I'm a Mormon.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Makayla's Birth Story


I went to see Dr. Rost on Thursday. He checked my progress and found me to be dilated to a 3. I figured that would put me on track to be about 5 cm dilated by my induction date the following Weds, which is what I was with Julia. I had lost most of my mucous plug the week before, but I noticed some blood tinged mucous when I was collecting my urine sample, so I thought maybe I still might have a chance of having her before my induction date. Friday was a busy day. I made a few casseroles to freeze, cleaned quite a bit and did some laundry. Saturday Mike took the kids to their soccer games, and I took Emily to a birthday party. I wasn't feeling all that great. I felt uncomfortable, but I chalked it up to being dilated and walking around a lot. Mike and I went out to dinner at Chili's with a gift card my friend Amy Murdock gave me for my baby shower. By the time we got home I was exhausted and I laid down for a nap and ended up sleeping for an hour. I had a few hard contractions- but they were totally random. Sometimes one an hour, sometimes 2 in 15 minutes. It was confusing. Sunday when I woke up I didn't think I was going to be able to get to church. Walking had become difficult- it felt like I had a volleyball between my legs. But within an hour of waking up I felt a little better and got ready to go to church. I was fine for Sacrament meeting- I even sang with the choir for ward conference- but after Sunday school my back was really hurting so I went home. I got the lasagna on the table, made garlic bread and salad and set the table. By the time we were done with dinner, I was exhausted and took a 2 hour nap. I woke up at 7:45, got up and had ice cream with the kids. I sorted socks and went to back to bed at 9. The only way to describe how I felt is "not good". I woke up at 1:30 am to a very uncomfortable feeling in my abdomen and back. It wasn't a contraction- more like cramping/indigestion. I felt that way pretty solidly for about 20 minutes. I finally sat up and woke up Mike and told him that we probably needed to head to the hospital. I knew something was going on, even though it wasn't presenting like typical labor. I went to the bathroom, and took a five minute shower. During my shower, I had my first "traditional" feeling contraction, and it was hard and very much a real labor contraction without a doubt. They came about 3 minutes apart from then on, and I knew we were on a pretty tight time clock now to get me to the hospital. I toyed with the thought of calling an ambulance, but I really didn't want some random paramedic delivering my baby- I'd rather Mike and I handle it if we got to that point. We got in the car and when I sat down I felt her move down into the birth canal and I knew we had to go fast. I told Mike not to stop at any red lights! He was in a bit of shock about the whole thing I think. I called Dr. Rost's answering service and left a message that we were on our way to the hospital with contractions 3 minutes apart. We pulled into the Baylor emergency room parking lot at about 2:45, and Mike ran in got a wheelchair for me, because I wasn't sure I could walk anywhere. I told the people at the front desk that I was having a baby and that I might deliver right there on the ER floor if we didn't get to labor and delivery pretty quick. I'm sure they took that with a grain of salt, until I mentioned it was my 8th baby and then people started moving a little faster. I had the chattiest guy pushing my wheelchair so I got to go through transition while making small talk about his three year old. It felt a little surreal. By the time we got to the L&D floor I knew I was really close. I had one super contraction holding onto the edge of the bed, and then got into bed so the nurse could check me. I was a NINE! My first two thoughts were- "Great! I'm almost done!" and then "Dang it! I have to finish this without an epidural!" So I went through about 5-10 minutes of that "out of control/can't imagine how you are going to finish this/can't someone just shoot me" phase between that comes between 9-10 centimeters and then Dr. Rost said to give a little push, which broke my water. One big push and there was her head, and then one more for the rest of her and we were done! I was shaking so badly- I really think I was a little bit in shock of how fast this had gone. She was born at 3:07, nineteen minutes after we got there. This was the labor I had actually prayed for- a quick, fast one like Rebekah's. I just got a little more than I bargained for! This is the labor I would chose every time if I was brave enough, but I don't think I could be that brave every time. You do what you have to do when the circumstances call for it, but I don't know if I would volunteer for a natural delivery ever again!

12 comments:

Karen said...

Look at all that vernix! What was your EDD? Our birth stories are extremely similar. Thanks for sharing!!

Karen

Susie said...

Congrats for living to tell the tale. Birth stories always make me cry - they're such emotional, incredible experiences. You go, girl!

Tami said...

That you for sharing that! Congratulations! Dr. Rost is amazing! He delivered Audrey and I felt the Spirit more with that delivery than any of my other children. I told him this was what heaven must feel like and he said this is heaven. I am happy that you were able to make it to the hospital before having her and that it did go so quickly! Congratulations! She couldn't come to a better family!

John and Jenny said...

You are an amazing woman! Congratulations on the birth of Makayla! Also well done on being able to take multiple naps and even sleep a bit during labour. Don't you love Dr. Rost! I cannot wait to see you again and to hold your newest addition. Good luck with the next few weeks.

The Yosts said...

Hooray She's here and beautiful! Congratulations and love the story- "Once I told them it was my 8th they started moving faster" LOL!

Liji and Christina Waite said...

Yea, I'm so happy she is here. She is so cute and chubby. Wish I could fly out and help you like I did when I was single. I won't get to see this one until she is much bigger. Give her kisses from me. Love you.

Tricia said...

Congrats, Heather! Glad you're well...thanks for sharing your story. Enjoy this special time with your newest little one!
ps--I miss Dr. Rost! He's the best.

Cortney said...

heather, I loved reading your story. I just have one question...how come the picture you posted looks like the doctor cut your babies leg! What's the blood from? Just curiosity. I'm so glad it all is over. It sounds like a scary, stressful story but your baby is here hooray!

Debbie said...

Wow. What a story!

You're a trooper.

Melanie said...

Congratulation's on the birth of your new daughter. I'm sure with Makayla being the 8th baby she felt like she had to make a triumphant entry!! It's great that you captured this story with all of your emotions attached, as it will definitely fade with time.

Katie said...

What a great story, Heather. So glad she is here! I too miss Dr. Rost!! Great guy. Glad you are doing well.

Betsy said...

Congratulations!!! I am glad that you made it to the hospital. I had the exact experience with Aspen. Got to the hospital at 5 am. Transitioned while walking from triage to L&D. But I wouldn't push until they called and got Nate to come back from registering me. Nate and the midwife barely made it to the birth! She was born at 5:20 am.

Natural delivery was awesome. I went home 12 hours later. But I only did it once. (I don't handle pain well.) Glad that all is well with you.