This is going to be Rachael's version of the events that transpired on Tuesday, July 28th, 2009. Richard will be adding his commentary shortly. Expect a page gripper!So I got called at 6:15 am on Tuesday to go to the hospital to get induced. Up until the last minute I kept hoping that Anna would come on her own. I instructed her in no uncertain terms that if she wanted things to be on her time table, she would have to step forward now, or she would be smoked out!
At 8 am they started me on the pitocin. I was also hooked up to antibiotics and a saline drip. Additionally, I had two monitors hooked to my stomach at all times. Not really the ideal conditions for a natural birth, but I had high hopes.
At first the contractions were very manageable and I thought I had achieved Rock Star status. I thought, "all those women who talk about not being able to handle the pain of childbirth were obviously lesser women." I was wrong!
My contractions came every two minutes for all 10 hours of labor. For the last 8 hours I spent 95% of the time with my eyes closed, concentrating with all my strength on getting through each contraction. Although I had taken hypnobirthing classes, I remember thinking "this whole frolicking off into a grassy meadow in my mind is not working for me anymore." There was definitely more than just a "tightening" or "pressure." It was the hardest dang thing I have ever done in my life.
At least three times I said "I really want an epidural..." but I just kept concentrating on getting through the next contraction, and then the next. I had a trio of helpers (my doula, my mom, and Richard) who kept rallying around me and encouraging me the whole time. I really wanted to give up, and just when I thought that I couldn't do it anymore, that is when I was fully dilated. At that point, I knew an epidural was not an option-- and I would have to finish this on my own (but not really-- there were a lot of prayers buoying me up at that time). Pushing was a relief, and at 6:36 pm, our beautiful little girl, Anna Rachael Rose was born.
So, is it possible to do an unmedicated birth even when being induced? Heck yes, but not for the faint of heart!
This next part is Richard's addendum to the day:
7:30am -- arrive at hospital
8:00am -- begin oxytocin
10:30am -- water breaks (gradual)
2:00pm -- dialation at about 2cm
3:30pm -- dialation at about 5cm
4:30pm -- dialation at about 6cm
5:30pm -- dialation at 10cm, begin pushing
6:36pm -- Anna Rachael Rose born
Watching Rachael bring our little daughter in the world was the most inspiring day of my life. In 10 hours she went from only 1cm of dialation and the baby not fully desended into place, to delivering our baby. We often use the analogy of labor being like a marathon. Being induced is like someone telling you, "You are going to run 26.6 miles, starting immediately and maintain a 6 minute mile pace the whole time." The fact that she was able to do it without medication speaks to her indominable spirit (which I believe has been passed on to our daughter!). And, in true Rachael fashion, she kept us laughing throughout the process. Any time a new nurse walked in the room, the others would mention how this was Rachael's first baby, induced, and unmedicated. Truly a sight to behold.
13 comments:
Hurray! You did it! Congratulations both of you, and Rachael, you're my hero! I love her name! Little Anna is beautiful and so lucky to have you for parents. Isn't it the most incredible thing to have that little one in your arms? Enjoy!
She is perfect! And good job!! 10 hours of labor and 6 of them AFTER your water broke?! Mine didn't break until I was pushing. You are a rockstar!
wow, Rachael, you are my hero! I am so happy that you were able to do it the way you wanted to, even with all the extra pain of the pit. She is totally beautiful! Well done! I wish someone would have taught us how to have a baby with hair! I can't believe your water broke so early...that really would have made things a bit better.
I love her already. And as soon as you are feeling ready for visitors, I would love to come and see her. (But I'll leave my snot nosed munchkins at home!)
Congratulations! She is beautiful! And good job Rachael! Coming from one who was also induced and didn't get the epidural until minutes before pushing--I am so proud of you. I only had to endure about 1 1/2 hours of contractions, and it was the hardest thing I'd ever done; I can't even imagine 10 hours! You're amazing! I'm so glad everything turned out okay. I'm bringing dinner tonight, so I'll give you a call. Hope things are going well at home!
Congrats! I am glad things went according to "plan" and that you both survived :)
wow I am so proud! this story makes me wanna shed a tear because it's so wonderful! congratulations!
Congrats Rachael and Richard! Happy for you! Keep in touch!
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful. Rachael, I still think you achieved Rock Star Status. Enjoy every minute!
she IS super cute! Again, I think you did an amazing job of having a natural birth even with pitocin. I'm excited to meet her in person, and see you in all your mommy glory. Congrats to Richard for being an excelent labor partner and all-around great guy.
What a great experience seeing my little granddaughter born and evrything that led up to it. She is of course, beautiful. What a blessing.
Hey you guys, congratulations! Welcome to the amazing life of parenthood! (This is Brian by the way). I really wanted to come down and see your new addition but alas I will have to wait for the blessing. Anna looks very beautiful and happy. Way to go Rachael at not giving in to the drugs! Just say NO! You did it and you should be proud! Hey Richard did you see the baby crown? And don't worry if you both are more tired than you have ever been before. It will get better, hopefully faster than it took with Apollo. Just hang in there!
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! She is absolutely adorable.
Wow, color me impressed. Congrats!
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