I have always enjoyed reading other peoples birth stories and experiences, and at the end of the day, every experience is SO different. Every birth story has its own twists and turns. I wanted to take the opportunity to share our birth story with you. This post is one of the longest and most intense/personal posts that I have written thus far. These moments I share are moments that I want to have written down to share with Hudson one day. I share with those of you who are interested and kindly ask that those who are not, just skip this post, your negativity is not welcome. Enjoy!
It all started on Monday, March 26th. I was 2 days past my due date and my doctor requested that I go to the hospital for a stress test. During that morning I was feeling intense, regular contractions and felt like labor may have begun. Sure enough, the stress test told us that I was in fact in labor and after my exam with the nurse she told us that we would be back sometime that evening to have our son. The anticipation was intense and we spent the day getting ready and running last minute errands. I spent much of the day walking the neighborhood and mentally preparing myself for birth. The night approached and I noticed that my contractions were getting sporadic and not as intense at times. We went to bed that evening… and sure enough, labor had stopped. Yup, stopped. Tuesday morning we woke up and went to our OBGYN to meet with out doctor and talk about options. After explaining to her what had happened, she performed an exam and reported that I was not dilated any further. We had decisions to make. From recent ultrasounds we knew that Hudson was over the 90th percentile in weight and every day past our due date he was just going to continue to get bigger. Our options at that point were to wait a week and see if my body went into labor, but risk him being over 10 lb. baby, or to be induced that week. We went home to talk about our options and later that afternoon we called our doctor to schedule inducement. Wednesday, March 28th we woke up that morning and this time really packed the truck to head to the hospital and have our son! We checked into our room at the hospital at 10am. Unpacked our bags while the nurses came in to introduce themselves and start taking my vitals and medical information they needed. The mid-wife who was on duty at the time-shared with me that this process could take 3-5 days, and I couldn’t help but feel defeated before we even began. Around noon, a nurse came in to set up my IV and start my Pitocin. Our doctor had instructed them to start me on the lowest dose of Pitocin because I still was not dilated and it was going to be a long haul. As the Pitocin drip started I made myself comfortable and started watching Friends on Netflix. At this point they were not checking on me too often, so I had time to just try to relax and snack lightly. 5 o’clock rolled around and it was shift change. My water still had not broken yet, but I was about 4 cm dilated which was a good sign that things were moving in the right direction. I would say around dinnertime, because I specifically remember telling Timmy to eat dinner, but I was going to pass because the pain was intensifying, the contractions were starting to get pretty painful. At about 9 pm I asked Timmy to come over to my bedside and help me lower the headrest and when he went to go push the button on the bed I nearly jumped a mile. A loud “pop” occurred and sure enough, my water had broken! Once my water broke I knew things would continue to heat up quickly. At this point the pain was at a 7 or 8, (on a 1-10 scale), and the nurse had asked me to let her know when I felt as if I couldn’t handle the contractions another hour because at that time she would start to get the anesthesiologist in order to come in and administer the epidural. Tim and I had talked about our pain mediation options long before arriving to the hospital and I had written in my birth plan that if necessary I would receive one. The night turned into morning and my contractions were becoming very intense. Speaking to so many women about their birth experiences prior to this moment I had received so much feedback about how hard it is to describe what a contraction feels like, and now I totally get it. In the beginning of labor they felt like really bad menstrual cramps, but by the time we were talking about a pain level of 9, they really became indescribable. At about 2 am the anesthesiologist arrived and it was time to receive the epidural. The doctor made it very clear how important it was to stay still and work through the contractions while he administered the medicine in order to avoid a “wet tap” in which case, my legs would have lost feeling. My anesthesiologist was a rock star and my epidural didn’t cause my legs to loose feeling or create a headache. It helped mitigate the pain of the contractions, but I could still feel the pressure. 2 am was approaching and my doctor came in to check and see how I was doing. She suggested that Hudson was having a hard time making it around my bowel and dropping into my pelvis. She suggested that if I could get into child’s pose, for even just 30 minutes, it would really help progress things along. With some help from the nurse I got into child’s pose on my hospital bed and instantly all modesty went OUT THE DOOR and I laid their face down, ass up. Thirty minutes passed and the nurse came in to check on us, she was thrilled with the progress we made in such a short time that she asked if I could tolerate child’s pose any longer. I told her that I was willing to do whatever it would take to get our son out quickly and safely. So child’s pose was where I remained for the next two hours. 