Birth story
I was two days past my due date on 9/28 and had been dilated to 2 cm, 80% effaced for three weeks. I was also having irregular contractions for four days. I had the option of inducing using Pitocin, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to go ahead with it because it increases the chance of a csection. My doctor said it only increases it by less than 10%, so we scheduled it for 9/29. My contractions finally went into a pattern of 5 minutes apart the night before the induction. They were like that for 2 1/2 hours before I went to the hospital. (I wanted to be sure and we were doing last minute laundry anyway)
At the hospital, my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart and I was admitted. Then, they started spacing farther apart :/ I had dilated to 4 cm, but wasn't progressing any farther. I was given the Pitocin as scheduled at 3 am, which sped things up. I decided to get an epidural because I knew things would get worse, even though my "pain" was at a 1 or 2. I'm glad I did, because just as the anesthesiologist gave me the test dose of the epidural, my doctor came in to break my water. That's when contractions actually started to be uncomfortable and I was thanking my lucky stars I only had to go through that for 10 minutes until my epidural kicked in. (I did cry waiting for the anesthesiologist to come back and actually start the Nokia dose) Two hours later, I was at 10 cm and ready to push. I watched the whole thing in a mirror (which is extremely motivating) I pushed for 35-40 minutes and my doctor asked if I wanted to pull my baby the rest of the way out, so I did! It was so cool to do that! She lifted her head after just a few minutes and she breastfed after only 15 minutes. I really could not have asked for a more perfect labor and delivery experience.
I tore just a little bit in the last few pushes, and got 6 stitches. Recovery from that has been more pain than labor and delivery. I'm still feeling it 1 week and 1 day later 😁
Comment
Add Comment
Let's Glow!
Achieve your health goals from period to parenting.
