Well, Edwin Daniel arrived bright and early on April 1, 2010. He arrive at 2:15 a.m. on Thursday - his due date.
Here are a few birth story details, if you're interested.
Because of some high blood pressure, I was induced on Wednesday, the 31st. I was really hoping to go into labor naturally and was actually contracting (no discomfort, however) regularly when we went to the hospital at 6 a.m. I was 2-3 cm dilated and about 80% effaced at this point - a good start
My midwife broke my water around 11 a.m. and uncomfortable contractions started about an hour or so later. This is me in the early stages - before contractions got really tough.
After getting to 4 cm and remaining there for a number of hours, the pitocin was started (cringe) at a low dose. That got things moving along (and tough!), but I wasn't fully dilated until midnight.
Then, finally, it was time to push, although I'd had a number of contractions shortly before that where my body just wanted to bear down!Then, finally, after 2 hours and 15 minutes of pushing my 8 lbs., 13 oz. boy was born.
I got to hold him briefly right after birth, but because he was so calm and didn't cry much, they nurse took him to make sure he was breathing okay. He pinked up and it wasn't long before I got to hold him again.
A few interesting tidbits about my labor and delivery:
- I did it naturally as far as pain meds go - no epidural! It was a goal of mine to have a natural labor, and although I didn't go into labor totally naturally, I did "manage the pain" naturally!
- I had a mirror positioned at the end of the bed during the pushing stage so that I could see the progress. And I got to touch the top of Edwin's head as I was in between pushes.
- A birth ball was a wonderful tool early on in labor and I made use of it for a number of hours
- I ended up with a small episiotomy because Edwin's head was in the birth canal so long and some of my tissue just wasn't stretching. Did I mind when the doctor finally decided to make a small cut? NOT AT ALL! I was ready to meet my son!
- Labor lasted 14.25 hours - including the pushing.
- Edwin was 8 lbs, 13 oz., 21.5 inches long.
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Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! I'm thrilled for your precious family!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to both Dan and you, and for not taking an epidural. I had all intentions of not using drugs, but 15 minutes into the piotcin (they said it wouldn't take effect for 20 minutes) I was calling for an anesthesiologist. Hope you are all getting some sleep and enjoying Edwin.
ReplyDeleteHe is so beautiful. Every blessing on your family!
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It is so wonderful that you did get to have a "natural" childbirth in many ways, even with some difficult circumstances. I've been checking your blog compulsively, and reminding myself that you were probably recovering- but it is fun to read the story! I hope you are resting and enjoying spending time as a family of three!!
Hey Amy, I was actually thinking about you that day. So cool you delivered naturally and on your due date! :) Can't wait to meet him...he is precious. I pray for a great recovery and grace, grace as you adjust to being new parents!
ReplyDeletelove,
Heather
Great story, Amy! And...you are my labor hero. I've been blessed with ridiculously short labors (Kathryn came in 90 minutes and Jonathan in about 6 hours, but only the last 2 were bad), and while the midwife has successfully talked me out of it both times, I asked for the epidural both times. We'll see what happens this third time...she told me at my first appointment that I could get one this time, because she doesn't think I will now that I've gotten through without it twice. I can't imagine surviving 14 hours of it though! Amazing job!
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited that you got a natural labor! Congrats on your beautiful little boy--I hope your recovery is quick and easy.
ReplyDelete