A- Austin- The child who made me a mom!
14 years ago today, I woke up to a huge gush of water. I was 8 days past my due date, exhausted, and just so excited to meet my little guy!
If only I had known that it would still be another 2 days before he was born! I stayed with my sisters most nights because I was terrified of having him in the car. We lived about 30 minutes from the hospital without traffic, and my sister had fast births with all 3 of her kids, so I was convinced that things would be fast for me too.
Waiting to see what
the plan was on
February 27 2008.
I packed the last-minute things and headed to the hospital. I wasn’t having contractions yet, but I had been told to head straight to the hospital if my water broke, so that’s exactly what we did. When we got there, they checked me said I was 2 cm, but they weren’t in a rush to do anything, so we mostly just waited around. Once evening came, they decided to send me home because they were too busy to start an induction. They gave instructions on what to watch for and when to come back, and off to my sisters we went.
I don’t think I’ve ever slept better in my life! At 8 am on the 28th, we went back to the hospital, and since no contractions were happening and I was still only 2 cms, they started Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin). From there, the contractions were fast and furious, getting to 2 minutes apart. It was rough. The nurses were terrific but busy. They didn't have time to be offering the constant hands-on support that I needed. I remember thinking that we needed someone to tell me what to do because this hurt, but I was told that getting an epidural early would make things longer, and I knew I didn't want that!
All-day, I kept thinking that I knew I didn't want a leap year baby in the back of my mind. I couldn't explain it, but I had said my whole pregnancy that the 29th was the one day I didn't want! Hours went by with strong contractions and no changes. I was frustrated and feeling drained. After 12 hours, they decided I needed a break. The Pitocin was stopped, and my contractions came to a halt within minutes. I was devastated that my body wasn't having any contractions of its own. We decided to try cervadil overnight since my cervix still wasn't “favourable.”
I remember telling my husband that night that there had to be a job where you help people through birth. The nurses were so busy that I felt like a burden when I asked questions, so I didn't ask. I had never heard of a doula, but that's exactly what I described to him.
There was still no change the following day, and the decision was made to have a cesarean. At 11:09 am on February 29th, 2008, I became a mom. My baby was a perfect blonde-haired, 9lbs 12 oz baby boy.
4 hours old. February 29th 2008.
In the 14 years since then, I learned things that definitely could have changed my experience, but these are the top 3.
February 27th 2022
I wish I had a doula. I could have used someone to help me navigate through it all. To give me tips and tricks of different things I could try and help answer my questions and encourage me to ask the others.
I wish I knew that starting with Pitocin isn't the only option. I would have asked about my bishop score and alternatives to try first.
This goes along with 1 and 2, but the hospital staff is there for you. Ask your questions! You aren't bothering the staff; it is their job!
I'm not sure how it's been possible that it's already been 14 years since my first birth experience started. The years really do fly by!
This is the first post in a series of “alphabet blog posts”. Keep an eye out for all the other letters coming soon!