WARNING: TMI and graphic detailing content!!

I had decided to note what was going on with my body when I started feeling "different". I had planned to try the Castor Oil eviction old wives tail prior to actually going into labor. I had also been taking EPO capsules for two weeks, orally and vaginally. Her due date was 1/20/17, she came on 1/17/17. An unmedicated, exciting, beautiful VBAC story. 

Enjoy!:)

1/16/16

Morning: EPO Capsule.

2 soft bowl movements (thought this abnormal but knew it could be a sign of labor being on its way; prior to Castor Oil.) 

Upper lumbar back pain, dullish.

@1145: Play date with two girlfriends and their babes.

@5:45pm took 1TBSP Castor Oil followed with 5oz OJ. (took it like a shot) 

Took Pepcid after dinner, knowing a huge plate of nachos might not settle well. 

Had a few strong (strongest I've ever felt) contractions before 9pm. Irritated with acheyness around upper pelvic hip regions. 

@8: watched the Bachelor. <~ very important. 😝

@9:05pm took 1.5TBSP shot of  CO followed w 4oz OJ.

@10:20pm "bloody/pink tinged mucus" shown after peeing before my first hot bath. 

@10:30pm Got hot in the bath so I got out and tried to sleep in bed, tried to use a heating pad for a bit on my lower abdomen but contractions kept coming every 10-12 minutes. I had to move around.

@11pm: Started to curl my hair..sitting on my yoga ball. Getting up during contractions to relieve pressure. I know, it's vain but I couldn't finish the third and top section of my hair because of hard breath taking contractions. Not painful, but she was posting with back out and that was very uncomfortable. 

@11:30pm: Contractions started coming every 8-9 minutes. Headed back into the bath tub. Had some water and a snack of frozen grapes. Tried to read, by I couldn't focus on the words, so I just prayed for the birth I wanted and had been envisioning, then tried to get comfortable when possible.  

1/17/17

 @12:18am: possible "water break" followed by a trickle. Not positive, was in tub. 

In and out of tub, trying to get comfortable. Most likely went through transition at this point. Vomiting followed by dizziness and other gross bodily functions. 

@2:25 Been in bath for while. 

Been having regular, semi painful contractions. Trying to use timer. Updated family and fiancé. 

Needing to move around, can't seem to rest. A lot of pressure on my pelvic floor, feels like she's moving down. 

... continued.. @2:31am called Josh to come home.. 

Got out of tub and leaned over and top of our bed, had some wild contractions... moaned and screamed for 2-4 contractions.. dripping blood, possibly had a BM. I got a little

nervous at this point!

Josh got home (time?), contractions got closer and closer and I personally could no longer time them- Josh told me to get dressed. I told him to hurry and pack the truck. He dressed me. I waddled to the truck feeling her dropping further down into my pelvis in the driveway with no socks, shoes, or jacket on. Got in the truck and tried to breath through it. My body took over and pushed her out.. I was holding her head for about a half mile out from the hospital. A hour hour ride turned into a 7 minute ride at 3:25 am...

Josh tried finding the ER entrance, he parked where the paramedics are supposed to come in, conveniently he was still in his FDNY uniform.. 😂but he parked at the wrong entrance... anyway.. 

Josh opens the door. Walks inside to get some staff and help.

I couldn't wait, she was slipping.

..she was right there and she wasn't waiting! Josh came over and helped me deliver her in 3-4 pushes. 1st degree upper labia tear.

ER doctor came out and clamped the cord. A couple of minutes later once they got supplies, DR cut cord and moved us inside! 

She was perfect, just bruised.

9lbs 1.2oz, 19 inches long.

Got into L&D, got me situated and then placenta came out a little while longer and that hurt like a bitch waiting for it and then it was a HUGE relief. My OB doctor came in and stitched me up.

Josh took my placenta home with him 😬 and went home to relieve his mom and pop of babysitting our son and so he could slee in his own bed and get rest himself. 

A crazy experience and one hell of a ride, pun intened. 

His 2500 Ram Cummins pick up is currently getting detailed, if you could imagine why... 😁

Our family of four is complete. I have a huge heart and feel lots of love!