Abigail's Birth Story

If you are anything like me, you avoid birth stories like the plague.  I get it.  Gross, painful, and terrifying if you ever want to have children.  Well, I want to write it down so that I always remember it, and if it makes you feel any better, I don't have a horror story to share.  In fact, it was rather.... magical.

(ok that might be pushing it.)

I'm too tired to add hyperlinks so if you don't know what something is, just google it ;)

As you may recall, at our 39 week appointment, our doctor said we could induce at any time.  We really wanted to wait for the baby to come on her own, or at least get to 40 weeks before we started talking induction.

We went home from that appointment kind of let down because we had gotten excited about possibly having the baby that day.  Later that week I got a call from the Dr's office to "schedule my induction".  I guess the Doc put us down on his list!  We asked for the first day available after I turned 40 weeks (the 13th) and then got to walking, tea drinking, and every other home labor induction technique you can think of to see if the baby would come on her own.  I didn't tell anyone about the induction because I felt a little ashamed.  I don't feel that way anymore, but I did at the time.

So, now that my secret is out, I can tell you how it all came to be.

I spent a lot of time going back and forth about our decision.  I researched induction a TON on the internet.  I knew that being 3 cm dilated and 90% effaced would work in my favor.  But I knew that induction carries an extended risk of interventions.  BUT I also knew that post term pregnancies can also be dangerous.  I had a lot on my mind, a lot to worry about, and the full moon, miles of walking, and everything else weren't working.

Tuesday evening I was still convinced that she would come on her own but we finished cleaning the house, got our bags ready, ate a really good dinner, hydrated, and went to bed really early.  There is something weird about knowing you are about to become parents. TOMORROW. 

Wednesday morning I woke up and there was clearly still no baby.  It was go time.  I was still a little uneasy but I was also excited and ready to meet my baby.  We woke up at 5am, I ate a bagel and a banana for breakfast like I was about to run a marathon, and continued to drink water until we reached the hospital. A major plus to an induction is knowing ahead of time so you can fuel properly and get a good night's sleep.  You also walk into the hospital smiling and your check in process is very calm.

Our check in time was 6:30.  We arrived at Labor and Delivery and started to get checked in.  That takes a while, but they gave me a gown to change into and started to get things ready. After the paperwork part was finished, the nurses got me started on an IV for fluid and antibiotic to protect the baby against Group B Strep. The doctor came in, checked me (still 3 cm) and said he had a surgery at 8 and would break my water after that.  The nurses were all really excited to tell each other that I was already a 3.  I guess a lot of women show up to be induced at 0.  As our main nurse was taking my blood pressure, I felt my first contraction.  I asked her when she started the pitocin.  She said "Honey, I haven't started the pitocin yet."  I was doing it all on my own!!! This baby was playing cruel tricks.  It made me fell MUCH better about the induction though, knowing that she would have come on her own that day or soon thereafter.

They did start the pitocin on a slow drip after that, and I felt some contractions but they were irregular and completely manageable.  I was laying on my left side and I was very relaxed.  Joey's Mom stopped by quickly to say Hi and Joey started a text play by play with my family which is how I know exactly what time everything happened.

At 9:15 the Doctor came in and said it was time to break my water.  It was officially time to go.  No turning back after that! I'll spare the details but there was a LOT and Joey thought it was really cool.  We were in business. Contractions started picking up a bit but I was just breathing through them.  Around 10:45/11 they started to become more uncomfortable.  The nurse offered an epidural and after assuring me TWICE that it would not slow down my progression, I accepted.  Turns out I did it at the right time.  As I was waiting for the anesthesiologist to get set up, contractions started getting stronger and much more painful.  They were coming infrequently but anywhere from 1-2 minutes apart.  We got the epi in with no trouble at all (for the record, it doesn't really hurt.  The numbing agent is probably the worst part and it's just like getting a shot.) and I laid down on my side to get gravity to help it take effect. Joey sent the text that the epidural was in place around 11:30am.  It only took 20 mins or so after that before I was comfortable again.  The best part was that I could still move and feel my legs.  I enjoyed a cherry popsicle and the nurse came in to insert the catheter (they don't let you get up when you have an epidural).  

She checked my progress and her eyes got wide.  "You're 7 cm.  The baby's head is right there!" Well, no wonder it had started to hurt!!!!!!! She told me to look for pressure in my rear like I had to go #2, and to call her when that happened.  We relaxed, took some home videos (NOT getting shared, so sorry) and waited.

I told Joey I could "sort of feel" some pressure and he wanted me to call the nurse but I wanted to make sure.  I didn't want to cry wolf... Finally I gave in and pushed the button and... it was a good thing I did!  Joey sent a text to my family at 12:46 that said "Here we go!".  I didn't even have time to register what was happening.  All I knew is I was being instructed to push.  So I gave it my best shot.  I pushed ~4 or 5 times with the nurses before the Doctor came in.  ~2 more pushes, a small episiotomy, and Baby Abigail was born 10 minutes later at 12:56pm!!!

