractions - but they only felt like mild contractions. They also had syntocinon slowly going. We all got some sleep and I progressed to 10 cm by 10:30 and another check showed more meconium and he was still LOA - stuck under my pelvic bone. His heart had some decels with contractions but nothing they were too concerned about. With this combination and the fact I had some urges to push (not intense) they decided I should start pushing. I pushed for 4ish contractions and he WOULD NOT BUDGE! His heart started being very low with each push so more Drs came in and checked and let me push a bit more. At this point I just wanted to know baby was ok as there were so many people but no one seemed too concerned! They explained if there was a concern he would've been out already and to just keep going. When he refused to turn, they decided forceps would be best and explained to me the process very well and calmly. They got the forceps in and turned his head as we waited for a contraction - and of course now it took 8 minutes to get another contraction after all these hours of 1-2 minutes apart. He REALLY didn't want to come out. His head was out after one contraction and I pushed a few more pushes for the rest of his body. He wasn't breathing so they calmly explained they would suction him and put him on my chest. Within a second or two he cried out and holy everything that was the best sound I'd ever heard!!! From then on he was totally relaxed! I haven't asked for details, but from what I understand I had one second degree tear and one more that I'm not sure of the degree. Couldn't feel the tears besides a stinging paper cut feeling and didn't feel stitching.
Physical recovery is going really well it seems but certainly not easy, and although breastfeeding was tough to get the hang of, it seems like we've found somewhat of a groove.
At 5:21 am on 12/9 I got up to pee (go figure) and as I walked back to bed, I felt liquid come out, so I walked back and more liquid kept coming out. So I woke my hubby and said "I think my water broke" so I start getting my previously packed bags together, as well as myself but it didn't feel real. I wasn't in any pain but I was like a leaky faucet. We get to the hospital and I could see the doubt in the L&D nurses faces when I say "I think my water broke" I do the test paper you confirm, although I knew that's what it was, since I kept leaking. So into a room I go. Patents are notified and we settle in for the journey. Well, thankfully our parents acted quickly (despite our "don't rush" requests) because my little guys heart rate would drop with my contractions. My wonderful L&D nurses calmly told me to mentally prepare myself to a c-section. I cried but I wanted my little guy safe. So, shortly later I was being wheeled away and prepping for surgery. I remember, during the epidural, thinking "ok, I need to pick up my legs because my feet are falling asleep". I laughed at myself when it clicked, that's what is supposed to happen. At 11:02 my husband says "He's got a head full of hair", I hear that cry and I joined him with happy tears!
I realized I never did my announcement! EDD 12/27 Bron 12/27
I was scheduled to be induced on my due date the reason being my husband and I arestationed cross country from each other and he would be in town already. My induction was set for 730 am December 27th. I woke up to pee December 27th at 1 in the morning. I went and laid back down thinking that I was having stomach cramps that were going to lead to a bad BM (had Mexican for dinner and that never agrees with me) stomach cramps lasted about a half hour and then out of nowhere it turned into full on contractions 3 minutes apart. By 230 am we were at the hospital. I was only at 2 cm but they admitted me since my induction was 5 hours away. By 830 am I was at 3 cm and really starting to be in pain. Got my epidural at 9 and they checked me right after and I was at 5 cm! Things moved very quickly after that. I started pushing at 12 pm and Braiden entered the world at 1253 pm weighing a chunky 8 pounds 7 ounces. After 3 miscarriages I finally have my son.
We had a mandatory evacuation due to flooding and our entire 1st floor of our townhome ended up flooded and had to be remodeled. We were evacuated 12/28 spent the night at a hotel then I went into labor 12/29 at 11:00pm at FIL's house. I lost my mucus plug when I went to the restroom and started to feel what was like period cramps that eventually became too painful for me to bare. I called L&D at the hospital and they told me if I felt in enough pain to just come in and so I did. When the on-call doctor checked me I was 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced. Baby was coming. My DH started to freak out a bit knowing that labor was going faster than the first. We got into our room and I just had to get an epidural at that point. I was 5 cm dilated by the time I got my epidural. Contractions stopped hurting just for a couple of hours then started again at full force. I just concentrated on my breathing and waited for my OB to get to the hospital. Unfortunately because of the flooding there was only one route to my hospital and she ended taking longer than usual. I was already at 10cm and ready to push but we needed her to break my water because it hadn't already for some reason. All the nurses kept telling me to wait and just breathe through it all while my DH pretended like he was asleep when I needed him the most! The nurses kept asking if they should just bring in the on-call doctor because I am ready and couldn't stop pushing. I felt like my body was involuntarily trying to push the baby out at this point. The nurses finally were told my OB arrived and 5 minutes later she is in the room, broke my water and it was time to push! DD came out at 7:55 am! I pushed for 10 minutes and she was out. I was overjoyed about DD coming, I couldn't of been happier. I got a small one degree tear and that was it! DD is doing nicely!
