Our baby Nyla Carolyn and her fabulous head of hair were born in the early hours of this morning, November 12th, weighing 7lbs 11oz and measuring 21 inches. Labor took two long, painful days, but totally worth it and epidurals are some kind of magic!
It's only day one, but she's the most perfect baby so far! Hardly cries, latched on perfectly within 20 minutes of birth, and just wants to eat and sleep all the time. We're very much in love!
Nicholas Padraic was born 0339 on November 12th. 7lbs 9oz. Succesful vbac. short labor of 6 hours. been a little lazy with breastfeeding but we will get there! love my little man.
Theo James born November 10th 11:10GMT, (40+3) weighing 8lbs 10oz and 21.5" long.
Had a sweep the afternoon of the 9th, and woke up around 2am with infrequent contractions. Went in when they were thick and fast at around 8am. Examined, was 6cm so the midwives ran the pool for me. Laboured in the pool and after 4minutes of pushing out he came! It just so happened to be the exact same pool his brother was born in just over 16 months ago too, which made it a bit more special. Got immediate skin to skin this time, and delayed cord clamping. Big bro was there the entire time, and is thoroughly fascinated by him. Got the all clear to go home at around 8:30/9pm that day! Not having too much success with bfing currently, so expressing bottles for him, but we're working on it.
Our lovely baby girl Sierra Marie was born Nov. 12th at 12:43am. A day before her due date. Blessed with a smooth labor & delivery and a very healthy sweet baby. First time mama & daddy are so in love.
Yay yay yay, I finally get to post on this feed! My sweet Jude was born Thursday 11/10 at 5:34am after a very rough labor. Jude's head was so low before I had dilated enough. So at 2cm he was getting pushed down but not on my cervix opening. Imagine trying to pull a sweater down over your baby's head but missing the neck hole and pushing his head into the shoulder seam. I was having contractions every minute but not dilating bc my cervix opening had moved. Mucho pain! I wanted medication but the doc wouldn't give me any bc technically I wasn't in active labor bc they define active labor by centimeter cervix size! Finally at 3-4 cm I got an epidural. That was still rough but not scream worthy. we had to watch my position bc little man's heart rate would drop bc he was pushing on the cord the entire labor. After 40 minutes of pushing my miracle baby was born!
Ella Grace was born 11/10 at 8lbs and 21" long at 9:11 AM via scheduled c-section. Please keep us in your prayers as she is still in the NICU due to breathing and oxygen issues. I can't wait to bring our little girl home! They let us put a cute bow on her for a few minutes. Just proves you can still look fabulous even if you don't feel good!
Olivia Genevieve was born 11/16 @ 136pm. Weighing in at 6lbs 14 ounces and 19.9inches long at 38 weeks 4 days. She is a healthy little girl with some big ol cheeks. We are so in love!!!!
Harrison Lee was born November 16 at 5:39PM. He decided to show up 2 weeks early (Due November 29th).
Nov 15th I started having contractions around 11:45pm, I was in denial until I started realizing they were 8-10mins apart. I called the nurse around 2am but there was still too much time in between. Around 4:45 am the pain was unbearable and the contractions were about 6-7mins apart. I arrived at the hospital around 5:30 and found out I was already 4 cm dilated. I tried to hold off on epidural but gave in around 7:30am.
My sweet little girl Pia was born 1st November at 38+4, she weighed 3095 gram
On Monday they told me I wouldn't make Wednesday and I laughed it off. Was still busy with moving houses and getting everything ready on the day of!
My water broke at 15:15 and she was born at 20:10. My labour was a fast and heavy one for a first timer. Once I asked for an epidural, I got told it was time to push.
Complications started with my placenta, first the umbilical cord broke off and the placenta was stuck. After getting some shots, trying to push it out and having someone sticking there hand in there they decided to give me a break and remove it surgically. Got my epidural (that was heaven) and placenta got removed and the tears (and cut) got stitched up. Lost lots of blood so got an IV with iron. Unfortunately I got a bad reaction on the iron supply so they had to cut that off immediately. Blood transfer was next, thankfully that went well and I started to get some colour and could stand on my own two feet.
Pia is worth everything! She's doing very well. I hoped on breastfeeding her, but due to blood loss I'm not producing enough and she kept loosing weight. Now with bottles she is a happy healthy girl!
Team green turned team blue! Isaac was born 11/18 at 3:04am. I started having contractions Thursday night at 9:30pm, the night before we were scheduled for induction. I knew by the third contraction this was the real deal, and they started coming every 10min right away. I was already dilated to a 5 at my last appointment and was GBS positive, so we called almost right away and headed to the hospital. At one point his heart rate dropped and they started prepping for a c-section but it came back up. I spent two hours pushing before he had trouble again and they helped him out with the vacuum. It was a really tough 5 1/2 hours, and I am still pretty overwhelmed and traumatized by the experience. But he is here and healthy, and we couldn't be happier!