In case you are wondering, I still can't believe I did that.  It still seems surreal.  They put her on my chest and I just sobbed.  I don't really know why.  But I did.  Joey cut the umbilical cord and the doctor stitched me up.  If you are afraid of an episiotomy let me again reassure you that it's no big deal.  Sure, I'm well versed in crotch-pain-relief products but I have been managing just fine.

They took the baby to weigh her and towel her off a bit.  She came in at 6 lbs 15.6 oz...so we rounded up to 7 even.  20 inches long.  Delightfully average ;)

After most of the hustle and bustle was gone, Joey looked at me and asked me the question I had been dying to know the answer to for the past 9 months.

"So, which was harder? Running a marathon or giving birth?"  And you guys?  I looked him dead in the eye and said "Marathon. Hands down."

I don't know what this says about my ability as a runner, but it took me longer to run 26.2 miles than it did to birth a baby... so..... that's embarassing.

I was also able to successfully breastfeed her right after she was born.  That is still an ongoing learning experience that is better some days than others.  But overall we are doing great.

Hmmm what else...... OH I enjoyed a Wawa turkey hoagie immediately after giving birth  (we'd picked one up that morning... judge if you want) and proceeded to eat about 5 turkey sandwiches in the 2 days we were at the hospital.

We're getting used to each other and learning together.  I'm sure there is more that I am forgetting but I wanted to get some part of it written down.

We've been having fun at home this past week.  We're tired and busy and at the end of the day I'm not sure what exactly I did all day, but being a mom is pretty awesome so far.

I'll be back to check in from time to time.  

~SG

Introducing...

 

Abigail Elizabeth
 

Born Wednesday, August 13th at 12:56pm.  7 lbs, 20 in and practically perfect in every way. 

It's My DUE DATE!

...and we're still here!  Not very shocking, because many first timers go past 40 weeks.  If I've learned anything through this, it's not to ask an expectant Mom or Dad "where the baby is" or "why they are still here" when they show up in the office... Joey has been taking the brunt of that for me at work, and he's pretty close to going off the deep end.

Last week's appointment was a crazy adventure.  I'll attempt to paraphrase in order to keep your interest.  We went in Weds morning for the 39 week appointment.  Everything was looking good, except baby's heart rate was a little bit high.  The doctor didn't seem too concerned but he did say he was going to send us down to the Labor & Delivery ward for a Non Stress Test and BioPhysical Profile (ultrasound).  He said everything was probably fine but that there was an easy fix if it wasn't.  (AHH!) Before we left, we asked out of curiosity how long he'd let the pregnancy go if I went over my due date.  He told us we could induce if we wanted, starting that day.  Cue me freaking out!!

Our doctor's office is attached to the hospital so it was a quick walk.  The L&D nurses were expecting us, and got me all checked into the hospital and set up on the monitors.  After we were left alone (the non stress test is basically me hooked up to a monitor for 30 mins to watch baby's heart/activity), the nerves totally kicked in.  We were worried about the baby being OK, wondering if we were having a baby THAT DAY, and then subsequently really nervous.

The nurses cut off the NST after 20 minutes because our daughter is an overachiever and passed with flying colors.  She also passed the ultrasound with flying colors (although it was REALLY cool to see a full term baby in there) and we went back to our triage room to wait for the verdict from the Doctor on call.  Well, we waited.  For an hour. and a half.  Suddenly, the door burst open and (my favorite) nurse flew in saying "no baby today! you are free to go home!".  This was both a relief and a total let down.  I had just started to accept the fact that I might be induced when we were kicked out and sent on our merry way.

The rest of last week was slow and agonizing.  Joey kept watching me like I would spontaneously produce a baby at any moment.  I got a little over excited when I had some false labor/more intense Braxton Hicks contractions on Thursday, but those proved fruitless.  Saturday, Joey realized I was going to flip out if he sat around watching me all day and so he finished up our kitchen floor with some quarter round (it looks awesome) and worked on tackling some of the ivy in our yard.  Sunday we went for 3 (THREE) walks under the alleged Super Moon, I drank raspberry leaf tea, ate eggplant, etc etc etc.

But here we are, on my due date.  Baby is not late, she's right on time.  Her time! So, without further ado, here is my 40 week update.

Date: August 11, 2014

How far along? 40 weeks

How is Mama doing? I feel good.  Sure, my hips are sore, but I honestly don't feel 'done'.  I feel like my body could handle being pregnant for much longer.  This is not a reassuring feeling, however. ;)

Weight Gain: My current total calculated weight gain according to my doctor's office is 21 pounds.  Remember, I have about 30 to lose :)  Still. Very optimal and very, very lucky.  Thankful for genetics and whatever else happened. No one, especially me, could have predicted this!

Sex of the baby: Because I'm not afraid to admit that I'm crazy, I asked them to check at our ultrasound this week.  Just in case, so I'd have time to re-paint the nursery...  Don't worry. It's a girl :)

Movement: We still have a very wiggly worm!

Maternity Clothes?  Really enjoying being able to wear what I want, the same thing I wore yesterday, or whatever I wore to sleep, and not having as much laundry because of it!

Pregnancy Fitness:  So much walking.  We did so much walking this week.  My neighbors probably think I am crazy.

