The birth story- part 1
That’s exactly how it went down!
The end.
Ok, it was slightly different.
I still can’t believe I’m writing this story. It’s so surreal to me that it actually happened and I was so present yet totally gone at the same time.
So here’s the first part of the birth… and I’m going to lay it all out there, so if childbirth TMI isn’t your cup of tea, I’ll be back with other Family updates this week 😉
After the midwife stripped my membranes on Friday, I still had the feeling I’d need at least one more acupuncture appointment to get things going and didn’t want to be too optimistic. I was crampy all day, and woke up during the night with severe cramps. I really didn’t think too much of it, until they became extremely strong and regular the next morning. For everyone, labor feels different. For me, early first stage made menstrual cramps feel like a tickle. The was a lot of deep cramping along with sharp pains in my back and hips. The only position that felt good would be to get onto my hands and knees and breathe deeply…in through my nose and out through my mouth, like we were taught to do in class.
Then my family called to see if we wanted to meet for breakfast.
We told them we were pretty sure I was in the beginning stages of labor, but went anyway, since we were both hungry (and we knew the extra movement would get the ball rolling). We got there a little late and in between conversation, I’d have to put my head down and breathe. It was awkward, but I was so glad I went, because it ended up being the only full meal I ate on Saturday.
We got back to the house, and by this time the contractions were 4 -5 minutes apart – it was difficult to speak. As I’d feel it coming on, I’d beg Tom to press on my back as I’d collapse to my hands and knees, and he helped me remember to take long, slow breaths with how much pain I was feeling. At this point, I was still able to to move around, and was quiet during the contractions, which were each about 50 seconds long. We knew it was time to head to the hospital, so we called my mom to pick up Bella, and met our doula, Tricia, at Triage.
When the nurses talked to us, they immediately wanted to check my cervix to see how far dilated I was. I wasn’t ready to be checked since the contractions were still about 4-5 minutes apart and didn’t want to risk being sent home, and the nurses and our midwife was cool with waiting, so they gave us a Triage room to use if we needed it, a birthing ball, and told us to walk around the hospital to see if it sped things along.
We walked down the labor and delivery ward and passed the lobby, where my entire family was already waiting. At 2pm, it was like a hospital family party, and different family members stayed camped out until the baby was born, 10 hours later. They couldn’t believe I was up and walking around, but our doula wanted me to try to walk through the contractions instead of stopping to help the process. When the contractions became stronger and felt unbearable, we went back to Triage, were checked by the midwife and found that I was 5-6cm dilated and 90% effaced- time to be checked in!
We went to our labor and delivery room –a pic of what the room looked like is here– and that’s where I pretty much went into another world. We turned the lights down, Tom put the Spa station on Pandora, and Tricia and Tom helped me through each contraction. The nurses were in and out –and were all fantastic- and our midwife would periodically check on us to see how we were doing. The contractions became closer together, eventually to the point where Tom stopped timing them, and Tricia would use heat compresses on my back during each one. For me, the heat compresses were something that really seemed to help since my back would hurt so badly. I couldn’t speak during the contractions, and the pain completely overtook my body. I don’t want to scare you guys, but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt in my life. It would slowly rise up, slam into me, and stay there while I breathed through it. The more frantic I became, the worse they felt, so all I could do was breathe.. which eventually turned into loud moaning.
We tried pretty much every position in the book (including a warm bath, shower, birth ball, birthing stool, squat bar) and the only one that really seemed to work was having the bed slanted up, draping my body over the back of the bed, warm compresses on my lower back and cold wash clothes on my back from Tricia, and Tom in front of me, coaching me along, comforting me and telling me he was proud of me. For every single contraction, and there were hundreds of them, he talked me through it. He encouraged me to exhale in the low moan we learned in class, and reminded me to set a breathing tempo that provided a minute degree of control. I knew I couldn’t fight the contraction, so I gave in to them while focusing on how they would help us meet our baby.
One of the hardest parts of the labor process was the fetal monitoring. I was monitored intermittently, and every hour for about 20 minutes. They had to watch the baby’s heart rate to make sure she was responding well to each contraction. It was really difficult to stay in a position where they could monitor while the contractions slammed into me. The nurses were amazing, and often held the monitor to my belly instead of strapping it down so I could move around freely. I also didn’t have an IV since I was well-hydrated, so I could get around as I liked without having to worry about cords. I drank ice water the entire time I was laboring, with a sip or two in between each contraction.
They got closer together and so powerful I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to be able to take it. Tom didn’t tell me until after the fact, but they were 2-3 minutes apart for about an hours, lasting a minute each or longer. There were times when all I could do was sob in between breathing through them, and all modesty went out the window. I was walking around, naked and shaking, until I’d drape myself over the bed and moan through the contraction. My water still hadn’t broken, and I had no idea how much longer it was going to ask. At one point, I told everyone I was leaving, which was a total sign that I was in transition, the part of labor where you feel like quitting, but is right before the pushing stage.
