After a pregnancy filled with many false emergencies, the end of my pregnancy didn't disappoint. On Wednesday, December 4th, I went in for my weekly appt. I was 40 weeks, due the next day. The week before, I had measured small, which was normal for my pregnancy, but suddenly the MW was worried and scheduled an US to measure amniotic fluid. Everything was fine. Well, at my 40 week appt, even though I wasn't overdue, the MW wanted a NST. I agreed and she didn't like what she saw, so scheduled another US at 8pm that night. 8pm! 8 hours to sit around and worry. I wasn't worried about the baby, honestly. The baby slept the entire NST. All I was worried about was that they were going to try to push an unnecessary induction. She also stripped my membranes. At that point I was 2-3 CM dilated and 80% effaced. I was praying that the membrane stripping would work to get things going and I wouldn't have to worry about the possibility of an induction.
Throughout the day, I was having some cramping, but nothing regular. Hannah graciously offered to come out and watch Max during the US. I asked her to pack a bag "just in case." We went out to eat at Russ' and then up to Toys R Us. Contractions were definitely happening at this point. Not very strong and about 10 minutes apart. Brook and I went to the US and, once again, everything was perfect. Sigh. Thank goodness!
Back at home, contractions we picking up. I was glad Hannah was there; so, we didn't have to worry about someone getting to our house to stay with Max. I laid down around 11 to try to get some sleep before things picked up and, just as it happened with Max, the contractions got much worse. By 3am, they were 1 minute apart, lasting 30 seconds. I figured we should go to the hospital to see where I was at. I knew I wasn't close to transition, b/c I could still talk with ease. But I still wanted to know.
We only live 5 blocks from the hospital, so I jumped in the car after a contraction and made it there without having to endure a contraction in the car. (Good driving, Brook!) At 3:30am, I was 4cm dilated and almost completely effaced. Like with Max's labor, I was ticked to not be more dilated. I wanted to go back home, but the nurse asked me to stay, warning that 2nd labors go much faster. I agreed to stay an hour and see if I had made any progress. At 4:30, I was 6 cm dilated. I agreed to stay at that point. ;)
Having not slept in almost 24 hrs, I was sooo tired. I kept almost falling asleep between contractions, which was a problems, since I labored standing up almost the whole time! Ha! The CNM on call (Allison) arrived shortly thereafter and started talking about breaking my water, b/c I wasn't progressing. Same thing happened with Max and once I agreed to have my water broke, the pain got much worse! Like, I'm going to lose my mind worse. So, I put her off, wanting to see if I could progress any further. It was taking awhile, so I agreed to it, just wanting to be done. Honestly, I don't remember the pain getting much worse this time. I also didn't lose my sense of time or modesty this time, as I went through transition. I was also very hungry. My blood sugar kept tanking, since I was only drinking sprite. Between that and the exhaustion, I was afraid I was going to pass out. So, Allison allowed me to have some PB and crackers, which really surprised me. And it helped a lot, thank goodness.
I kept watching the clock. Why? I'm not exactly sure. But I guess I had myself on a schedule of how fast this should happen and if it didn't, I was getting an epidural! At 7am, a new mid-wife (Deb)arrived. Veronica, my birth photographer (and sister), arrived at 7:30ish (things are getting a little fuzzy now). Around this time, I asked to go in the tub. Right before getting in, Deb checked me and said I was ready to push. WHAT?! Oh thank you Lord! I started pushing at 7:45 and Clare Immaculata was born at 8am. She weighed a whopping 7lbs, 11oz. So much for measuring small!
Looking back, it was an absolute perfect labor and delivery. I couldn't have done it without Brook. He is an amazing birth coach. He kept me focused, encouraged me and reminded me what kind of birth I really wanted. He also made sure the room was dim and that people weren't talking too loudly. He worked with the medical staff to let them know what I needed (support-wise) from them.
It's funny, after I had Clare, the nurses kept coming to my room, saying they heard about me and wanted to meet me. That no one does natural birth as calm as I did. If only they could've been in my head! Ha! My thoughts weren't so calm! We only stayed one night and I can't say enough about the nurses at the hospital. They are so kind and giving. The hospital only averages one birth a day, so it's such a peaceful environment. I love having my babies there.
Pictures to come . . .
