At 40 weeks, and as VBAC Mamma, I started to feel the pressure of going into labor before needing to be induced. I met with my midwife that day and we made a plan for the next week. I met with an acupuncturist, ate Indian food, and took some evening primrose oil. I didn’t know what, if anything, would work for me, but I was willing to try it all! Before bed on Tuesday, I spent a few moments talking with my boy, and I told him I was ready to meet him, and that his big brother was getting impatient!
That night, October 29th, 2013, I awoke around 11 pm, and when I got up to go to the bathroom, my water broke! Contractions started right away, a good sign, and after messaging my doula, we spent the night sleeping and contracting. Jason held my hand through each contraction, and I started getting really excited to have a baby. Kathy and my doula arrived around noon on Wednesday, and things started to get going. I labored in and out of the shower, on the steps, in my bed, wherever I could to relieve some of the discomfort. I was checked in the late afternoon, and had dilated to just about 3 cm. We decided to leave for the hospital, Einstein Memorial Medical Center, around 6pm, and continue labor there. My birth plan shifted slightly once arriving at the hospital, and I opted for an epidural later that evening. It was a long night of labor, though I was able to sleep some. By 7 AM, I was ready to push, and couldn’t wait even a minute longer to meet my boy! After three hours of pushing, it was time for a caesarean birth. Finn’s heart rate had dropped a few times, and he was just unable to push through. This time was different however, I was at ease, I trusted that my care team was making the best decisions for me, and that we were doing what was best for my baby.
Shortly after, at 10:30 in the morning on October 31st, 2013, I heard Finn’s cry, I saw his beautiful head, and just moments later kissed his sweet cheeks. Finn was able to stay in the operating room with me, and head right to recovery with me, where I was able to start breastfeeding him immediately. We were still able to accommodate many of the wishes I had for my baby.
Despite the outcome being different than I had planned, I am totally at peace with my birth, I had wonderful care under Kathy, and was able to stay calm having her with me the entire time. Both Kathy, and the nurses at Einstein gave Finn and I the best start we could have together, and we are eternally grateful.
