jewels2011: Nathan's Birth Story

Posted Thursday, October 06, 2011 5:16 PM

An early start

The night before I gave birth was a very low-key evening. I was home alone while my husband, a fireman, was at work. I remember wondering if my baby—who had been breech since I was 20 weeks pregnant—would ever flip. I wish I could hold him right now, I kept thinking. But then I’d remind myself, Well, not now. I’m only 34 weeks pregnant!

The next morning, my husband and I were getting dressed when I felt a gush of water between my legs. “My water just broke!” I screamed. Instantly, I doubted myself. Maybe I just peed, I thought. How embarrassing would it be to go all the way to the hospital for that?! But when my husband saw the water, he immediately got our belongings together for the hospital. That’s when it hit me—this was too early for my baby to come. As we left the house, I was so nervous I started to cry.

Keeping busy

At the hospital, my doctor and perinatologist decided that I should have a c-section that day, since the longer I waited, the greater my risk of infection. Before the surgery, I stayed busy by calling my boss and emailing on my BlackBerry. Now, I realize how ridiculous that must have seemed to the nurses! Despite the contractions, IVs and doctor visits, I was conducting my day like I was still in the office. I guess I was having a tough time realizing what was really happening.

Scary news

While I waited, a neonatologist explained what might happen during my delivery and afterward. “Thirty-four weeks is still very early,” she said. “There could be a lot of complications.” She said I shouldn’t expect my baby to cry when he was delivered and that my husband wouldn’t be able to cut the umbilical cord. Hearing this was scary and finally made reality set in.

Welcome to the world, Nathan!

At 6 p.m., I was finally taken to the operating room. I didn’t feel any pain on the spinal block or even during the surgery. When the OB lifted my son out of me, he gave the loudest cry I’d ever heard! Nathan Charles weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 18.5 inches long. He was doing well, so my husband was able to cut the umbilical cord before Nathan went to the NICU.

I held Nathan for the first time the next day. He seemed so small in my arms, but it was amazing how much better I felt to be able to touch my baby boy. Nathan came home five days later, after four days in the NICU and another day in pediatrics. We’re truly fortunate to have such a healthy and thriving baby. Doctors sometimes worry about preemies like Nathan meeting their milestones, but Nathan has not only met his milestones—he's surpassed them. He’s surprised everyone! He’s my little fighter, and I’m so happy to be his mom.

>> Want to share your birth story with The Bump? Email Bump Kathleen at kmulpeter@theknot.com