Monday, January 31, 2011

Birth Stories

I wrote these out for a friend earlier last week, and then thought " I don't think I ever documented them on my blog". So i thought I would do that now. (for all you men, if there are any, that read this, sorry, you probably won't care to read this one) Also be forwarned - it's sorta lengthy.
I also am amazed when I think back over it all at how good God was to me, and a huge testimony to His will and grace in our lives.
Carson - my water broke 8 days before my due date. (around midnight March23rd) I had taken birthing classes and learned as much as I could about it all. it was hard for me to know what to expect and how I could handle pain and what that would be like. My contractions didn't pick up fast (I was in the hospital) so after about7 or 8 hrs and not dialating more than about 2 cm they started inducing. Things went well after that and progressed fast and good. I did end up getting and epidural. But the entire time after they started the pitocin Carson's heart rate was dropping a lot through contractions. They put some probe type thing up inside me into his head to monitor it better. Well needless to say - once I got to the pushing stage, around 4pm on a monday March 23rd, they let me push through a couple contractions, we could see his head etc. but his heart rate dropped way too much and everyone rushed in and they took him emergency c-sec. :( I was extremely disappointed. and have struggled with the fact that I could not deliver him the normal way, and always felt bad about that. But also thankful that we both are healthy. He was very healthy and we were so happy to have him in our lives. The c-sec itself was not enjoyable in the least for me, and the recovery was very hard after going all through labor and then that. Needless to say I did not want to do that again.

Landon - I had been praying a lot about it. My doc was very willing to let me do a vbac (vaginal birth after C-section). I was so pleased about that, b/c I had heard so many don't let you try that. But she thought I was a good candidate to at least try. I was thankful, but I tried so hard to not get my hopes up. i knew that if I had to have another c sec I would be soooooooooooooo dissappointed and even more not "worthy" of being able to deliver a baby. I was really preoccupied with the thought of that a lot. Really wanting to try, but not wanting to be disappointed again. Well my water broke at 34 weeks!!!!!! (Sunday afternoon Sept 5th)I was not anticipating that at all - but who does. We sat in the hospital (they make you go there once it breaks so they can monitor you and prevent infection). That was really hard - b/c everyone was telling us different things. But in the end - they were just waiting to see if labor would kick in on its own. I sat there for over 2 days with my water broke and it leaking for 2 and half days and very little contractions at all. Very discouraging and had almost given up the idea that I would be able to deliver him b/c of everything that was happening. One day my own doc was in and we talked to her for a whie. (Tues, Sept 7th)She was confident that she thought I should go ahead and be lightly induced and see what happens. (they don't like to induce if you've had a c sec b/c of rupturing the uterus). But she said she would monitor everything and just take it slow. I felt good about that and was very glad she was willing to work with me. So as soon as they started the pitocin (7 pm. very light dose) contractions picked up and stayed consistent the entire night. i had a wonderful nurse who was so amazing. the beginning part of labor both times has gone so slow - but as soon as I hit 5 cm it picks up fast. I had gotten to about 5 ish and started becoming very uncomfortable. i did ask for an epidural, but they needed to get enough fluids in me first. within 20 min I had dialated to 9 and 3/4 and was ready to push. She wanted me to keep waiting and that was the worst feeling ever. I was disappointed that i didn't get the epidural and literally felt like I would die if I had to do it without pain medication, but now looking back Im' kinda glad I didn't. I only had to push for about 20 min. (which was more than I wanted to do) but he came out and that relief is the best relief ever!!!! it's for sure the worst thing ever - you could never dream of pain that bad - but in the end it's so worth it.
I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo thankful that I could deliver him naturally and with no epidural. I feel like I accomplished something. :) It' a nice feeling and I'm so thankful that God is kind enough to allow me to feel that. :) Landon was rushed immediately to the NICU and did need some breathing help for at least the first 24 hrs. He stayed in the NICU for 6 days. He was a great weight for being that early, which helped him be so strong in pulling through the breathing problems and eating.

Now - I have 2 healthy boys and stories to go with it. We thank God every day for watching over us and protecting us. For taking care of us, and for our family and church family who came alongside us to help us through it all.

3 comments:

Trina Mayfield said...

Even though I knew the stories, it was still fun to read it. We are so thankful for these 2 grandsons and that they are well and healthy. The Lord is GOOD!

Jamie McQuinn said...

Thanks for sharing Jess! I had to have a c-sec with Noah too. I miss you and hope you all are doing good! Your boys are so beautiful.

Tim, Kristen , Megan, Emily, and Anna said...

I enjoyed reading your birth stories. It is so amazing how each child is different. I think I thought my second child would be like my firsts and boy was I surprised! I am very thankful for our healthy little ones!

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