Even though I thought I was dying, I was still too scared to get an epidural (even though it wouldn’t have been an option- I was too far along). I’ve always been a huge needle-phobe, and told myself if I needed one, I would get it, but it still scared me more than anything. I just made myself focus on one contraction at a time and with Tom and Tricia there with me, I felt safe, even though the pain level was so intense.
The nurse came in to monitor the baby and it was the most difficult one yet, since the contractions were so close together. I stayed draped over the bed, she held the monitor to my belly, and Tom and Tricia helped me get through each one. During labor, the baby’s heart rate was extremely steady. She was responding so well to each contraction, but one of the things they would watch for would be a heart rate acceleration during the time period to make sure she was still working with me without getting tired (which had occurred without fail…until now). I was progressing so quickly through each labor milestone, but after transition, I was slammed by a roadblock of contractions – 2 minutes apart…for three hours. Later, Tom admitted he got pretty nervous despite his calm and encouraging demeanor. It felt like someone tagged a few extra 5Ks on top of my marathon. Even though I was in another world, I knew something wasn’t quite right.
“Honey, we haven’t seen the baby’s heart rate accelerate for a while now. We need to talk about some other options.”
Part 2 will be up later this week <3
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Ahhh the suspense! Well, we all know it ends well. Still, my heart aches for the Gina in labor. Can’t wait to read more.
This is incredible. I am so excited to read the rest of it.
She’s so precious.
Oh wow this was so gripping to read! I can’t wait to hear what happens next!! Despite the worries during labor I’m SO glad you are and Olivia are safe and sound! She must be loving all the cuddles you and Tom and your entire family are showering her with!!
OH my gosh. I am glad you were able to eat earlier in the day and that they hospital was so accommodating with your wishes. I can’t wait to hear the rest of your birth story!
Wow you’re so brave. I can’t even imagine the pain you were in. can’t wait to read part 2
omg!!!!!! the post we’ve been waiting for! thank you for a straight up account of what child birth is like. it’s refreshing to hear someone not gloss over the pain part of it. cannot wait to hear part two! as always, you’re amazing and hope your sweet family is settling in well at home 🙂
This is just completely fascinating! I cannot wait to read the second part of your birth story. I’m glad you are able to write it down so soon after it happened, as I’m sure you’ll be glad you did so 20 years from now! Can’t wait for the rest!
OMG reading through this has brought all the feelings and emotions back to my own labour (which I didn’t document – and wish I had of just to remember as with time it all fades).
Don’t worry about rushing back here though Gina, we are all ready when you are, just enjoy that little buddle of love you have right there.
Oh and PS I loved the “I’m leaving” comment. Mine was similar but had a few f words in there too! Oh and the epidural. Same reason I never had one. Fear of needles.
Wow, so definitely not a quickie! I haven’t had any kids yet, but the fact that you went through all that without any meds is mind-boggling. Glad we know this story has a happy ending – thanks for keeping us updated! Thinking of you and the fam.
Girl! This sounds SO HORRIBLE!! I am so happy that I know you and Olivia survived and are fine and well now, but reading this is so hard!!
AH! Its like a season finale cliffhanger – except we know how it ends. 🙂 This is such a beautiful story. I know a lot of my pregnant friends can’t read birth stories or watch videos because it freaks them out with what is coming so soon for them. This had the complete opposite effect on me…I am obviously scared of the pain, but so empowered by stories like this. I can’t wait to experience this with my husband in ~20ish weeks. Thanks for sharing Gina!
such a well written and gripping story! can’t wait to read the rest! <3
This was so amazing to read, but scary too! Can’t wait to read the rest 🙂
Can’t wait to read the rest! They didn’t offer you laughing gas? I didn’t get an epi either and I LOVED that stuff!
Write a novel already. Seriously. My heart is beating so fast right now.
I can’t wait for part 2!
Wow, this is just amazing to read. I have not been through giving birth yet and this is completely fascinating. THANK YOU for being so open and honest, and sharing this with your readers, who truly care. 🙂
Why would you leave us with that?! Ahh I just want to know everything already haha <3
Whew! Thanks for sharing your story. Looking forward to reading the rest.
I can’t wait to read the rest!! Great work Gina
I can’t wait to read the rest! Does it make me a freak that reading this post only adds to my baby fever? Ha.
Yes, yes it does. The correct response is to sit with your legs crossed and determine to stay like that forever.
Ha! I think I might be insane. 🙂
Haha I’m with you there Brigid! This is such an exciting read Gina, you’re awesome! Can’t wait to hear the rest 🙂
Ooh can’t wait for part 2!
Ohh, I almost had to have a c-section ’cause of a lack of heart rate accelerations! It was scary.
So far it sounds like a great birth story, congrats on making it natural up to that point! =D Can’t wait to read the rest!
Just like a good book you ended the chapter with a massive cliffhanger!! Cant wait to read the next part.
Congrats on your new bundle of joy!! She looks so cute and you make a great wee family!