Baby girl was born on November 15th via repeat c-section. 6 pounds 15 ounces and 19 inches long. She's doing well and I'm slowly starting to feel like myself. We're overjoyed!
Our sweet Alice made her debut, via C section, at 5:49 am on Thursday, November 17th.
We went in on Tuesday at 8 pm to begin induction. I got settled in a room and they crushed up and inserted a quarter of cytotec. 4 hours later, I hadn't progressed at all and the baby's heart rate was randomly decelerating with strong contractions. They decided to switch tracks and insert a Foley bulb (with some painkiller given through my IV). I slept for several hours and by the time the doctor came to remove it, it had come out on its on and I was 4 cm dilated.
The next step was pitocin so I requested my epidural then. This turned out to be the best decision I made. For the next 18 hours, they kept adjusting the pitocin levels because the baby's heart rate was randomly decelerating with contractions. By 5 a.m. Thursday, I was exhausted (even though with the epidural, I felt no contractions whatsoever) and hadn't progressed past 6 cm.
The decision was made to have a c-section because they thought the umbilical cord might be wrapped around her neck or arm. When they went in, they discovered she was angled and stuck in my pelvic bone. There was no way she could have corrected and made it out vaginally.
All in all, it wasn't the birth I planned for but it all worked out for the best. I got my sweet, healthy baby girl and that was really all I could ask for.
Erianna Brooklen was born on November 16 at 1:24pm via csection. We had a doctor's appointment on Monday, the 14th, and after the appointment we got sent to l&d to be monitored because she wasn't moving. After 2.5 hours, they decided to admit us, and start induction. We tried every possible induction, but after 42.5 hours baby girl was still being stubborn. Only made it to 7 cm and they decided csection was safest option, due to being low on amniotic fluids. She was born at 7lbs 8oz, 19.25 inches long, and perfectly healthy. We couldn't have asked for a more precious princess.
Zahra Reign was born on November 17th at 5:55pm via a vaginal delivery. She weighed 8 pounds even. I was originally scheduled for an induction that day but she ended up coming on her own. The membrane sweep that the Doctor did two days before probably helped!
Amelia Brooke was born on 11/20 at 9:40 pm the day before her induction. 39 weeks 5 days. She was 7lbs 2 oz and 19.5 inches long.
She decided she liked holding her breath right away so we got about 2 minutes of skin to skin and they took her aside to give her oxygen. They had her for about 10 minutes and everything was fine and we resumed skin to skin. Overall I got the birth experience I hoped for, no pitocin and no epidural. Labor was almost 8 hours from first contraction to birth. I was already 4 cm at my doctor and appointment on Thursday.
She latches awesome but has tounge tie which is making my nipples sore, red, and possibly cracked. Hopefully it will be easier once my milk comes in.
Elena Maria was born Wednesday, November 23 at 1:50 p.m. She weighs 8 lbs, 7 oz. and is 22 inches long. Labor started super suddenly and intensely on Tuesday with my water breaking on my drive home. From the beginning, contractions were about 3 minutes apart, lasting 50-60 seconds, and very strong. My birthing experience was really amazing, it feels so surreal to have my baby girl here 4 days early, when i was convinced she'd be here late! I feel so empowered and proud and just accomplished. Wow!
Charlotte Rose arrived as planned on Nov 22nd at 8lbs 5oz! Big baby for 39 weeks and me being 5"2'. No wonder she never budged from breech. The CS could not have gone any better, recovery is great too so far (entering day 3 this morning) will be bringing her home today which is daunting as the nurses have been such great help with BFing, but she has a good latch and my colostrum is already turning to breast milk so this might all work out exhausted but happy. We are so lucky she is so cute and such an angel so far!!
Yesterday 11/24 we welcomed our baby girl Emma Grace into the world at 39 weeks 4 days. She is 7lbs 7oz and 20.5 inches. I had been having a bunch of contractions the Tuesday and Wednesday before she came but nothing regular. I was 3cm and 50% effaced at my OB appt on Tuesday but she hadn't really dropped much by that point. Thursday morning I was woken up at 2:30 am by a pretty strong contraction. I tried to go back to sleep but they continued coming fairly regularly so I decided I should time them. They quickly got to about 9 min apart and then 7min apart by like 6am. I called my grandmother who was coming from an hour away to stay with DS just to make sure we gave ourselves enough time to get to the hospital before the contractions got to close together. By about 7:30 they started going back to 10 minutes apart so DH and I took a walk to see if we could get them to kick back up and that seemed to help. I had been having quite a bit of bloody show for a day or two leading up to delivery day and it significantly increased yesterday. We finally ended up calling the ob at about 9:15 to let her know my contractions were about 5-9 minutes apart and pretty strong, so they told us to head up to L&D. They checked me when I got there and I was 4cm and 50% effaced and it appeared I had slightly broken my water which I didn't realize. We were admitted by about 10:30 am. I bounced on a yoga ball to help keep things moving and I quickly made it to 5cm where the pain was excruciating and I decided an epidural was best. I am thankful I got it when I did cause I went from 5-10cm in about an hour and a half. 15 min of pushing and she was here. This labor and delivery went so much quicker then my delivery with DS but it was just as smooth which was wonderful. She is a great baby and breast feeding is going wonderfully.
