Here’s the male version (for my brothers): Labor good. Baby born. Girl. 6 1bs. 3 oz.
Ladies this is for you: On Monday, April 23, I began having regular Braxton Hicks contractions pretty consistently about every 10 minutes. April 23 was also Coleman’s 6th birthday. We had his big party a week ago but PawPaw and Granny were coming over that evening for some birthday cake and a few gifts. (Poor child – 2 parties).
Later on that afternoon, the contractions were about 6-7 minutes apart. I called my Doctor to see what he wanted me to do and he wanted me to come in that afternoon. But I told him I couldn’t until after supper – I mean, I couldn’t miss Coleman’s special night. So after dinner, I decided to drink water and lay down and see if I could slow the contractions because I didn’t want to have the baby during the night (I didn’t like the on-call Doctor and I really wanted my Doctor to deliver Ellerie). He has delivered all of the others and is very special to us. Plus I was having another VBAC and felt more comfortable with him doing the delivery!
The contractions began to slow a little that evening. But through the night they got closer and a little more painful. So Granny came over around 5 am and we got to the hospital around 6:15 am. After my Dr. got in that morning and checked me, I was at 3 cm. Since I was progressing ‘a little’ on my own (even though slowly) he decided to go ahead and break my water. He hated to send us home without the baby and we would have had a very disappointed 4-year old if we came home without her new sister. My Dr. couldn’t give me a lot of pitocin because I was having a VBAC and pitocin can increase the chance of uterine rupture. So, the morning went slowly and the contractions didn’t increase too much. Around lunch, he gave me just a whiff of pitocin, and boy howdy, that’s all it took.
I talked to Kim and she said “Go ahead and get the epidural girl so you don’t miss the window.” So, I called for the epidural – and good thing, because those suckers started coming strong and fast!! The nice needle guy came in and did his thing. When he finished, he said “let me know if you feel tingly, if your mouth feels funny, or if you hear ringing in your ears.” Well, all of a sudden I felt all of those things and it sort of freaked me out. But he just said, it’s all temporary. Nice! So I began to wait for the epidural to take effect … and I waited … and I waited … and I waited. Then I began to cry and moan and let everyone know that it wasn’t working. The nurses came in and asked about that pain scale. You know the one ladies … where they ask you about the pain on a scale of 1-10. I hate that scale but I let them know I was off the charts! They called the needle man to come back and fix me. He came in and topped me off with more medicine but that didn’t work either. I wonder where all of that medicine went because none of it went to my abdomen or legs! I know some women choose to labor this way, but ladies … the pain is there because of a curse, why would I choose that? That is not for me! The needle man (no longer the nice needle man) came back a 3rd time and re-stuck me in the back in a different place! Finally some relief. Although by this time I was about 8-9 cm but at least I got it before I had to push.
Pushed just a couple of times … and there she was. Sweet Ellerie Dean Barber. Weighing 6 lbs 3 oz and 18 ½ in. long!!
I still can’t get over how amazing it is to carry a baby and then all of a sudden to be able to hold her. Definitely a miracle.
All of the other kids are fascinated with her and love to kiss her. Even little Calvin is charmed by her! We are so thankful for all of your prayers during this time.
Ladies this is for you: On Monday, April 23, I began having regular Braxton Hicks contractions pretty consistently about every 10 minutes. April 23 was also Coleman’s 6th birthday. We had his big party a week ago but PawPaw and Granny were coming over that evening for some birthday cake and a few gifts. (Poor child – 2 parties).
Later on that afternoon, the contractions were about 6-7 minutes apart. I called my Doctor to see what he wanted me to do and he wanted me to come in that afternoon. But I told him I couldn’t until after supper – I mean, I couldn’t miss Coleman’s special night. So after dinner, I decided to drink water and lay down and see if I could slow the contractions because I didn’t want to have the baby during the night (I didn’t like the on-call Doctor and I really wanted my Doctor to deliver Ellerie). He has delivered all of the others and is very special to us. Plus I was having another VBAC and felt more comfortable with him doing the delivery!
The contractions began to slow a little that evening. But through the night they got closer and a little more painful. So Granny came over around 5 am and we got to the hospital around 6:15 am. After my Dr. got in that morning and checked me, I was at 3 cm. Since I was progressing ‘a little’ on my own (even though slowly) he decided to go ahead and break my water. He hated to send us home without the baby and we would have had a very disappointed 4-year old if we came home without her new sister. My Dr. couldn’t give me a lot of pitocin because I was having a VBAC and pitocin can increase the chance of uterine rupture. So, the morning went slowly and the contractions didn’t increase too much. Around lunch, he gave me just a whiff of pitocin, and boy howdy, that’s all it took.
I talked to Kim and she said “Go ahead and get the epidural girl so you don’t miss the window.” So, I called for the epidural – and good thing, because those suckers started coming strong and fast!! The nice needle guy came in and did his thing. When he finished, he said “let me know if you feel tingly, if your mouth feels funny, or if you hear ringing in your ears.” Well, all of a sudden I felt all of those things and it sort of freaked me out. But he just said, it’s all temporary. Nice! So I began to wait for the epidural to take effect … and I waited … and I waited … and I waited. Then I began to cry and moan and let everyone know that it wasn’t working. The nurses came in and asked about that pain scale. You know the one ladies … where they ask you about the pain on a scale of 1-10. I hate that scale but I let them know I was off the charts! They called the needle man to come back and fix me. He came in and topped me off with more medicine but that didn’t work either. I wonder where all of that medicine went because none of it went to my abdomen or legs! I know some women choose to labor this way, but ladies … the pain is there because of a curse, why would I choose that? That is not for me! The needle man (no longer the nice needle man) came back a 3rd time and re-stuck me in the back in a different place! Finally some relief. Although by this time I was about 8-9 cm but at least I got it before I had to push.
Pushed just a couple of times … and there she was. Sweet Ellerie Dean Barber. Weighing 6 lbs 3 oz and 18 ½ in. long!!
I still can’t get over how amazing it is to carry a baby and then all of a sudden to be able to hold her. Definitely a miracle.
All of the other kids are fascinated with her and love to kiss her. Even little Calvin is charmed by her! We are so thankful for all of your prayers during this time.
I hope to blog more when I am able to get a little more sleep ... so until then!
4 comments:
Yes, finally! Thanks for sharing your story!! I have been waiting patiently. I love reading birth stories.
And I totally understand about trying to wait it out until your doctor could be there.
Precious! Those epidurals are worth it when they work! Great story with a wonderful ending!
What a great story! I'm glad that you were able to have your doctor. I love seeing all the pictures. You look great with all your kids!
What a great birth story! I'm so thankful all went well and mommy and baby are doing great! How is it with 4 little ones???? I never had that experience, but I admire women who have them so close! I think it is great!!!
I am so glad they got the epidural working for you!
Kim
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