I had a miscarriage due to complications from diabetes.
My first baby was born at 34 weeks was 6lbs 12oz and spent a month in the nicu due to complications from diabetes.
My second baby was born at 28 weeks was 1lb 12oz and spent three months in the nicu and had two surgeries due to complications from diabetes.
I had a miscarriage due to complications from diabetes.
Then I learned I had diabetes!
My third pregnancy my diabetes was well controlled before and during. I saw a dr every week sometimes twice a week. My insulin strictly controlled. Diet watched. My third pregnancy was induced at 37 weeks and was 7lbs 8oz. I got my vbac. Delivery was amazing. Not emergent. He went straight from birth to laying on my chest. Slept in my room. Was met and held and adored by his siblings. Was never taken away from me to the nicu. Was nothing but happy and perfect and came straight to my home. My first newborn baby at home. My third child.
All of the appointments. The diet. The needles. The bruises. The stinging soreness. The blood drops. The logging and the writing down and the logging and the logging. They all paid off.
I'm bringing up the rear for D15 birth announcements. Who knows if anyone will ever see this but hey, why not? A lot of you know what a long road it has been to get here. I had a dd in N15, twins for D15 and another dd March 16. I have always felt at home here though.
Team Green turned Team Blue!
Bear Edward EDD: 7/12/16 BORN: 6/28/2016 2:17pm 8lb 8oz 20.1" Born via C-section
@BostonBaby1 I was thinking of you last week, wondering how you were doing! This is the best news! I'm so happy for you!! ❤️ Many prayers and blessings!
Between a new crazy job + crawling baby I haven't been here in the longest time. I'm so excited to see this!!! Congrats @BostonBaby1!!!!! Bear is blessed with such a special mommy!
@BostonBaby1I am weeping with happiness for you! It's been such a long road and now here you are with your amazing and beautiful baby Bear! You have a wild and amazing ride ahead of you! Congratulations!
@BostonBaby1 so I've been really sad this last couple of weeks, partly because of my latest loss, a baby boy I delivered at just 17 weeks on April 11th, and also because it will be a year in a couple of days since I loss my other boy; I decided to lurk my old BMB and found this amazing incredible news and I'm just ecstatic!! This made my day and I'm so so so happy for you! I can't even put into words how happy I am, you so deserve this!! You were one of my biggest supporters and I still read your emails when I'm feeling down, you were so incredibly helpful to me and I'm crying tears of joy for you J, I really am! Big hugs to you and your precious baby boy!!
I'm 29, husband is 30 Together since 2006 Married 01.17.15
I'm bringing up the rear for D15 birth announcements. Who knows if anyone will ever see this but hey, why not? A lot of you know what a long road it has been to get here. I had a dd in N15, twins for D15 and another dd March 16. I have always felt at home here though.
Team Green turned Team Blue!
Bear Edward EDD: 7/12/16 BORN: 6/28/2016 2:17pm 8lb 8oz 20.1" Born via C-section
@BostonBaby1 so I've been really sad this last couple of weeks, partly because of my latest loss, a baby boy I delivered at just 17 weeks on April 11th, and also because it will be a year in a couple of days since I loss my other boy; I decided to lurk my old BMB and found this amazing incredible news and I'm just ecstatic!! This made my day and I'm so so so happy for you! I can't even put into words how happy I am, you so deserve this!! You were one of my biggest supporters and I still read your emails when I'm feeling down, you were so incredibly helpful to me and I'm crying tears of joy for you J, I really am! Big hugs to you and your precious baby boy!!
@fiorip I have thought of often since the loss of your sweet baby. I'm so sorry you have another angel baby ❤️
Re: D15 Birth Announcements
EDD: 12/21
Born 12/17 @ 9:43pm
7lbs 6oz
20 inches
Was induced 12/16 due to high blood pressure. Labor was 23 hours on pitocin but only pushed for 10 minutes. We're so in love!
EDD 12/27
Born 12/28
8lbs 3oz ( I am 5'2" petite!)