Team Green turned Team Blue! Luke Alan joined big brother Brock in our family on 11/23. I had an appt on Tuesday and was 1 cm and thick. Logistically, was really hoping baby would come this week, but wasn't convinced. Monday night had had some increased cramping/Braxton hicks, but nothing to write home about. Tuesday night, had some accupressure performed on my feet and ate 1/2 a pineapple, including core, for dinner. 2 AM that night woke up with menstrual-type cramping, but timeable. I went to the bathroom and had lots of bloody mucous. Contractions increased in intensity all day, but time between never got consistent - anywhere from 3m apart to 12m - depending greatly on my position. Average was 6-8m apart. By early afternoon, they were pretty intense and I went to L&D to get checked, not convinced I wouldn't be sent home. Arrived approximately 5 PM. My Dr. came in even though she wasn't on call. She was flabbergasted I was in active labor after being checked with no signs of labor the day before. Nurse checked me and I was 4cm and 90%. 30m later Dr. checked me and I was 6-7cm and 90%. Contractions were intense. Dr. broke my water and I stalled at 7 cm for a while. Didn't want an epi, but after being awake since 2 AM with hard labor much of the day, I was exhausted. Only anesthesiologist in the hospital (small rural) was stuck in emergency surgery, so that was a no-go. Tried multiple positions, but baby was coming so fast, I was having no break between contractions. It wasn't pleasant...at all. Finally got contractions to become (slightly) more regular by kneeling on the bed with the head raised and leaning over it. At a "stretchy" 9 with a lip of cervix left (had same with my first son, as did my mom with her births), I started feeling like I could push - not as strong of an urge as I thought it would be, but there. I pushed in the same kneeling position - it was relief (ha!) to be able to use the back of the bed as leverage while pushing. Intermittently squatted instead of kneeling. Dr. stretched my cervix while pushing. Pushed for quite a while (but not sure how long) and he made his entrance @ 8:39 PM (less than 4 hours after arriving). I was somewhat surprised he was a boy and about died when they told me he was a whopping 9 lbs. 1 oz. (older brother was only 7 lbs. 1 oz.) - Dr. said she never would have guessed! Big head (same as big brother, but 2 lbs. lighter) at 14.25" - chest was the exact same circumference. 21.5" long. Thankful I had a labor team who allowed me to labor/push how I wanted - delivered with zero tearing. Overall, I'm feeling good. More than anything, my arms are overwhelmingly sore from all the pulling/leverage during labor and they're quite bruised from leaning over the bed. I had an epi with my first birth (induced) and the recovery period is definitely very different. Baby is nursing better than big brother ever did while in the hospital. Probably going home today, but hasn't had a lot of wet diapers/poop (big brother was the same) so we'll see. Overall we're thrilled (and I'm just happy that labor is OVER!).
Baby Hadi Mohammed is one week old today, born November 18th right on his due date. My water broke at 4:43 am (hubby scoped the clock) and he was born later that day at 6:01 pm. He weighed 7lb 2oz and 19 1/2 inches long. We've been exclusively breastfeeding (which is something I ever even considered doing until I tried it), and he's as healthy as can be. So in love with my rainbow baby.
Baby Max came on 11/18 at 622am. FTM here but baby came within 4.5hr of first contractions (2am). Our induction was scheduled for 11/29 and my husband didn't make it in time from his trip, but my family was there and I barely made it to the hospital (arrived 8cm dilated). With no break between contractions I almost gave in to an epi but ultimately it worked with a vacuum.
Henry John was born at 8:38am on 11/25, a full week after his EDD. We went to the hospital for a scheduled induction where it turned out I was having contractions, but they gave me a pill to soften my uterus. A long story short, the contractions were super intense, I almost delivered him in the bathroom, and in one and a half pushes he was out and in my arms, weighing in at 9 lbs and 21 inches! It was a pretty insane but awesome experience and we are happily hanging out in recovery.
Short version: Benjamin Michael was born 11/22 at 11:25pm via unplanned C section. 7lb 15 oz and 19.75 inches. His due date was 11/18 so he was a few days late.
Long story: I went for my Dr appointment 11/21 and the Dr. did a membrane sweep. She joked she has "pitocin fingers" so I might see her when she was on call the next night. Turns out she was right! I didn't feel anything that day but woke up 11/22 and felt a little gush when I got out of bed; it seemed mostly dischargey so I wasn't sure if it was actually my water breaking. Laid down for a bit, got back up and felt a rush again so I figured it was something. Decided to go for a walk to see and I kept feeling small gushes and on the walk it went through my clothes so I knew it was real. Called the Dr office and they said to go to the hospital although I could stay home a couple hours so I could eat real food before going in.