Symptoms:  Sore hips.  Braxton Hicks contractions. Puffy fingers.  I think my face is puffy but Joey says it isn't.  Anxiety/fear about the unknowns of childbirth/pain/etc.

Belly Button:  It's week 40 and it's still technically an "innie".  Thank goodness.

Stretch Marks: None as of yet but I think they may show themselves on the way back in.  I'm planning to continue to use my oil (if I can remember/have the energy).

Nutrition/Cravings?  It's hard not to eat a ton of junk because I'm in the home stretch.  I'm making sure to continue to eat my veggies and fruits, but yes I am going to eat this entire box of chocolate donuts by myself over the next couple of days.  I deserve it :)

Sleep:  Tossing and turning all night but who cares.  We're never going to sleep again, right 293278 people that have told me that?? ;)

Looking Forward To:  MEETING MY BABY

What I miss:  Not much to miss because I know it's all going to be over soon.  Can't wait to get my hands on that Wawa turkey hoagie!!!

Doc/Chloe:  SO. NEEDY.  I think they know.  They know she's coming soon.  They must be attached to me at all times and work must be done from the couch because sitting at the dining room table results in Min Pins sitting on the floor staring up at me like little creepy statues. Yes, they run my life.  But only for another ~week.

40 Week Pics:
Even threw in a bare belly pic for you.

This is very likely going to be my last weekly update, so thank you for following along!! I'm looking forward to sharing the next part of this journey with you.  Just don't be mad if I go MIA for a little bit, k??

~SG

39 Weeks

It's officially August! We are having a baby THIS MONTH.

At my 38 week appointment I was 2 cm dilated and 90% effaced.  Cue everyone FREAKING OUT and swearing that the baby would be here by the weekend.  Welp.... the weekend came... and went... and I haven't had a single contraction. 

I'm not surprised.  I may have mentioned that I was born on my due date.  I think this one will be close to hers.  I also did some research and we are scheduled for not only a Full Moon, but a SUPER Moon this Sunday the 10th.  So.... baby's probably just waiting to make a grand entrance with everyone ELSE that will be at the hospital this weekend.

At this point, the waiting is agonizing.  I have not had any labor symptoms so the more people that ask me about it, the more frustrated I'm feeling.  It has nothing to do with the sweet intentions of my family and friends.  I just REALLY hate waiting for things.  Especially unknown things.

I'm honestly not surprised that she's not here yet.  I don't show up early to anything, ever.  So why would my kid?  Also, she still has plenty of room.  The nurse last week said I didn't look 38 weeks pregnant.  There seems to be plenty of room in there for karate, acrobatics, etc. 

But it's ok.  She'll come when she's ready and we'll be ready for her.  I'm occupying my time by working, cleaning, organizing (we donated 10 bags to Goodwill this weekend!) and lately, baking things. (Which is a huge problemmo because Joey doesn't eat baked goods.)

The only thing that's not so fun is worrying constantly and therefore not wanting to leave my house. What if my water breaks in public?! What if I suddenly have terrible contractions?  So I've been a bit of a homebody, but we did make it out to dinner yesterday to celebrate my MIL's birthday.  I survived ;)

Here's this week's stats!  Maybe it will be the last week. What do you think??

Date: August 4, 2014

How far along? 39 Weeks. She's huge.

How is Mama doing?  See above :)

Movement:  Tons of movement.  She took the day off on Friday and freaked me out (she still passed her kick count test) but the next day (and ever since) she's been back to her crazy constant moving, kicking, punching, and overall beating me up from the inside.  I'm ok with it!

Maternity Clothes? It's whatever fits at this point.  But again... not really leaving the house... so... PJs it is.

Pregnancy Fitness: I forgot to mention that Joey served the eviction notice to baby G last week.  He's determined to get her out so we went for a few walks this past week.  He's a little bitter about being at work today...

Symptoms:  My hips are KILLING me.  All around my legs.  I get very stiff from sitting for too long.  I've been using my exercise ball, stretching, etc and it has helped a little.  But this is literally the only symptom I'm having.  I have been so lucky and I know that and I try not to complain too much.

Belly Button:  Stretched.

Nutrition/Cravings?  I'm just eating whatever at this point.  I'm still trying to include healthy things in my diet as before, still drinking a ton of water, but I'm not being as careful as I had been.  My weight has been the same for the past 3 appointments in a row. What's another brownie/ice cream sundae.....

Sleep:  Waking up a ton, but able to go back to sleep.  I've had a few rough nights here and there, but I'm dealing.

Looking Forward To:  Meeting my baby!

What I miss:  Being able to sit on a chair for more than 30 minutes at a time without needing to get up and walk around!

Doc/Chloe:  We started Doc on his anxiety meds.  He pretty much zonked out from it at first and I freaked out, thought he OD'd, and ran to the front door to open it (he usually FLIPS).  Of course, that's exactly what happened and he snapped out of his tiredness pretty quick.  He seems to be feeling better though.  Chloe is acting very over protective of me.  She's a mom too.  I keep telling myself that if Chloe could do this, so can I.

39 Week Pic:
I had Joey take a quick pic before we went to dinner yesterday so it's not a mirror selfie this week.