4:30 am had arrived and that same nurse came in and this time checked to see how far I was dilated. Over the entire 17-hour labor process they only checked to see how far I was dilated twice, maybe three times, because once your water breaks the risk of infection increases. She stated that I was 9 cm dilated and she was going to go grab my doctor and let her know. My doctor came in and suggested that I flip back over to my back and give it a push to see how close things were. At this point my body was completely numb from being on my hands and knees for 3 hours that I needed a bit of assistance to get myself to flip over onto my back. With my doctor’s cues, I gave it a push. I believe my doctor was under the impression that we would have another 2 hours of pushing ahead. But, much to her surprise, I pushed and the next thing I know, our doctor yells, “grab a catcher, and tell the mid-wife, this baby is on his way!” I pushed for 25 minutes. 7 sets, 3 pushes every time. (Apparently that is unheard of; a typical woman pushes for 2-3 hours) The first push I felt like I could conquer the world, the second push I was still feeling strong but could feel how hard my body was working, and the third would take absolutely all the air from my body. I remember how important the environment we created for ourselves in our room really helped me during this extremely exhausting time. The lights were dim, our aromatherapy was diffusing lavender throughout our room and we had a playlist that we created months ago playing softly in the background. For 25 minutes I had my doctor, who I really grew to love and trust over my pregnancy, ready to catch out son. I had my husband holding one of my legs to help me bear down and another one of our trusted nurses holding my other. I feel so grateful for the support network I had around me to help push through the most intense moments of my life. March 29th, 2018, at 5:07 am, our new life began with such a beautiful, peaceful little boy, Hudson Alden Dow. So many of my mama readers continued to share with me that I just wouldn’t even understand the love a parent has for a child until you are one… and I totally get it! Hudson entered this world and was immediately placed on my chest, umbilical cord attached and all, and we got to enjoy over an hour of skin to skin. I will never forget the rush of emotions that overcame me that moment they placed him on my chest. I was uncontrollably crying, tears of joy and just pure happiness. Our little boy was finally here and most importantly, he was safe. It’s amazing how what seemed like such an impossible thing, in a single moment, instantly melted away when I saw his sweet little face. Even after 17 hours of labor, I would do it all over again a thousand times, to bring our boy into this world. HUGE shout out to Timmy… I thought I loved him as much as one person could, until that day. The entire experience brought us closer than I ever thought was possible. Timmy was my rock, my supporter and I could not have hung in there and done it without him by my side. He was right there and ready to help any way he could throughout that entire process. Now, THAT is a keeper. We had an amazing experience at Cape Cod Hospital. Our expectations were far surpassed and we really had the exact birth experience that both Tim and I envisioned for our little family. To all my mamas out there- you are warriors! To all of my soon-to-be moms or hope-to-be-moms- you got this. Whether your pregnancy/delivery is easy or hard, it will all be so WORTH IT! Here are some pictures of our handsome little dude during his first week of his life.
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Sitting here in the middle of this Blizzard hoping that baby boy just stays put for the next 24 hours! We have lost power and cable once again. I actually think we have had more days in March without power than we have had with power. March is proving to be a real lion, but I am hopeful that this will mean spring is arriving early and April will be beautiful! Baby Dow and I want to get outside this April and walk the beautiful Harbor loop here in Chatham. Okay, here is my 39 weeks pregnant bump update that you all have been waiting for! Not sure whether or not we will get a 40 week update, but I will be sure to keep you guys posted on his delivery and life with our new baby. Size: We had an ultrasound last week, and baby boy is approximately 8 lb.. He is ready to go! (So is Mama J) Weight Gain: Total weight gain since conception has been 16 lb.. I am ready to start having the scale go the other direction! Symptoms: I am still feeling great, I am sleeping well, no heartburn, the pain in my groin has decreased as my body has adjusted to all of these changes and my energy levels are pretty good considering. I absolutely feel like my belly couldn’t possibly get any bigger and its not easy getting up from the couch or getting comfortable for a long period of time in one spot. Favorite Wardrobe piece to wear right now: There is no such thing as a favorite piece of clothing right about now. Getting dressed is just pretty much a nuisance. Nursery Update: The nursery was really complete as of Week 35, so there really isn’t too much to report here. It’s really such a warm, beautiful space that we cannot wait to bring our son home too! One moment I loved about this past week: Marrying my best friend!!! Tim and I made it official and tied the knot. It was such a private, beautiful ceremony and truly everything that the both of us really wanted. We said our vows and made our promises to one another along the shore here in Chatham on a deck at the weather station that overlooked a lot of the coastline. It was a beautiful day. One thing I plan to do for myself this week: This week I am finishing up most of my work with clients and trying to take it a little easier. Remembering to rest when the opportunity arises and enjoy just being with Timmy and relaxing before the big day.