Hospital didn't do a check but based on my description put me directly into a room. They started me on pitocin and said I couldn't really do any of the other labor methods since my water broke (they just wanted me in bed mostly for some reason). Contractions got stronger but I could breathe through them for a while but eventually I felt like I needed relief. Decided to check me and I was only 2 cm dilated (cue tears) and she wasn't 100% sure my water broke. Dr came by later bc they said since i was scheduled for Friday induction anyway they would keep me; he checked and was going to break my water but he said it was all broken so didn't need to do anything else. I also got the epidural around this time; I was afraid it was too early but they said it made the most sense bc things would get worse. The epidural was great, I could still feel my legs/feet but the pain was gone. I was progressing 1cm/hour as they wanted; around 6cm I was feeling pain again and asked if we could increase epi a bit. They did and ever since then the baby's HR would drop after contractions ("throwing lates" they called it). They had me switch positions a bit, use the peanut ball, etc but it never quite stabilzed. Dr said might need C section but would monitor a bit more. Maybe 2 hours later nurse said things were stabilizing and then 5 min later she and Dr came back and said I was throwing lates again and I needed the C section. Dr had been mulling it over a while and said she just couldn't wait any more and risk anything. Whisked off and baby was born not long after. I felt nothing during the C section which was good though I felt nauseated by the meds during it but made it ok. Baby came out screaming, and kept on screaming for a while.
When he came out the Dr said "woah that's the biggest cone head I've ever seen". And she was right LOL. Later she said that the cone head was a result of being engaged in the birth canal and that likely I could have pushed 3-4 hours and he wouldn't have come out and I would have needed the C section anyway (and baby could have been harmed during it). So as it turned out getting the extra epidural meds may have helped identify some distress even though I felt like it was my fault at the time. Recovering ok from C section, just lots of swelling still. Now if only this kid understood he is supposed to sleep.
Baby Clint was born on 11/21/16 at 10:38pm weighing 9lbs11oz and 20.5inches long, with a 15inch head! I was induced that morning at 7am (41w1d) and it was a long rough day thanks to back labor... At 7am I was still high and closed and baby was free floating, not engaged. By 930am I was 3 cm and baby was at -2 station. Thankfully my birthing center has a portable monitoring system for the fetal monitor and contraction monitor. I was on my feet as much as possible to get things going. At 4:30pm I was 5cm and 80% effaced and uncontrollable shaking had set in. The contractions and back labor were so intense that I broke down as asked for an epidural. The first epi didn't take, the anesthesiologist missed. I spent two hours dealing the transition labor and still shaking because the anesthesiologist was in surgery. We tried a saline bolus under the skin in my back to help with the back labor, which burned like hell while they were doing it, but did help with the back labor. The second epidural took almost immediately, and man is it hard to it still through contractions! At this point I was 8 cm and 100% effaced. The midwife broke my water and I was able to relax and get a short cat nap in before it was time to push for 45 minutes. Clint did have a mild shoulder dystocia which was quickly fixed on the last contraction while I pushed and the midwife repositioned him and pulled. He was placed on my chest immediately for skin-to-skin and DH cut the cord after delayed cord clamping. We breastfed immediately while the midwife delivered my placenta and the epidural wore off so I could walk to our room. I didn't have any tearing or need any repairs. Not sure how that happened with such a monster baby, but I give credit to all the EPO I used the last few weeks! My DH was my rock, applying counter pressure and being as supportive and encouraging as possible. I wouldn't have been able to make it as far as I did without the epidural if he wasn't there. With DD I was able to labor and deliver med free after my water breaking and needing o be induced... But with Clint, every contraction felt like I was being ripped open from the inside. Probably because of how big he is. Recovery has been more painful, I honestly think he bruised my uterus coming out. But we're home and doing good. My milk has come in and he's nursing like a champ and is now over his birth weight. Newborn diapers and clothes don't fit him already. DH is totally smitten by him and DD wants to hold him constantly!
Harrison Tucker was born on 11/7/16 - 6 lbs 13 oz, 20 1/2 inches long...after a long day of laboring after an early morning induction, he ended up being delivered by C-section at 4:24pm.
Okay, I finally get to announce that my little turkey baby was born on 11/24 at 6:12pm. I started laboring at 3:30am with contractions 10 min apart. Went to the hospital around 4:30am because my water broke and I also knew I needed my GBS antibiotics and didn't want to wait too long. I was 4cm dilated and by 5:30pm I was at 9. I had a strong urge to push but had to wait for the dr for my final pushes (that evening she had 3 deliveries back to back) I lost a good amount of blood, it was a bit scary for a bit, but I recovered well with the meds. Dr had to remove some blood clots that were not allowing me to contract after baby was out... I think this was more painful than pushing him out.