Start to finish 11 hours. Pretty quick!
Went in for check up at our 7:15 appt 12/28. Membrane sweep. Not painful for me and had bloody show immediately.
Dr sent me for ultrasound just to check on her and I. All looked good except my amniotic fluid levels. They were low. Concerns w my water breaking and resulting in crushed umbilical cord and I live an hour from hospital not to mention ice storm coming. Said we would rather be conservative so decided to induce. I was 80% thinned abd 2cm.
Started pitocin at noon. Felt great. Walked hallways. Hung out. Around 4 or 5 started to hurt a little but still good. Dr came in and said let her know when I felt pressure to push. They don't check you often to minimize infection risk.
Dr walked out abd I felt a pop. My water broke. Contractions became much stronger. An hour later I asked for epidural. Baby girls heart rate never faltered the entire labor. Epidural was not too bad. Hard to sit still but it was pretty quick. Then nurses said try to rest. Epidural made my legs numb which kind of freaked me out so I didn't push the button to keep it flowing. (BIG mistake).
A few hours later felt pressure on my tailbone avd rectim. Got progressively worse. Told nurses. They checked me avd I was 7. Another half hour (8ish) and I said the pressure was really bad. Checked again almost 9. Before I knew it they said ok you are at ten. I tried to push with the contractions and at first it wasn't horrible. Once she was crowning it got extremely painful. I pushed for about an hour and 45 minutes. Epidural was too low so I felt EVERYTHING. I remember thinking this is insane it's like the discovery channel. I held my own legs and screamed after pushing at the end. She turned herself at the last second and came out. 11:05pm. I went into shock from the pain and was shaking horribly so I couldn't hold her. I stared at my husband holding our daughter while they stitched me up. 2nd degree tear and I tore a little of my cervix. That may have been the worst part. I felt the stitching abd it took almost an hour. Had to bring in hemorrhage kit. Then finally got to hold her. I swear every pain I felt disappeared.
I don't want to scare anyone but I want to be accurate. Push the epidural button!!!!!
I already am forgetting pieces of what happened. Honestly except for the cervical tear it really wasn't terrible. Only about 2 hours of true pain.
Recovery going well. And now that my milk came in we are getting the hang of breastfeeding.
Good luck to those who are still waiting!!
EDD 12/28
Born 12/31 at 1:37 pm
8 lbs 5 oz, 21 inches
Went to my 40 week appt and dr decided it was time to get baby out due to borderline blood pressure. Started pitocin around 8:30 pm. Received fentanyl via iv at 1:30 am and it didn't help at all. Asked for epidural at 3:30 and it was immediate relief! My water broke as I got back into bed from epidural and the combo of meds and hormone release caused both baby and myself to crash. Luckily his heart rate came back up within seconds of me being sent for emergency c section.
Around 9 am the pressure was ridiculous but i wasn't able to start pushing until 11 due to three emergency c sections taking up all of the residents. Pushed for two hours. Had a scare with meconium but the NICU dr determined it shouldn't be a problem, thank goodness. Many pushes later Landon came screaming into the world. He is perfect. Only had some second degree tears but already feel 90% back to normal. The hemorrhoids are no joke though.
EDD 12/31/15
Born 12/27/15
7lb 7oz 20 1/2 in
Very Long Beware!!!
Was scheduled to be induced 12/29 due to time working against us and my husband having to go overseas (military) but our princess decided to come on her own! That night I jumped out of bed thinking my dog was puking and ran down stairs full speed to let him out. Not even a minute later I had to pee and had my first contraction on the toilet (it hurt so bad to pee) got up and they were every three minutes lasting a minute and half long with small but painful contractions in between. Woke up my husband and mom who is visiting for the birth and decided to call L&D because I did not want to go just to be sent home. I wanted to wait a little to see if the contractions settled down but they only got worst. Contractions started at 2am and got to hospital by 3am was checked and was 4cm dilated with bulging bag. The admitted me and contractions got even more painful! I admediatly asked for epidural because I knew laboring natural was not for me! I waited about 30min to get some fluids and blood work, then got epi which was painless. I was so nervous for epidural because I seen one administered (work in medical field) and the girl jumped off the table! Doctor came in around 5am and checked me again and I was 8cm and water broke as soon as he stuck his hand inside me! He came back a hour later and no progression so he started pitocin which got me to 10cm in 30min! I started pushing right away and pushed for three hours on my side because baby heart rate kept dropping with epi turned off due to me being to numb. Doctor came in and said she was stuck behind my pelvis and had to do c section. The turned my epi back on plus other drugs which was awesome! Went back for c section and daughter was born @ 1221! She is the most beautiful thing I ever laid my eyes on! Such a blessing! C section pain is no joke I will say that but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world! Breastfeeding has been a breeze for her but torture to my nipples!
