Birth Story

We knew after our 40 week appointment that PJ might be coming out whether she wanted to or not. My blood pressure was creeping up and I was given the red jug to take home. When I returned to the doctors office 2 days later my blood pressure was still high (about 140/100). I also had elevated protein in my urine (I was about 3 points over the cutoff). So, my doctor told me to have some lunch and head to the hospital. I would be induced that day. Mr. F and I took our time having lunch and finishing last minute things at the house and then headed into the hospital.

I had hoped for a natural birth but that plan quickly went out the window. When I got to the hospital I was told that I would get a dose of miso. I have had to use this medication before and wasn't thrilled with the option but that's the only one I was given. After the dose was administered I was then told water labor was out of the question. I would need to be hooked up to machines to monitor my blood pressure. My labor progressed rather quickly. My contractions went from non-existent to less than a minute apart. I had no way to relieve the pain (I wasn't allowed to get up and walk around/no labor tub/etc). After my water broke the pain was excruciating. So, I opted for the epidural. I was never staunchly against the epi but I had hoped the water labor, walking, etc would help delay or perhaps prevent the need. Without these things available for pain relief, there was just no way. It took the nurse 4 tries to get the epidural in and I was left with a large bruise on my spine for a few weeks--but it worked. Immediate pain relief. The epi was turned off before I got ready to push, I wanted to feel that and it seemed to work.

I actively labored for about 21 hours. I never needed any pitocin. Once my water broke, my body did what it needed to do. I pushed for 2 hours and PJ was here. She was born with a full head of hair (which she still has) and spent the first hour of her life on my chest. It's been wonderful thus far and we're so happy to have her.