My plan was a med free birth and I have to say that I managed it. I did it!!! I surprised myself with my endurance. My mom, sister and husband did amazing at coaching me and not to mention I had amazing nurses and a doctor that supported my decision and helped me through it. Ronin Alexander weighs 8lb 3oz and is 20" long and he is the love of my life
Sarah Joyce was born November 26th, 10 days after her edd. We had an induction scheduled for the 30th and I was really stressing about it. DH was sunny side up and the idea of pitocin +occiput posterior was a little daunting.
Friday morning we went to strip the membranes and kick things off. By bedtime contractions were 7-8 minutes apart and very tolerable. Two hours of sleep later I awoke to super intense contractions that were 3 minutes apart.
Ten hours of very hard active labor and 20 minutes of pushing later I got to meet my girl. The contraction pattern was extremely intense the entire active labor. I would have 3-4 back to back contractions and then a 1-2 minute break....the whole time. They thought the pattern was likely due to her position. She did rotate right at 9cm shortly before the waters released.
My doula and DH helped me work through the labor so I could have a med free birth. I'm so happy that it worked out that way. DD is the most precious little person I've ever met.
Baby Liam born on his due date at 8:27 p.m. on November 29. 8lbs 6oz and 22 inches long. I was in early labor for a week before it started to progress, was admitted Monday, only dilated to 3 cm and in so much pain I ended up with a shot of morphine to help for the night. Tuesday I still only dilated to 4cm and hadn't progressed since doctor broke my water in the a.m. I was then given an epidural and still no progress. His head was stuck at the wrong angle so I had a C-section birth. Still very sore but happy my baby is out and healthy. (I'm 4 foot 11 and tiny so probably wouldn't have had a normal delivery anyway since he's such a big boy) One fun fact: He shares my great grandfather's birthday
Our daughter arrived the weekend before Thanksgiving. I had to be induced because of high blood pressure and it took a couple days, but everything said and done it went well. We've just been home, coasting on waves of sleep deprivation since!
Edit: terrible autocorrect.
Me: 30 DH: 32 ~~ TTC #1: Sep 2015 ~~ BFP: Mar 2016 ~~ Daughter: Nov 2016 TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019
Nora Marie was born 11/26 at 10:15 PM! She was 7 lbs 3 oz and 20" long. I was 42 weeks and 1 day! Mom and baby are happy and healthy.
I went in for induction thanksgiving night. 1 dose of Misoprostal, a badly placed foley bulb (by a resident), and hours of pitocin later, I was only dilated to a 3 by Friday night. (I started at a soft, but closed 0 cm) We took a break from the pitocin for the night and did 2 doses of misoprostal overnight. Saturday morning, after the misoprostal did nothing for me again, my midwife properly inserted a foley bulb and a few hours later I was at a 4. Then we started the pitocin again. This time the contractions were a lot stronger and I was sure we were getting somewhere. Eventually it got to be too much and I got the epidural, preparing to dilate to a 10 and push. About 9 PM saturday, my midwife checked me and and I was at 5 cm. I had only dilated 1 cm in 5 hours. My midwife, the attending OB and DH and I made the call that it was time for a c-section. 48 hours of medical induction and only 5 cm to show for it, plus a 2 week past due baby, it was the best and safest option.
I thought I would be more scared about the c-section, It was the last thing I wanted. I had hoped that this baby would come on her own and we would have a med free birth at a birthing center. DH and I stayed calm, trying to decide on a name and talking about how to use our vacation days for next year, how awesome it is going to be having babies at Family christmas this year. The c/s felt like it took forever, but hearing my baby girl cry and seeing her head full of reddish hair was all worth it.
She was born saturday night and we went home mid day Tuesday. Our L&D nurses, the surgical team, the anesthesiologist, and the post partum nurses were all fantastic. I have a new appreciation for nurses. I have never stayed in a hospital before, so I had no idea how much they do!
I am healing well from the c/s and after a few issues, Nora is nursing like a champ. DH and I are still in awe of how perfect she is.
Our daughter Lara was born on Nov 25th at 41W5D via c-section. She was 8lb3oz and 21inches. My labor started the night before the scheduled induction date. 24 hours after i was admitted to the hospital , she still didnot move down into the birth canal and i couldnt dilate more than 6cm. Her heart rate decelerated few times , doctor decided to move into c-section. it was a disappointment for me but i guess it was the healthiest option for both of us. Both of us are doing great.
Re: November 2016 Birth Announcements!!!
It's only day one, but she's the most perfect baby so far! Hardly cries, latched on perfectly within 20 minutes of birth, and just wants to eat and sleep all the time. We're very much in love!
