7:00 AM
We got the hospital right at shift change, and all I
remember was that the computer they used for charting was broken, and they had
to fix it before I could get anything done. I was pacing the room, exhausted
and no longer coping. I was very whiney by this point! Once I knew it was
epidural time, I REALLY wanted it! I begged Laurie for more Nubain, and I
finally got it and collapsed onto the bed in a drugged, painful haze.
9:00 AM
While it took forever for the anesthesiologist to get there,
he placed the epidural insanely fast! I started to feel relief pretty quickly,
and when my nurse came in the room after I’d had the epidural for 20 minutes or
so, I stuck my hand out to shake and said “Hi, I’m Jennifer!” I think it was
the first coherent thing I’d said since arriving to the hospital! I hated the
way the epidural made me feel, numb and shakey, but I was grateful for the rest
it allowed me to get. I pushed my scared thoughts about the possibility of
needing a cesarean out of my head and went to sleep.
11:45 PM
After a luxurious three hour nap (for all of us!), I woke
feeling MAJOR pressure. I knew this meant business! Sure enough, I was 9cm! Fifteen
minutes later, I told Laurie the pressure was seriously intense- it had to be
time to push. It was! We called Bethany, who was napping at the birth center,
and she came right over. A mere 20 minutes after I started pushing….
12:35 PM
Annabelle Jane was caught by Bethany (under Laurie's wonderful guidance) and placed immediately
into my arms. Kyle and my mom were by my side, and Tamara was snapping away! I
was amazed that she was so tiny, and had so much hair! Annie rested on my belly and looked around
for awhile, and we gave breastfeeding a try.
I can’t tell this story without thanking everyone who made
it possible. First and most importantly to my husband, who was my rock
throughout labor. Despite having gotten up at 4 AM and working 8 hours on
Sunday, he stayed by my side and squeezed my hips through every contraction for
hours and hours. He supported me in every way possible, and made me fall in
love with him all over again!
Also to Bethany, who is the best friend/study buddy/midwife
a girl could ask for! We have been through so much together over the last four
years, and I feel so blessed that she was able to catch Annabelle!
To my mom, who took a doula class when I was pregnant so she
could help me during labor! It was so special to have her there as we welcomed
another generation into the family.
To the Leigh and Laurie, who were just the people I needed
during labor. The week Annie was born started March Madness, and I know they
were as exhausted as we were by the end. But they were exactly who I needed for
that labor, and I only wish I could have my next baby(ies) at Charleston Birth
Place!
To Shannon and Ashton, who both got to spend time with me
during my labor. You guys are the best! I remember looking up in my haze and
seeing Ashton at some point and thinking, “Thank God she’s on call!”
Finally to Shannon again and to Jodi, who have helped me
immensely with the breastfeeding issues we’ve had. Annie is now three months
old and I’m so glad I stuck with it!
And one more thing- I'm totally going natural next time. As long and painful as it was, it was worth every minute. I'm admittedly hoping that it won't take as long, however!
No comments:
Post a Comment