Tuesday, July 10, 2012

AB's birth part two

Okay so I left out some details about AB's birth but a few have asked so I figured I'd do another post with a little more details.
First, I should say I know the hospital couldn't make me have an epidural. But when two doctors said I needed it i took that as a necessary precaution to make sure AB arrived safe and healthy. Also considering how my birth with LB went I knew it was in our best interest to have one. If and when we have another baby I may not use one but if my OB strongly encourages it again I will trust her. So yes just wanted to clarify that decision.
Second, up until the week AB arrived I thought I would end up with a csection as she was just not progressing. Each week I'd go to the doctor and hear I was completely closed. The week before I had her I had fallen on my belly pretty hard landing me in the hospital to be monitored. Even hooked up to all the machines and bouncing straight on AB she still hadn't progressed at all. So when I went into my appointment on Wednesday I was shocked to hear I was at a 2cm. From there things started moving along and I was confident a VBAC was possible.
Going into the hospital on Friday was a tough decision for me. I wanted to labor at home as long as I could but I also wanted to get into the hospital before my OB went home for the weekend so that she could be the one treating me from the start. I was way nervous I would end up with a random OB who would not support my decision for a VBAC.
Once I got to the hospital and was admitted I walked around, squatted, laid in bed, and got AB moving along. I had the nurse bring in the birthing ball but at that point all I wanted to do was lay down and squeeze W's hand, he says i was taking his shirt off with every contraction but i dont recall that ;) The one thing I wish was that I could've hopped in the shower but bc AB was a VBAC I had to have an internal monitor in place that couldn't get wet.
After the epidural was in place a took a little nap and then began progressing quickly. I was surprised at how quiet I wanted the room. I had made a playlist and everything on my phone but never turned it on. I had even completely dimmed the lights in the room and just sat there in silence waiting for AB to enter the world.
It was so peaceful. Such a complete 180 from the chaos that happened during LBs birth.
Once AB arrived W cut the cord and I laid there holding her for a few minutes. She let out a few whimpers and snuggled.
She really is such a calm baby. They hardly could get her to cry during the apgar testing. She just laid there looking around taking in the moment. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better birth. Even with the drugs it was bliss.
So yes there is the more detailed birth story. Hopefully I answered your questions but if you have more feel free to ask :)
And here is the first picture of AB and me right after she arrive in the world.

6 comments:

  1. You look so beautiful!! You can hardly believe you just had a baby! AB is beautiful also! Love your birth story. I never thought to write mine down.

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  2. love your birth story. So very glad that it went according to "plan" and you could have your VBAC. I am laughing b/c all of the sudden it seems like the new "trend" in birth, b/c let's face it it all one big competition. HA! ;) is au nautrale. :) Not that I am downing it, I considered it for a few minutes with MW, but after 12 straight weeks of contractions with a week preceding his birth ramped up to levels I didn't know one could experience I felt I was due the epidural. :) I love it b/c you can just relax finally...I got plenty au naturale the weeks before. Anyway I say all that in hopes ppl don't make you doubt your decision, b/c all that matters is a healthy baby that is your gold medal. :) You look great can't wait to watch her grow!

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  4. Side note: I know I don't have to say why I made the epidural decision bc obviously it's my choice I just wanted to clarify for those who were concerned I only had one bc the hospital told me. Even if the doctors
    Hadn't told me I needed one I may still have gotten it. I

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  5. That picture of you holding her is amazing because her eyes are just glued to your face. From the moment she was born she was bonding with you and loving you. Isn't it amazing? Love it :)

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  6. I think you are awesome! Yah, I think how you have your baby is obviously up to each separate woman. I am SO GLAD that you had an awesome experience. Although couldn't she have held off? I was hoping for July! Will I get to meet her in September? Oh, AND your big boy? She's so pretty!

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