Had a sweep the afternoon of the 9th, and woke up around 2am with infrequent contractions. Went in when they were thick and fast at around 8am. Examined, was 6cm so the midwives ran the pool for me. Laboured in the pool and after 4minutes of pushing out he came! It just so happened to be the exact same pool his brother was born in just over 16 months ago too, which made it a bit more special. Got immediate skin to skin this time, and delayed cord clamping. Big bro was there the entire time, and is thoroughly fascinated by him. Got the all clear to go home at around 8:30/9pm that day! Not having too much success with bfing currently, so expressing bottles for him, but we're working on it.
My sweet Jude was born Thursday 11/10 at 5:34am after a very rough labor. Jude's head was so low before I had dilated enough. So at 2cm he was getting pushed down but not on my cervix opening. Imagine trying to pull a sweater down over your baby's head but missing the neck hole and pushing his head into the shoulder seam. I was having contractions every minute but not dilating bc my cervix opening had moved. Mucho pain! I wanted medication but the doc wouldn't give me any bc technically I wasn't in active labor bc they define active labor by centimeter cervix size! Finally at 3-4 cm I got an epidural.
That was still rough but not scream worthy. we had to watch my position bc little man's heart rate would drop bc he was pushing on the cord the entire labor.
After 40 minutes of pushing my miracle baby was born!
Nov 15th I started having contractions around 11:45pm, I was in denial until I started realizing they were 8-10mins apart. I called the nurse around 2am but there was still too much time in between. Around 4:45 am the pain was unbearable and the contractions were about 6-7mins apart. I arrived at the hospital around 5:30 and found out I was already 4 cm dilated. I tried to hold off on epidural but gave in around 7:30am.
Right after my epidural I was 8-9cm dilated
On Monday they told me I wouldn't make Wednesday and I laughed it off.
Was still busy with moving houses and getting everything ready on the day of!
My water broke at 15:15 and she was born at 20:10. My labour was a fast and heavy one for a first timer. Once I asked for an epidural, I got told it was time to push.
Complications started with my placenta, first the umbilical cord broke off and the placenta was stuck. After getting some shots, trying to push it out and having someone sticking there hand in there they decided to give me a break and remove it surgically.
Got my epidural (that was heaven) and placenta got removed and the tears (and cut) got stitched up.
Lost lots of blood so got an IV with iron. Unfortunately I got a bad reaction on the iron supply so they had to cut that off immediately.
Blood transfer was next, thankfully that went well and I started to get some colour and could stand on my own two feet.
Pia is worth everything! She's doing very well. I hoped on breastfeeding her, but due to blood loss I'm not producing enough and she kept loosing weight. Now with bottles she is a happy healthy girl!
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Relatively easy, med free birth. So in love with my baby girl!!
Only photos so far are of her breastfeeding so i'll try to remember to add a photo soon.
Kayli Naima was born at 11:54 pm. She's 7.7 pounds and 20.5 inches long.
We went in on Tuesday at 8 pm to begin induction. I got settled in a room and they crushed up and inserted a quarter of cytotec. 4 hours later, I hadn't progressed at all and the baby's heart rate was randomly decelerating with strong contractions. They decided to switch tracks and insert a Foley bulb (with some painkiller given through my IV). I slept for several hours and by the time the doctor came to remove it, it had come out on its on and I was 4 cm dilated.
The next step was pitocin so I requested my epidural then. This turned out to be the best decision I made. For the next 18 hours, they kept adjusting the pitocin levels because the baby's heart rate was randomly decelerating with contractions. By 5 a.m. Thursday, I was exhausted (even though with the epidural, I felt no contractions whatsoever) and hadn't progressed past 6 cm.
The decision was made to have a c-section because they thought the umbilical cord might be wrapped around her neck or arm. When they went in, they discovered she was angled and stuck in my pelvic bone. There was no way she could have corrected and made it out vaginally.
All in all, it wasn't the birth I planned for but it all worked out for the best. I got my sweet, healthy baby girl and that was really all I could ask for.
James Cooke was born at 11:19pm on 11/20 weighing 8 lbs 2 oz, 20 1/2 inches. Happy Mama here.
She decided she liked holding her breath right away so we got about 2 minutes of skin to skin and they took her aside to give her oxygen. They had her for about 10 minutes and everything was fine and we resumed skin to skin. Overall I got the birth experience I hoped for, no pitocin and no epidural. Labor was almost 8 hours from first contraction to birth. I was already 4 cm at my doctor and appointment on Thursday.
She latches awesome but has tounge tie which is making my nipples sore, red, and possibly cracked. Hopefully it will be easier once my milk comes in.
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019TTC #2 since Mar 2017
DX: MF June 2019, varicocele embolization Jan 2020, good improvement (14 mil, low motility)
IUI#1 Aug 2020 - BFN
IVF #1 Dec 2020 (ICSI) - ER, freeze-all - 15 retrieved, 15 mature, 15 fertilized. 4 embryos frozen, all day 5 blasts!