Food cravings: No particular food cravings… I do have the appetite though. Timmy and I went to breakfast Saturday morning, before he could ask me how my breakfast was it was already down the hatch! “I’ll take a short stack of pancakes, side of bacon and a poached egg please.” …. #noshame. Currently working on: We are working on our birth plan and finishing up our music playlist. Together we are working on how to keep me as calm and focused as possible. I am working on easing any anxiety as it comes up for me and reminding myself that this is a beautiful process that brings us closer to meeting our son. Women have been doing this forever! Any mamas out there have anything to share about what helped them during their labor day?? I would love to hear about your experiences. xo We flipped the calender this morning and there March was... it really resonated with me for a few moments first thing this morning while the sun was rising that this month, in less than a month, we will be meeting our newest member of our family. Its such an incredible feeling. I am excited, sometimes anxious, nervous at other times, and totally confident and ready to do this during other moments! All of the support we have recieved from family and friends is truly wonderful and we are so thankful for each and every one of you. I feel so fortunate to be part of this miracle of life. I was chosen to knit this little being together in my womb with the utmost care and love. I continue to remind myself of that when I have days or moments when I am feeling tired, emotional or anxious. My body continues to work with me, not against, to build this beautiful being I get to call my son. Thats amazing!!! Size: So I can no longer go by the “What to Expect” app, because my boy is big and he has surpassed what they predict the size of the baby to be this week. At 35 weeks the ultrasound weight was 6 lbs. 7 oz. … So I predict we are about 7 lbs. this week. According to Google… 126 medium strawberries 3500 cotton balls 3080 skittles and $3,178 in U.S. one dollar bills all weigh 7lbs. Weight Gain: Doctors appointments are weekly now, so I went this morning and my weight is the same as Week 35, 15 pounds gained since conception! Symptoms: I pretty much feel amazing! The only symptoms at this point are that he has dropped significantly so his head is creating pressure (lots of pee runs!) and some pain in my hips. The waddle is real. Favorite Wardrobe piece to wear right now: Favorite or just plain necessary… JOGGERS. I am living in my joggers at this point. Thankfully my clients understand and you can dress them up or down with a cute pair of sneakers and/or a cardigan. I have found the joggers from aerie to be the most comfortable, so soft and great price. A bonus is that I will be able to wear these post pregnancy as well. Nursery Update: As promised here are some pictures of the finished space… there is still some putting away of things to do so I didn’t take a totally complete picture, but you will get the idea. One moment I loved about this past week: Making time to catch up with my girlfriends. One afternoon last week I met two of my girlfriends at a local café and it was so nice to just relax and reconnect. Over the weekend I met up with another girlfriend of mine for breakfast, which was also so fun… and delicious!! (Little man can EAT in the morning) One thing I plan to do for myself this week: Well, this weekend I am for sure taking advantage of some down time and relaxing on the couch with a couple of books I am reading right now. I am still working full work weeks and its exhausting, so I am looking forward to some serious down time. Next week I am working, but I am trying to finish up my schedule by mid-afternoon so I can have some time at home and Timmy will be home which will be a great opportunity for us to finish up little projects around the house. Food cravings: No real food cravings right now… although the thought of a Philly cheesesteak and French fries continues to come up in my thoughts. I have NO idea what that is all about people. Currently working on: Staying calm. There are so many emotions right now as we approach DD. Anxious, excited, nervous… I continue to tell myself daily that labor is nothing to be afraid of and that it is a beautiful process, each contraction bringing us closer to meeting our son. I also keep telling myself that I am totally going to ROCK labor. ;-) There you have it! 20 days to go... I'll be sure to get in another Bump Update between now and then. This week stay tuned to hear about what is going in my hospital bag and some of my favorite new beauty finds (both skincare and makeup!). xoxo “Wow, are you sure your not having twins??” “You are HUGE” “I wouldn’t be surprised if you POP right here.” “You don’t look like your dropping, is the baby okay?” “Your not gaining much weight, hope your baby is okay.” “You look a little small for having a baby.” “Are you taking care of yourself, your face is looking a little puffy.” These are all comments pregnant women of the world are very, VERY familiar with. If you are already a Mama, I am sure you know what I am talking about. The endless body picking remarks that are thrown at you throughout all stages of your pregnancy. Have you ever wondered why on earth it is socially acceptable to make comments on a pregnant woman’s body, but not a non-pregnant woman? We have absolutely seen a rise in body acceptance and trying to put an end to body shaming, but what about pregnancy body shaming?? Despite popular belief… Pregnant mamas do not have a sign stuck to their foreheads reading, “Opinions Are Welcome.” Tell me, why oh why is it okay to walk up to a pregnant woman and tell her how “big” and uncomfortable she looks, but it isn’t okay to walk up to another lady and comment on her size and her appearance? I mean seriously, can you imagine ever walking up to a complete stranger and body shamming her??? For some reason, once you conceive a child everyone around you now assumes that they have complete permission to point out the parts of your hormonal-ever-changing body to you, like you don’t already know?! The truth is Mamas; pregnancy is a beautiful process that most women are fortunate enough to experience. Not only is it life changing, but it also is the hardest, physical challenge that we will ever experience. Some of our bodies will change forever, and some of us may have a hard time and struggle with their post-baby bodies. It is so important to remember how beautiful this process is.
