The Labor Story

This is the blow by blow account as I know some of you will want to know the details. I have excluded some details for the sake of decency. 3:30-5:30 AM I was having irregular contractions but they were strong enough I could not sleep through them. I got up and did some organizing around the house. At 5:30 I thought I better get a little rest. I fell sound asleep. 7:30AM I woke up, due to a strong contraction. I did a few things around the house, put a chicken in the slow cooker, rice in the oven, set the timer, laundry. . . those types of things thinking I wouldn't leave Drew's Mom and Dad with ALL the work. 4 children is enough to keep them busy. Drew called his Mom and Dad and told them we thought today would be the day.

10:45 AM called Kathe, the midwife and asked how I could tell if this was real labor or false. I explained that the contractions weren't regular but were definitely getting stronger. She told me to lay down and time the contractions. If they were still coming and somewhat regular when laying down it was the real thing.

11:00 AM Laid down and immediately had a contraction.
11:12 AM Contraction
11:24 AM Contraction
11:34 AM Contraction
11:45 AM Contraction
12:00 PM Drew, Mary E. and I loaded into the van. We got gas and Drew bought me a snickers bar. We dropped off the library books and the clothes I wanted to donate to the Discover Shop (all sort of on the way to the hospital).

12:30 PM Parked in the hospital lot, called Kathe's office. They said they would page her and if she didn't call back in 20 minutes call again. In the meantime we walked a block to the drug store and
bought a few needed items. (Just the three of us :-)) The contractions came stronger when I walked.

12:45 PM Kathe called me and we agreed to meet at the hospital. She told me not to check in, that way if the contractions were false it would be no problem to send me home.

1:00 PM met Kathe. She checked me and said I was dilated to 4cm and could stretch to 6cm. "You need to stick around the hospital, you are going to have a baby this afternoon" Drew and I were both a little shocked I think. The contractions came stronger and closer together as I walked the halls with Mary E. while Drew and Kathe talked.

2:15 PM I asked about birthing in the tub. The nurse warmed up the tub water (she had filled the tub when I first arrived). I got in the tub and had several nice pushing type contractions.

2:35 PM Kathe checked as I was pushing and could feel the bag of waters. She said I would be able to feel the bag of waters pop because I was in the tub. I wanted her to pop it for me. I might have even asked, I don't remember. I just remember thinking, if the water would break it wouldn't hurt so bad to push (REALITY CHECK - it would have increased the pain but one is not thinking rationally at this point)

2:38ish PM Pushed an felt that terribly wonderful burning sensation that comes when the babies head crowns. The bag of waters was bulging out (apparently visible)

2:42 PM Continued pushing. Little baby girl was born before the water bag broke. The cord was up over her head and her hand was up behind. Kathe had never seen this in all of her deliveries. She
said it was a good thing she didn't break the bag of waters as it kept the pressure off the cord during delivery and prevented the baby from distress. As soon as she was born Kathe lifted he up for me to
hold. I am not sure if the umbilical cord was too short or if I am too long but it was uncomfortable to hold her to me chest so we rested her on my bent knees. Drew, and Mary E. and I were all
thanking the Lord! What a miracle. They clamped the cord and Drew cut his 6th cord. I held her but could tell she was a bit cold so Mary E. held her. I wanted to birth the placenta in the tub but it wasn't loose enough. They wheeled the bed right up to the tub and I crawled out. 3:10 PM I gave birth tot the placenta. The nurse pointed out what she thought could be little Seth. A tiny little fetal figure.
Lord, thank you for a healthy little girl. I thank you for her twin brother too. Chloe's face looked quite bruised right after the delivery. I was worried as she looked grey to me. The bruising cleared up amazingly fast. She still has a small bruise on her left cheek and one on the top of her head. Her eyes are still a bit blood shot too. The doctor detected a heart murmur when he checked her later that
evening. He said many babies are born with a slight murmur that clears up shortly after birth. He will keep an eye on it just to be sure. We take her in for a check tomorrow and a nurse will come to the house to check her on Thursday. She nurses wonderfully. I am so thankful she is on this side of my tummy!