FET #1 Feb 2021 - BFN
FET #2 Apr 2021 - BFP 5DP5DT!! Beta #1 13DP5DT (17DPO) = HcG 1,238. Beta #2 17DP5DT (21DPO) = HcG 8,269
I had an appt on Tuesday and was 1 cm and thick. Logistically, was really hoping baby would come this week, but wasn't convinced. Monday night had had some increased cramping/Braxton hicks, but nothing to write home about. Tuesday night, had some accupressure performed on my feet and ate 1/2 a pineapple, including core, for dinner. 2 AM that night woke up with menstrual-type cramping, but timeable. I went to the bathroom and had lots of bloody mucous. Contractions increased in intensity all day, but time between never got consistent - anywhere from 3m apart to 12m - depending greatly on my position. Average was 6-8m apart. By early afternoon, they were pretty intense and I went to L&D to get checked, not convinced I wouldn't be sent home. Arrived approximately 5 PM. My Dr. came in even though she wasn't on call. She was flabbergasted I was in active labor after being checked with no signs of labor the day before. Nurse checked me and I was 4cm and 90%. 30m later Dr. checked me and I was 6-7cm and 90%. Contractions were intense. Dr. broke my water and I stalled at 7 cm for a while. Didn't want an epi, but after being awake since 2 AM with hard labor much of the day, I was exhausted. Only anesthesiologist in the hospital (small rural) was stuck in emergency surgery, so that was a no-go. Tried multiple positions, but baby was coming so fast, I was having no break between contractions. It wasn't pleasant...at all. Finally got contractions to become (slightly) more regular by kneeling on the bed with the head raised and leaning over it. At a "stretchy" 9 with a lip of cervix left (had same with my first son, as did my mom with her births), I started feeling like I could push - not as strong of an urge as I thought it would be, but there. I pushed in the same kneeling position - it was relief (ha!) to be able to use the back of the bed as leverage while pushing. Intermittently squatted instead of kneeling. Dr. stretched my cervix while pushing. Pushed for quite a while (but not sure how long) and he made his entrance @ 8:39 PM (less than 4 hours after arriving). I was somewhat surprised he was a boy and about died when they told me he was a whopping 9 lbs. 1 oz. (older brother was only 7 lbs. 1 oz.) - Dr. said she never would have guessed! Big head (same as big brother, but 2 lbs. lighter) at 14.25" - chest was the exact same circumference. 21.5" long. Thankful I had a labor team who allowed me to labor/push how I wanted - delivered with zero tearing.
Overall, I'm feeling good. More than anything, my arms are overwhelmingly sore from all the pulling/leverage during labor and they're quite bruised from leaning over the bed. I had an epi with my first birth (induced) and the recovery period is definitely very different. Baby is nursing better than big brother ever did while in the hospital. Probably going home today, but hasn't had a lot of wet diapers/poop (big brother was the same) so we'll see.
Overall we're thrilled (and I'm just happy that labor is OVER!).
Married 5/14/13
TTC #1 since 5/14
TTC #1 w/ treatments since 5/15
BFN 7/15
BFP 8/15-MMC 9/15
BFP 10/15- Diagnosed BO 12/15
BFP 2/16-EDD 11/18/2016
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
Long story: I went for my Dr appointment 11/21 and the Dr. did a membrane sweep. She joked she has "pitocin fingers" so I might see her when she was on call the next night. Turns out she was right! I didn't feel anything that day but woke up 11/22 and felt a little gush when I got out of bed; it seemed mostly dischargey so I wasn't sure if it was actually my water breaking. Laid down for a bit, got back up and felt a rush again so I figured it was something. Decided to go for a walk to see and I kept feeling small gushes and on the walk it went through my clothes so I knew it was real. Called the Dr office and they said to go to the hospital although I could stay home a couple hours so I could eat real food before going in.
Hospital didn't do a check but based on my description put me directly into a room. They started me on pitocin and said I couldn't really do any of the other labor methods since my water broke (they just wanted me in bed mostly for some reason). Contractions got stronger but I could breathe through them for a while but eventually I felt like I needed relief. Decided to check me and I was only 2 cm dilated (cue tears) and she wasn't 100% sure my water broke. Dr came by later bc they said since i was scheduled for Friday induction anyway they would keep me; he checked and was going to break my water but he said it was all broken so didn't need to do anything else. I also got the epidural around this time; I was afraid it was too early but they said it made the most sense bc things would get worse. The epidural was great, I could still feel my legs/feet but the pain was gone. I was progressing 1cm/hour as they wanted; around 6cm I was feeling pain again and asked if we could increase epi a bit. They did and ever since then the baby's HR would drop after contractions ("throwing lates" they called it). They had me switch positions a bit, use the peanut ball, etc but it never quite stabilzed. Dr said might need C section but would monitor a bit more. Maybe 2 hours later nurse said things were stabilizing and then 5 min later she and Dr came back and said I was throwing lates again and I needed the C section. Dr had been mulling it over a while and said she just couldn't wait any more and risk anything. Whisked off and baby was born not long after. I felt nothing during the C section which was good though I felt nauseated by the meds during it but made it ok. Baby came out screaming, and kept on screaming for a while.
