Labor Pains
It was the first time that one of our babies was born on their actual due date. With our boys, they were late to arrive. So when I woke up at 5AM with what felt like menstrual cramps, I knew what was coming next… our sweet baby! Last Thursday, I had my 40th week check up and I was happy it worked out that way because it gave me the opportunity to tell her about the small contractions I had been having. At the time of my appointment the contractions were 25-35 minutes apart and were still pretty low on the pain scale. I found out I was only 1.5 cm dilated, so it left me feeling like I would be pregnant for a while longer.
Around 3PM, the contractions became stronger and they were timing about 10-15 minutes apart. Every time I walked, it seemed to speed up their time. I was running around running errands (yes, to some, I may be crazy) then it hit me, I’m going to have this baby today! Panic mode quickly ensued and I went back home and let Adam take over being with the kids and I suddenly went into cleaning mode, (I know, I know). In my regular day to day life, I am constantly trying to keep my house clean, because I feel that if I leave that one piece of Lego out or that jacket on the floor, next thing I know my entire house is out order. So, there I was picking up last minute toys and items around the house, vacuuming, cleaning the fridge and packing last minute items I needed. Let it be known, that I did all this stuff to distract myself from the increasingly painful contractions that were coming at me.
Around 7:30PM, I told Adam it was time to go to the hospital because the contractions quickly went to timing at 3 minutes apart and I couldn't take the pain anymore. We dropped of the boys with my mom and drove to the hospital. To me, the worst contractions seem to happen in the car because it’s uncomfortable and painful having to sit upright during a drive. When at home, its easier to be in a fetal position, which helps makes the contractions a bit more tolerable.
As soon as I got to the hospital and they checked me, I was at 6 cm dilated and they admitted me. Soon after I got the epidural, I was at 8 cm. I couldn’t believe how quickly everything escalated in less than an hour of just being at the hospital. Okay, so let’s talk about the epidural for a minute. I’ve gotten it twice before, but this time around it was the worst experience because the contractions at 8 cm felt like it lasted 2 minutes and I just couldn’t take a breath. On top of that, you can’t move and you have to pop out your spine so the needle can go in and not paralyze you for life (no pressure). So as you can imagine it took a while for me to get it and there was a small chance the anesthesiologist couldn’t give it to me.
Needless to say, I was terrified, crying and in so much pain. I of course had my husband and nurses helping me get through all of this but I couldn’t help to just call on Jesus the whole time and remind myself that there is nothing God can’t do and it was through Him that I was strong enough to push through. It’s stressful moments like these that force you to call on Jesus no matter who is around.
Life felt great after the epidural kicked in and I could finally relax. The doctor broke my water to speed things up and I quickly dilated to 10 cm. However, I waited a while longer so my body could do most of the work and allow the baby to start lowering down naturally. I ended up pushing her out in 15 minutes. For the women who have given birth, I’m sure we can all agree that it is such a relief when you feel your baby is out. All the memory of pain prior to leave the moment they hand her over to you to hold her for the first time.
Born on March 8, 2019 | 7.14lbs | 19 inches | 1:06am
Hospital Gown
Let me start off by saying how many compliments I kept getting from the nurses on my gown. My friend Karla Quiz has a line of hospital gowns that are well designed for an expecting mom. The beautiful modern prints don’t make you feel like you are lying around in a hospital but instead its a gown that is functional during your hospital stay and while at home the few days after birth while feeling more put together. I decided to wear mine right after delivery because I knew it would get too dirty the delivery. I like the conveniences of the buttons and the string in the middle to give you fitted look when needed.
xoxo,
Crystal Cara
