I went in for my induction at 7am on Monday, 7/15/19. I had had one induction with pitocin that was miserable, and one with cervidil that was so easy (the epidural being a nightmare and worse part). The plan was to start cervidil and hope that’s all I needed. The two things I was the most nervous about for this delivery was the epidural and shoulder dystocia, as my other two had it and it was very scary!

The midwife came in at 8:00 and checked me— 2-3cm which I was happy with!— and then gave me the gel which started my contractions quickly but they were not at all unbearable, just crampy. I spent the morning napping and laying in the tub.

I was checked again at around 1:00 and was only a four so I was bummed.. I had too much scar tissue from a previous LEEP and the midwife decided I needed pitocin. I got my epidural.. the reason I was so nervous for it was my epidural with my second hit a nerve and both of my legs felt like they were being electrocuted— I could literally feel every nerve from my waist down firing and the anesthesiologist basically told me I was being dramatic and to calm down. I had a faulty epi in for two hours before he finally took it out and admitted it was improperly placed. Anyway, this anesthesiologist was so kind, I shared my concerns, and he did an awesome job! No sweat even though I got a little worked up wen I felt my legs tingling and worried the same thing was going to happen. The epidural worked immediately but I could still move my legs pretty well which was great!

They started the pitocin slow and cranked it up every 30 min. At about 5:15 the midwife came in to break my water and I was only a five even though my contractions were very strong. She basically said it would be a waiting game and that the scar tissue was making it difficult. Almost immediately after she left I started feeling immense pressure and pain and was worried my epidural was failing. I told the nurse and she said baby was probably changing positions and it was just pressure.. ten minutes later and I couldn’t handle it. She called my midwife and checked me while on the phone... 9 1/2! I went from a five to almost ten in all of thirty minutes and was having contractions one on top of the other. The anesthesiologist and midwife came in when my body was already starting to push on it’s own.. I felt instant relief with the new shot of meds and got a break in between contractions.

My boyfriend was so wonderful leaning over me with each contraction so I could squeeze and hug him while I pushed. My epi was amazing because I could feel everything without pain so I knew right where baby was which motivated my pushes. Finally he came out and I grabbed him at 6:40pm! No shoulder dystocia and so quick! Wish I could relive it over and over ♥️♥️♥️

Gatlin Francis George

8lb 1oz

20in