The Induction

"Cerival ripening". I'm sure you didn't want to hear that, but that's what we started with for the induction. They like to "soften" your cervix before starting Pitocin so that it's sufficiently "ripe" for delivery. However, after a dose Wednesday night, and another two doses Thursday morning and early afternoon - I still was not very "ripe" or dilated. My contractions by 5pm Thursday were sufficient to call it active labor, but I still was not dilating - stuck at 2cm. So they started the Pitocin. Ugh. Awful, awful contractions. These continued Thursday evening, night and into Friday afternoon. I realized early on Friday that my hopes of a natural birth were out the window. The contractions were so intense I couldn't believe it. My legs would just shake. But you were so tough. You tolerated everything we through at you. My guy. You made us very proud. Every time they had to you on the fetal monitor, every just looked perfect.



Friday afternoon around 2pm, my water broke! Halelujah! That meant that I could get an epidural. I wasn't excited, but I was happy that I could do something about the pain of the contraction. The MD came in and placed the thing in 5 minutes, tops. My main concern was staying still while she was placing it because I'd shake so bad during the contractions. But we got it done and it was such a relief! Both of my legs were totally numb although one I had a little more control over than the other. It worked beautifully to control the pain of the contractions, but I could still feel them enough to know they were happening.



By 9pm, I was 9cm and they were ready for me to start pushing. I was so ready! I felt like I'd push you out in no time. I had the strength to do it! But three hours later, I was completely exhausted. It seemed like every time I pushed the midwife said "he's almost here, just one more good push". I just had nothing left. I was so disappointed in myself, but I just was exhausted. At about 11pm, she recommended using the vacuum to help me out. They paged the MD to come in and he said he'd be there in 20 minutes. That sounded to me like 20 hours, and I think my midwife picked up on that and recommended that I just rest during the upcoming contractions. I did and it was really uncomfortable, but when the alternative was pushing again, I opted for the discomfort. I kept asking if we could increase the epidural, so they'd bolus me, but it didn't seem to make a big difference. It seemed like I could feel more than I did initially. It was about 11:30 when the MD came in. He went on about the risks and benefits and I thought I was going to lose it. I finally said "can we just do this please" - I thought I was going to just pass out. He got ready and I started pushing again. It took four pushes with the use of the vacuum and you were out!!! HOORAY!!!! When you came half way he said that your arm was up by your face "waving at everyone" when you came out which added to the degree of difficulty of the delivery. But you were perfect! Your dad was in tears, my dad was so excited. They watched you get cleaned up and assessed while the MD finished taking care of me. I had some complications after you were born, but nothing long term, it just made for a slower recovery. I was so relieved when you came out. Not that I didn't love the sensation of you trying to kick your way out of the uterus, but it was just time for you to join us in this world. I got to order a monster meal because I was starving, then we moved to our post-partum room around 3am.

Our time in the hospital was wonderful. Everyone I met was so helpful. The staff at the hospital made that birth experience what it was. You were SO SLEEPY! My sister-in-law, your Aunt Cammie stated it best when she described you as being "squishy". You just had that puffy newborn appearance for those first few days that I'm sure all babies have, but you were mine and special :-) You latched on right away, and were a good eater when you were awake. All of your extended family came to the hospital to meet you. It was such a surreal experience. Almost out-of-body. I couldn't believe you were mine and were coming home with us. But Monday afternoon, you would.