Personally, I thought the journey of pregnancy and watching my body change would be very difficult for me because I am someone who works so hard at my physique and I have struggled with body image issues in my past. Surprisingly, I was completely wrong. This journey of pregnancy has only helped me to deepen my relationship with my body and truly fall in love with my body. Yes, I have completely fallen in love with my body over the last eight months. My wider hips, my thick waist, this growing bump and the extra weight I have put on around my thighs… every “extra” inch of me has brought me closer and closer to loving the body I am in and really appreciate the capabilities of my body to grow a human being. A being that is going to bless my life and bring so much joy and love to my life forever. Luckily, I am not affected by the unsolicited comments and opinions of strangers about my body, but I have received so many of them over the last eight months and it has made me concerned about those women that are affected by them. I understand that most of these comments are really meant to be harmless and have no bad intentions attached to them, but put yourself in their shoes… They may have already had five other strangers make remarks on their size that week and that morning she woke up to put on one of her favorite pairs of leggings to find out that they no longer fit. She could be really struggling. We have no idea how she is dealing with her pregnancy and what body-image issues she may be dealing with. Plus, lets not forget that she is hormonal and probably a bit more sensitive! So next time you are talking with a woman who is expecting, why don’t you tell her how beautiful she looks and that she is glowing, and leave the comments about her growing ass to yourself. :-) Love, Pregnant Mamas of The World. xoxo "You are rooted deep within my soul. A part of me forever. In the deepest parts of my heart, there you are." I can't believe we have 5 shorts weeks til we meet our son. This journey has been so incredible and I feel so fortunate for all of the love and support we have received. Here is our Bump Update at 35 weeks and I have a lot to share with you guys! Size: We went for an ultrasound this week and they gave us an estimated current weight of 6 lbs. 7oz. His little feet measured at 3.5 inches! He has big paddles like his mama HAHA! Weight Gain: As little man is putting on the pounds, mama is steadily gaining weight too. Up 15 pounds since conception! Hoping he is less than 10 pounds! Symptoms: Besides hobbling around and having a difficult time getting comfortable, I have been feeling pretty great! I have moments where the reflux is pretty bad but I can deal with it, nothing a few Tums can’t handle. I can’t wait to see the head of hair on this little man! Favorite Wardrobe piece to wear right now: I am living in joggers right now! They are the perfect pants because I can wear them comfortably now and also post partum when I am running around after my two little guys. You can find my favorite joggers here. They are so soft and on sale for 50% off! I am also IN LOVE with Barefoot Dreams and found this awesome poncho on sale a few weeks ago on the QVC. It is awesome because I will be able to wear it now and post partum and it will be great for nursing! There stuff is so versatile and soft. Nursery Update: We are almost there! Waiting on a few more items to arrive and I need to keep putting some things away, but we are practically ready. Will share some updates soon, I promise! Pregnancy/Baby Related item I have loved this week: With our baby boy arriving just in time to celebrate Easter with us, I couldn't help but to buy him his first Easter outfit. This mint green jumper with white bunnies all over it is just adorable. Oldnavy is currently offering 20% off your order and this jumper is only $12! The sweatshirt was just an add on item that was also on sale for $12 here. One moment I loved about this past week: Valentines Day with my love. I drove up to Boston and stayed the night with Tim because he is up there this week working the New England Boat Show. We went out to Strega Waterfront, which was near our hotel, and it was amazing! The atmosphere was lively and romantic, the food was excellent and our server, John, was so nice. I have always loved Valentines Day, single, dating or married, its just such an awesome excuse to spread some love to others! A second moment I loved this week was taking advantage of the hotel pool and going for a dip! OMG this was amazing. Seriously, it felt amazing to just swim and float in the pool and feel so light. It completely relieved my lower back strain from my growing belly and shifting pelvis. One thing I plan to do for myself this week: Take sometime this weekend to just relax, quietly and curl up on the couch with a book I am reading right now. I have been feeling lately like each day is just packed with so many tasks for work that by the time I am done I have about an hour to veg out before bed. I want to intentionally relax this weekend! Food cravings: A blueberry muffin! Something about blueberries this pregnancy… I met a dear friend of mine for breakfast at a local hot spot and ordered a grilled blueberry muffin; it was amazing and totally hit the spot! Currently working on: Finishing up the nursery, packing my hospital bag and getting some things for business in order before maternity leave. Stay tuned to hear what has made it into my hospital bag and updates on our nursery! xo Check out my previous Bump Updates below: Categories All |
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