EDD 12.24.15
Born 12.28.15
7lbs 9oz / 18.5 in.
13 hours of labor and she was here in three pushes. Thank goodness for the epidural! Congratulations to all the December mamas out there! Love reading your birth stories and showing your photos to my older daughter (one of 1,000+ things we did to try to prepare her for her baby sister's arrival)!
Sebastian Xavier
EDD: 12/21/15
Born: 12/27/15
8lbs, 3oz. 19.25 inches
Water broke at 11pm, baby born at 7:33am. Only 8 hours of labor from start to finish, 10 minutes of pushing (this is our second baby). All natural birth with no tears or stitches. Can't lie, don't think I would ever do it without an epidural again.... I don't know what the "F" I was thinking doing it natural!!!!!! But he's here and beautiful! :-)
Sloane Elizabeth
EDD 12/28
Born: 1/7/16
After a stalled labor on 1/6 and mere hours before I was scheduled for induction, I went into intense labor in the middle of the night. Got to the hospital at 4cm and was at 8cm within an hour. Thank god for epidural- I could NOT stay ahead of the pain. Even though it didn't fully take, the edge it took off the contractions was an actual life saver, I thought I would lose my mind. 17 hours total labor, 1 hour of uncomplicated pushing (with a few small tears) and we welcomed our beautiful daughter! Every moment since then has been like a dream - in all the best and worst ways possible! We're thrilled to bring her home tomorrow and start our new chapter.
Went in to be induced on Jan 1 at 41 weeks. I was really disappointed because I wanted a natural, intervention-free birth. Labor started strongly with the foley and cervidil overnight, no pitocin necessary, so I was allowed to transfer to the alternative birthing center like I wanted. It was really a beautiful experience. I labored in the tub with the lights low, my husband and midwife by my side. I progressed to an 8 quickly and I was feeling so happy and blessed knowing our girl was coming soon. But then 3.5 hours of painful labor later we were still at an 8. Baby girl was sunny-side-up and we tried every position imagineable to turn her. Somewhere in that time my water broke and things got really intense. I basically spent almost 4 hours in transition with no gains. My midwife told me I was "failure to progress" at this point. She gave me another hour to make progress on my own, then said we needed to do an epidural to see if we could relax the pelvis enough to get her through. At this point I was basically having 15 min long contractions with no break in between as my body was trying to get her moving. I was shaking and crying because of the pain and because I didn't want to have an epidural, but I wanted to do the right thing for the baby.
After the epidural they started pitocin to make stronger contractions, and I "labored" like this for several more hours. It felt so weird, like I had pressed pause on having a baby. I eventually got all the way to 10 and we started to push. Again, we tried every position I could manage with the epidural for pushing, but she wouldn't budge. I pushed for 3 hours with no progress. My midwife again gave me an hour to make some progress, and told me we would need a c section if I didn't progress. I tried so hard, pushed with everything I had, but she just wouldn't move. Finally we were wheeled in for a c section. The absolute last thing I wanted. But it was clear that she wasn't going to come out any other way.
She was born at 10 pounds, 7 ounces, still facing the wrong way inside me. She was over 22 inches long and her head was 14.5 inches around. I understand now why she wasn't coming - she just couldn't fit through my pelvis at her size and wedged in there the way she was. It was not how I wanted it to be for her or for me, but we have a healthy baby and that is what is important. I had complications after her birth with blood loss and an infection, so it has been rough going, but we are all recovering and figuring it out.
Clifford
EDD 12/27/15
Delivered on 12/26/15
6lbs 15 oz
20 inches long
Went to sleep on Christmas night for a couple of hours only to hear that "pop" sound of my water breaking. Went to the hospital and was admitted around 3:30 am. Pitocin was started to help things move along. Had an epidural and it was AMAZING!
Started pushing at 4:20 pm and baby was delivered at 5:14 pm. I have to say that having a mirror to see how you are doing really helps when you can't feel anything due to the epidural medication. The nurse at the hospital was amazing and had a wonderful sense of humor. Labor was amazing and fun. Now enjoying life with the little one finally here.
