He's here! (Long post)

Excuse any typos, I'm exhausted but wanted to type this before I forget. It's not dramatic or eventful, but thought it might be helpful for some to hear another birth story.

The new love of my life, Garrett John B., was born yesterday 9/22 at 39 weeks exactly weighing 8 lb 5 oz and measuring 20 inches.

I had mild contractions the night before but thought nothing of it. I took a bath and sat on the couch to watch tv. I felt a small gush and thought maybe I peed a little or somehow bath water got trapped inside (totally in denial that it was my water). I got up and went to the bathroom and realized my undies were soaked. Then saw the couch had a wet spot. I told my husband I thought my water broke, but it wasn't a flood like I was expecting so I wasn't sure.

I started getting mild contractions, but nothing serious. I was strep B negative so I knew I didn't have to rush to the hospital. We decided we should try to nap since it was 11pm and I had been up since 4am for work that day. Nope. Got into bed and felt another gush. Then my husband made me laugh and it was like opening the flood gates. I got up and changed my underwear and put a towel down determined to take a nap. Nope. Contractions got much stronger. I got up and got back into the tub.

My husband called the hospital around 2:30 am and described my situation. Since the plan was no epidural, they told me to labor at home for as long as possible and wait until contractions were less than 3 min apart. They were about 5 min apart at the time. I got in and out of the tub a few times and then the contractions got really bad. I was swearing to myself and felt like I was gunna throw up.

Around 4:30 my husband called the hospital again and told them my contractions were closer and very strong so they told us to come in. We dropped our dog off at my MILs house and got to the hosp around 5:30. My water gushed more in the car and again when I went to change into my gown. All over the bathroom floor. I didn't even care.

They swabbed my fluids and found that baby had pooped meconium in me so the special squad would have to be present for delivery just to make sure he was okay. I was between 3-4 cm at this point. The cervical check was horrible. Hurt so bad imo. My contractions were so bad I was starting to get mean toward my husband and actually puked. That's when I decided the epidural might not be such a bad idea.

I got moved to a labor and delivery room and the anesthesiologist couldn't come soon enough. Once I got that epidural, my life was changed. It didn't even hurt and I hate needles. I don't know why I ever thought no epidural was the way to go because it is amazing. I will definitely get one next time as well.

I could feel and move my legs pretty well in bed but couldn't feel any contractions. Hallelujah! My fear was never feeling my legs again, but I was up and about an hour after delivery.

I tried to rest, but one nurse stayed in the room watching the contraction and baby heart rate monitor and typing God knows what the whole time on the computer. I tried to hint to her that I couldn't sleep with her there by asking, "does someone stay in the room the whole time?" And she said yes pretty much. I kind of wanted a little privacy to talk with my husband openly about everything and take a nap since I cannot sleep with someone hovering over me.

Midwife came to check me around 10am and I was 5cm so progressing well. Around 2pm I was at an 8, but they said they wouldn't check again until 5pm. These checks were fine, couldn't feel a thing.

I finally had a new nurse who left the room while I napped for maybe 30 min. Still had a BP cuff squeezing my arm every 5 min so

Not very peaceful. Around 5pm my midwife came in and checked me. I was 10cm and she could see baby's head right there, time to start pushing. I was like, wait what? I just woke up omg is this real? I didn't feel the need to push so I was surprised.

I started pushing during the next contraction on my back. It's hard to hold your legs up and back...I was much more successful on my side. I pushed for a few contractions..not even sure how many..I couldn't feel any pain down there..I could feel something as if I had something tucked in my hooha but it didn't hurt. Anyway, I pushed through some contractions and she said I would most likely meet my baby on the next one..she was right! I felt something plop out and then another plop and out he came! No pain!

He was crying so he was ok to go directly on my chest. I cried and couldn't believe it was over.

He is perfect! It was all so much easier than I expected and I feel so lucky to have not had any major complications. We go home tomorrow on my 30th birthday..best present ever! 🎉🤗