I have goosebumps all over my body and just relived my own birthstory 🙂
“One of the hardest parts of the labor process was the fetal monitoring.” — YES!!! That strap around your belly just SUCKS. I hated it. I hated it!! I kept ripping it off. I also refused to get in the bed. I just sat on a chair in the corner. And wouldnt let anyone talk to me. I just wanted to be alone and then they’d come over and want to monitor me. I had intermittent monitoring and they’d strap that thing back on. Ugh.
This is amazing and so happy you shared it with us. And being in transition…yeah, you saying you were leaving. I chuckle, but yes, sure sign of transition.
Also, yes, labor is like nothing you can tell someone about until they live it. My birth was 100% natural, too, but there were moments where I was like…am I alive, am I dead, who am I, where am I…because that pain…well, yeah, but then, you hold your baby and it’s all worth it 🙂
Wow, I have a whole new respect for my Mum right now. You’re an amazing woman!
xxx
I am so excited to read the rest! You are so brave to have a natural birth! Very inspiring 🙂
Oh Gina I am reliving my birth story with the way you describe the contractions, EXACTLY how I would describe them but couldn’t find the words. Crazy huh? I am teary eyed because I went through this 11weeks ago. I can’t wait to hear the rest, like someone else said it is a happy ending and you have a beautiful little girl!
Wow, just when you’ve got us on the edge of our seat, Bam! You make us wait for the rest…So excited to read the rest of your birth story. But take your time. You have much more important things to be doing right now.
Girl you are SO brave. I’m just so glad to know everyone is safe and healthy (because the suspense without knowing that much would just kill me). I can sleep tight knowing you’re all safe and sound at home! Can’t wait for Chapter 2…..
Holy moly what a cliffhanger! Love it, though 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing, it’s a beautiful, brave story! You were so strong!! Excited to read the rest. In the meantime, have fun with your gorgeous little Olivia, so precious 🙂
Eeeeek!!! The suspense is intense! What a great storyteller you are!
So happy for you and yours!
I’m leaving is great!! I remember telling my doctor to get this baby out of me and she calmly said she could not. I said, “YES YOU CAN!!!! March right out of my room and go get a knife and cut her out!” They broke my water to speed things along. I am so happy that you had such a fantastic husband and team helping you along. After all that hard work you have a beautiful baby!
I was feeling for you, and I’ve never even given birth. I saw your announcement that you were heading to the hospital in what for me was morning, and when I was cooking dinner, checked twitter and your sister in law had posted that contractions were 2 mins apart or something. I thought ‘omg, that’s all day’, and had a moment of real sympathy and sending vibes of endurance and strength. .. I bet you feel so powerful and ‘I can do anything’-ish now though. 😀
How beautifully written! As always, thanks for sharing such an intimate part of your life with us. PS- you are the master of the cliff-hanger!!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us all. So happy for you and your family – she is one lucky little girl 🙂
I love your writing! You are amazing Gina. Can’t wait for part two! What’s Olivia’s second name ?
Noooo the suspense!!!! I hope you don’t make us wait too long haha. I loved reading so far! You are a strong girlie!
I love birth stories! You have such a talent for writing. I can’t wait to read part two. 🙂
I am deathly afraid of needles too, BUT I got the epidural, because I do not handle pain well at all, and for how bad the contractions were, the epidural was nothing, lol. You are a rockstar, good for you not getting one,Im so happy everything did turn out ok, even though it seems there was trouble. <3
Ahhhhh!! It’s like a bad ending of a good movie…. I can’t wait for the finale. lol
Sounds like the hospital was awesome! I was also terrified of the needle but I was put on Pitocin (the devil) and never got a break bw contractions. Epidural let me breathe. Can’t wait to hear the rest!
Wow – such a great descriptive post! I’m on the edge of my seat! This is totally taking me back to being in labor with my son. Its funny how you forget how it feels, but dang – you’re doing a fantastic job of describing it! LOL. Such a surreal, painful, wonderful experience it is!
Oh, Gina! You’re my hero! I have such respect and admiration for you. You’re the only one I know who has given birth without an epidural.
I can only imagine the pain and discomfort you experienced. It upset me to read about that. Naturally, I don’t like to hear of anyone going through that.
It all turned out wonderfully end, and you have beautiful Olivia. Such suspense for the rest of the story!
It sounds like you had a great Team Gina helping you along through the whole process, and I’m sure that made all the difference. 🙂
Boy, Gina, do you know how to write a birth story! 🙂 I can’t wait to read Part 2! Glad everything ended up ok with baby Olivia!!!
Okay, so I’m officially terrified that this will be me in 17 weeks 🙂
You are amazing! I can’t wait to hear the rest of the story but reading this has inspired me 🙂
Wow Gina! What an amazing story to tell and moment to reminisce. Makes me feel like I am reading a book, not a blog.. 🙂 looking forward to the next part of the story!
love your honesty on the reality of it all and i cannot WAIT to hear the rest!
Wow thanks for sharing this private story. It’s so interesting to me and scary too. You made it!!!
I’m so incredibly proud of you!