When he came out the Dr said "woah that's the biggest cone head I've ever seen". And she was right LOL. Later she said that the cone head was a result of being engaged in the birth canal and that likely I could have pushed 3-4 hours and he wouldn't have come out and I would have needed the C section anyway (and baby could have been harmed during it). So as it turned out getting the extra epidural meds may have helped identify some distress even though I felt like it was my fault at the time. Recovering ok from C section, just lots of swelling still. Now if only this kid understood he is supposed to sleep.
MMC 01/26/12
MC 12/25/12, D&C 01/05/13
BFP 03/05/13, EDD 11/12/13. HB 175 @ 9w2d. Its a Girl!
Madeline Lorraine H. Born 11/12/13 @9:10pm, 7lb6oz
DX with EA/TEF Type C & Tracheomalaysia
MC @ 13wks 01/15/15
Clint Kiszonas H. Born 11/21/16 @10:38pm, 9lb11oz
BFP 1/11/18, EDD 9/21/18
My plan was a med free birth and I have to say that I managed it. I did it!!! I surprised myself with my endurance. My mom, sister and husband did amazing at coaching me and not to mention I had amazing nurses and a doctor that supported my decision and helped me through it. Ronin Alexander weighs 8lb 3oz and is 20" long and he is the love of my life
Me: 28 DH: 29
#1 DS: 11/24/2016
#2 EDD: 11/15/2017
Friday morning we went to strip the membranes and kick things off. By bedtime contractions were 7-8 minutes apart and very tolerable. Two hours of sleep later I awoke to super intense contractions that were 3 minutes apart.
Ten hours of very hard active labor and 20 minutes of pushing later I got to meet my girl. The contraction pattern was extremely intense the entire active labor. I would have 3-4 back to back contractions and then a 1-2 minute break....the whole time. They thought the pattern was likely due to her position. She did rotate right at 9cm shortly before the waters released.
My doula and DH helped me work through the labor so I could have a med free birth. I'm so happy that it worked out that way. DD is the most precious little person I've ever met.
One fun fact: He shares my great grandfather's birthday
Edit: terrible autocorrect.
TTC #2: April 2018 ~~ BFP: May 2018 ~~ EDD: January 2019
I went in for induction thanksgiving night. 1 dose of Misoprostal, a badly placed foley bulb (by a resident), and hours of pitocin later, I was only dilated to a 3 by Friday night. (I started at a soft, but closed 0 cm) We took a break from the pitocin for the night and did 2 doses of misoprostal overnight. Saturday morning, after the misoprostal did nothing for me again, my midwife properly inserted a foley bulb and a few hours later I was at a 4. Then we started the pitocin again. This time the contractions were a lot stronger and I was sure we were getting somewhere. Eventually it got to be too much and I got the epidural, preparing to dilate to a 10 and push. About 9 PM saturday, my midwife checked me and and I was at 5 cm. I had only dilated 1 cm in 5 hours. My midwife, the attending OB and DH and I made the call that it was time for a c-section. 48 hours of medical induction and only 5 cm to show for it, plus a 2 week past due baby, it was the best and safest option.
I thought I would be more scared about the c-section, It was the last thing I wanted. I had hoped that this baby would come on her own and we would have a med free birth at a birthing center. DH and I stayed calm, trying to decide on a name and talking about how to use our vacation days for next year, how awesome it is going to be having babies at Family christmas this year. The c/s felt like it took forever, but hearing my baby girl cry and seeing her head full of reddish hair was all worth it.
She was born saturday night and we went home mid day Tuesday. Our L&D nurses, the surgical team, the anesthesiologist, and the post partum nurses were all fantastic. I have a new appreciation for nurses. I have never stayed in a hospital before, so I had no idea how much they do!
I am healing well from the c/s and after a few issues, Nora is nursing like a champ. DH and I are still in awe of how perfect she is.
BFP February 2016 Baby Girl born 11/2016
BFP 8/16/2018 EDD 4/29/2019 MMC 10/3/2018
BFP 12/16/2018 EDD 08/26/2019 MC/CP 12/20/2018
BFP 03/28/2019 EDD 12/07/2019 Hoping for our rainbow
She was 8lb3oz and 21inches. My labor started the night before the scheduled induction date. 24 hours after i was admitted to the hospital , she still didnot move down into the birth canal and i couldnt dilate more than 6cm. Her heart rate decelerated few times , doctor decided to move into c-section. it was a disappointment for me but i guess it was the healthiest option for both of us. Both of us are doing great.