Born 12-28-2015
EDD 12-26-2015
I was scheduled for induction on 12-29, noticed some spotting the morning of 12-28 went into L&D at 2pm i was 3 cm. A few hours later the dr broke my water and i gave birth at 8:20pm. Im Really enjoying being a mom. I cant get enough of this little girl
Started having mild contractions 1-2 minutes apart around 11-12 am January 13th after taking the midwife cocktail under supervision to induce at 9 (yes it's the castor oil one...also has lemon verbena, almond butter, apricot juice - FWIW I didn't get sick at all and didn't pop during labour/delivery. He had meconium, but again I was 2 weeks overdue.) Contractions progressed in intensity fairly quickly and stayed 1-2 minutes the whole labour. The doula came over by 3 and we called the midwife by 4. Was a 6 around 6 pm with bulging water, so we decided to head to the hospital. Progressed fairly quickly at the hospital to a 7-8, enjoyed labouring in the shower the most. I think around 12 I seemed to be transitioning as I had some back to back intense contractions, so the midwife checked me but I hadn't progressed. I can't remember if she broke my water at that point or I laboured a bit longer and had another check with no progression, but once my water was broken the midwife realized baby hadn't turned from LOA and thought that could be the issue with progression of dilation. There was very thin meconium in the water. Since the contractions were now extremely intense but I wasn't progressing and baby wasn't turning, she suggested the epidural. I was determined I didn't want intervention and asked for another hour to try. I did everything my body could manage - all fours, squatting, rocking and rolling my body, talking to the baby, etc. At one point I started to get the urge to push and told the midwife. She tried to look while I was still labouring and told me to trust my body. I started to go with the pushes and she did an official check only to see he wasn't moved an inch and I was still only 7-8. At that point I couldn't control the urge to push and we all agreed the epidural was the only way. The contractions then were completely overwhelming and I had no control over the pushing, which was terrifying. It was like this for the hour I waited for the epidural...
Finally got the epidural at 4:30 and it was truly magical as everyone says. I could feel everything - wiggle my toes, shift my body, move my legs, feel contractions - but they only felt like mild contractions. They also had syntocinon slowly going. We all got some sleep and I progressed to 10 cm by 10:30 and another check showed more meconium and he was still LOA - stuck under my pelvic bone. His heart had some decels with contractions but nothing they were too concerned about. With this combination and the fact I had some urges to push (not intense) they decided I should start pushing. I pushed for 4ish contractions and he WOULD NOT BUDGE! His heart started being very low with each push so more Drs came in and checked and let me push a bit more. At this point I just wanted to know baby was ok as there were so many people but no one seemed too concerned! They explained if there was a concern he would've been out already and to just keep going. When he refused to turn, they decided forceps would be best and explained to me the process very well and calmly. They got the forceps in and turned his head as we waited for a contraction - and of course now it took 8 minutes to get another contraction after all these hours of 1-2 minutes apart. He REALLY didn't want to come out. His head was out after one contraction and I pushed a few more pushes for the rest of his body. He wasn't breathing so they calmly explained they would suction him and put him on my chest. Within a second or two he cried out and holy everything that was the best sound I'd ever heard!!! From then on he was totally relaxed! I haven't asked for details, but from what I understand I had one second degree tear and one more that I'm not sure of the degree. Couldn't feel the tears besides a stinging paper cut feeling and didn't feel stitching.
Physical recovery is going really well it seems but certainly not easy, and although breastfeeding was tough to get the hang of, it seems like we've found somewhat of a groove.
Jax Anthony
EDD 12/10
Born 12/09
At 5:21 am on 12/9 I got up to pee (go figure) and as I walked back to bed, I felt liquid come out, so I walked back and more liquid kept coming out. So I woke my hubby and said "I think my water broke" so I start getting my previously packed bags together, as well as myself but it didn't feel real. I wasn't in any pain but I was like a leaky faucet. We get to the hospital and I could see the doubt in the L&D nurses faces when I say "I think my water broke" I do the test paper you confirm, although I knew that's what it was, since I kept leaking. So into a room I go. Patents are notified and we settle in for the journey. Well, thankfully our parents acted quickly (despite our "don't rush" requests) because my little guys heart rate would drop with my contractions. My wonderful L&D nurses calmly told me to mentally prepare myself to a c-section. I cried but I wanted my little guy safe. So, shortly later I was being wheeled away and prepping for surgery. I remember, during the epidural, thinking "ok, I need to pick up my legs because my feet are falling asleep". I laughed at myself when it clicked, that's what is supposed to happen. At 11:02 my husband says "He's got a head full of hair", I hear that cry and I joined him with happy tears!
