Weddingbee boards

Sorry it has taken a while for me to write this up... but a newborn keeps you busy!

As you might remember, I had a scheduled induction on 8/18.  DH and I arrived at the hospital early that morning, but I didn't really get hooked up to the IV fluids and pitocin till apx. 7:30am.  My doctor said I was still only about 1cm dilated, but she was not concerned because of my medical history (minor procedure on my cervix), she was confident that when I did dilate it would be super fast (how right she was!)  Shortly after things got started she broke my water and I settled in to let things happen. 

As the pitocin took effect my contractions became stronger and more regular. My doctor said I could have my epidural at any time so about 3 hours into the labor I got one.  I was checked at that point and still only at 1cm, which made me nervous, but the doctor was still not worried at all.

As part of my birth plan (if you can call it that), I wanted my mom to bring my 8 year old daughter to the hospital to see me since she is old enough to understand and was excited to meet her sister.  As I had my epidural, I was completely calm and comfortable at this point so they were able to come in for about 1/2 hour which meant a lot to me..

Right after they left the Dr. came in to check me and I was dilated to 10cm! 1 to 10 in like 1 1/2hrs!  So the doctor said lets try a "practice" push to gauge where I was at.  And we both agreed I was not quite there yet- not feeling the pressure down there.  So the doctor assurred me she would be back soon to check on me and I just relaxed... for about 15 minutes.  Then my body started to shake uncontrollably and I felt THE PRESSURE.  So we summoned the doctor who ran in and joked..."you mean it this time?" :)

So I pushed.  For 2 and a half minutes.  First push her head popped out and she screamed.  then I breathed through the second contraction and then I pushed her out on the next one.  I had pushed for 15 minutes with my first daughter which I thought was a miracle- I could not believe it happened so fast.  My DH was in disbelief!  Tabitha was born at exactly 2pm- after 6 1/2 hours labor.  7lbs, 1oz, 20 inches long.

But that was only the beginning of our hospital journey.  So apparently, a super quick labor like mine is great for mom, but not ideal for baby.  All the contractions through the birth canal help to push the amniotic fluid out of the baby's lungs, which did not happen for her.  So she spent a couple days in the NICU while they monitored her breathing and watched her lungs "dry out".  She also experienced some jaundice and was treated for that.  Luckily, she will have no lasting effects from either.

Now, two weeks later, we are both doing fine :)

Awww!!! Thank you for sharing! Glad everything is well!

She is beautiful!!

Thanks ladies!

@harmonyeee It kind of did seem like a movie- like did that just happen?  If I ever have another baby I might need to camp out on the steps of the hospital!

@troubled I know right?  I didn't know that either until it happened!  But as I was experiencing it I could defintely tell the difference.  And even though I had an epidural I knew when it was (and was not) time.

Wow! Super fast delivery, woman! And Tabitha's a cutie!