7lb 14oz
19"
My little blessing was finally here!!
The last image is my man now, at 6 weeks old!
EDD 12/27
Bron 12/27
I was scheduled to be induced on my due date the reason being my husband and I arestationed cross country from each other and he would be in town already. My induction was set for 730 am December 27th. I woke up to pee December 27th at 1 in the morning. I went and laid back down thinking that I was having stomach cramps that were going to lead to a bad BM (had Mexican for dinner and that never agrees with me) stomach cramps lasted about a half hour and then out of nowhere it turned into full on contractions 3 minutes apart. By 230 am we were at the hospital. I was only at 2 cm but they admitted me since my induction was 5 hours away. By 830 am I was at 3 cm and really starting to be in pain. Got my epidural at 9 and they checked me right after and I was at 5 cm! Things moved very quickly after that. I started pushing at 12 pm and Braiden entered the world at 1253 pm weighing a chunky 8 pounds 7 ounces. After 3 miscarriages I finally have my son.
Im new here....
Olivia Nicole
7 lb 1 oz, 20"
Born: 12/30/15
EDD: 01/06/16
We had a mandatory evacuation due to flooding and our entire 1st floor of our townhome ended up flooded and had to be remodeled. We were evacuated 12/28 spent the night at a hotel then I went into labor 12/29 at 11:00pm at FIL's house. I lost my mucus plug when I went to the restroom and started to feel what was like period cramps that eventually became too painful for me to bare. I called L&D at the hospital and they told me if I felt in enough pain to just come in and so I did. When the on-call doctor checked me I was 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced. Baby was coming. My DH started to freak out a bit knowing that labor was going faster than the first. We got into our room and I just had to get an epidural at that point. I was 5 cm dilated by the time I got my epidural. Contractions stopped hurting just for a couple of hours then started again at full force. I just concentrated on my breathing and waited for my OB to get to the hospital. Unfortunately because of the flooding there was only one route to my hospital and she ended taking longer than usual. I was already at 10cm and ready to push but we needed her to break my water because it hadn't already for some reason. All the nurses kept telling me to wait and just breathe through it all while my DH pretended like he was asleep when I needed him the most! The nurses kept asking if they should just bring in the on-call doctor because I am ready and couldn't stop pushing. I felt like my body was involuntarily trying to push the baby out at this point. The nurses finally were told my OB arrived and 5 minutes later she is in the room, broke my water and it was time to push! DD came out at 7:55 am! I pushed for 10 minutes and she was out. I was overjoyed about DD coming, I couldn't of been happier. I got a small one degree tear and that was it! DD is doing nicely!
DS#1 born 02/19/2013
Late announcing...
Team green turned blue!
Elliot Jasper
EDD: 12/16/15
Born: 11/25/15
7lbs, 8oz. inches
I had a miscarriage due to complications from diabetes.
My first baby was born at 34 weeks was 6lbs 12oz and spent a month in the nicu due to complications from diabetes.
My second baby was born at 28 weeks was 1lb 12oz and spent three months in the nicu and had two surgeries due to complications from diabetes.
I had a miscarriage due to complications from diabetes.
Then I learned I had diabetes!
My third pregnancy my diabetes was well controlled before and during. I saw a dr every week sometimes twice a week. My insulin strictly controlled. Diet watched. My third pregnancy was induced at 37 weeks and was 7lbs 8oz. I got my vbac. Delivery was amazing. Not emergent. He went straight from birth to laying on my chest. Slept in my room. Was met and held and adored by his siblings. Was never taken away from me to the nicu. Was nothing but happy and perfect and came straight to my home. My first newborn baby at home. My third child.
All of the appointments. The diet. The needles. The bruises. The stinging soreness. The blood drops. The logging and the writing down and the logging and the logging. They all paid off.
I'm bringing up the rear for D15 birth announcements. Who knows if anyone will ever see this but hey, why not? A lot of you know what a long road it has been to get here. I had a dd in N15, twins for D15 and another dd March 16. I have always felt at home here though.
Team Green turned Team Blue!
Bear Edward
EDD: 7/12/16
BORN: 6/28/2016
2:17pm
8lb 8oz
20.1"
Born via C-section
couldnt be happier for you momma!!
https://bravowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/whoop-it-up.gif
Together since 2006
Married 01.17.15