Get The Bump digital magazine >

tools: Pregnancy Calendar | Baby Namer | Gender Chart | How Big is Baby?

community

all boards


birth clubs


nest boards


my blog

my photos

my boards


200+ Easy Weeknight Meals!

Green living: Eco-friendly tips & tricks!

< Previous topic | Next topic >

All Boards > Birth Stories

Sort:
12-05-2012 at 10:17 PM
MamaDobbs
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-11-2006
43 Posts
240 Points
MamaDobbs is not online. Last active: 02-22-2013, 7:55 AMNewbie

Planned Home Birth Turned Hospital Induction at 42 weeks

My Birth Story


Before I even got pregnant, Chris and I decided we wanted a home birth. But I didn’t always feel that way. My friend Miriam did it and at the time, I thought that was fine for her but something I would never do. I wanted an epidural and the safety of a hospital. Then my sister-in-law got pregnant and was planning a home birth, too. Trying to understand the madness, we talked about it and she recommended I watch a documentary called Business of Being Born to help me understand why on earth she would want to do that. So Chris and I found it on Netflix. As we watched, not only did I start to understand why she wanted a home birth, Chris and I turned to each other and realized we kinda liked the idea. But as an English major, one little movie was not going to convince me. I needed to research. The more I researched, the better it sounded so when I found out I was pregnant a few months later, we found our midwives. I loved that they came to my house for appointments and spent time just talking and getting to know me. Each visit convinced me I made the right decision. Later on in my pregnancy, I created my birth plan, bought my birth tub, and got more and more excited about my birthing day...


At 39 weeks, I took off work to hopefully have a week to prepare for the arrival of my baby. I thought it would be good to have some time to get things done, relax, and mentally prepare. I got that. I also got the next week. By that time I was ready, not because I was uncomfortable or anything, I was just ready to meet my baby. At 41 weeks, my midwives recommended I go for a biophysical profile ultrasound to check on the health of my baby. But after careful consideration and discussion, I declined. I thought, I’m a first time mom and my mom was overdue with me and my sister. Blood pressure, heartrate, and urine tests were normal so I was sure everything was fine. I got serious and tried numerous natural induction methods, everything from raspberry leaf tea to acupuncture.


On Thursday, November 22 (2 days before 42 weeks), I woke up at 1:00 a.m. with contractions. I wanted to be sure it wasn’t false labor so for the next 1 1/2 hrs, I timed them. At 12-15 minutes apart, I thought I should at least tell Chris. I woke him up and said, “We very well may have a Thanksgiving baby.” He didn’t respond so I said, “I’m having contractions.” His response was priceless. “Tightening of the uterus?” “(With a smile) Yes.” “What do I need to do?” “Nothing. Let’s go back to sleep.” We did for awhile before Chris got antsy and went to set up the birth tub and pick up the house. At some point, I called my midwife and she told me to call back when they were 10 minutes apart, but they never got there.The contractions continued for a few hours and then just stalled. When I woke up, I called her back and she told me to go about my day and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. “But don’t eat too much. We don’t need a bunch of cranberry throw up.” I had contractions on and off throughout the day, but they never stuck. I went to bed that night and woke up again to contractions early in the morning. I had 3 in a row that were ten minutes apart and I was waiting on one more before I called the midwives, but they started to space out again and then just stopped. 


It was now the day before 42 weeks and my midwife came over to check me. Blood pressure was good, baby’s heartrate was good. I was 1 cm dilated and 80% effaced. She thought I would go into active labor soon, but again recommended a biophysical profile to check on the baby. I thought that was a good idea. If everything was fine, we would come back home and hopefully have a baby over the weekend. If not, I would be admitted and induced. I grabbed my hospital bag just in case, but really didn’t think it would come to that. When we got to Vandy, the doctor came out and told us I needed to be admitted and induced because I was 42 weeks. I told him I wanted to check on the baby and if everything was fine, I would wait. He said it didn’t matter if everything was fine, I needed to be admitted. He said that would be their recommendation no matter what the test showed. Would I really “leave the hospital against medical advice?” I explained that I was going to have the test and then make my decision. Well, the test showed that I had zero amniotic fluid. They recommended I be admitted and my midwife agreed. They started talking about all the things that could be wrong--that her kidneys may not be working properly, that she might not make it through contractions, etc. It scared me to death, but my midwife explained that if they thought it was that serious, I would be taken away for an emergency c-section. 


Needless to say, I was very upset I wouldn’t be having the home birth I had planned and prepared for. I felt like control was taken away from me. Of course having a healthy baby is the most important thing, but the experience still matters. They did try to accommodate me though and got me the room with the birth tub. Not a bad start. When we got to my L&D room, we emailed a copy of the birth plan for the nurse to print off. The doctor came in (not the one we originally met, thank God) and said my birth plan was right in line with how they try to do things, with minimal interventions. He said, “Women have been doing this on their own for thousands of years. We’re just here in case we’re needed.” The nurse explained, “This is your birth and we just want to support you.” It was awesome. I started to let my guard down and adjust my “plan”. 


We got right into natural induction methods. The staff was awesome. They were right there with me, supporting my choices as long as baby was okay. I was having contractions, but not progressing like I needed to when they started talking about Pitocin. We could do that or we could try the Foley Bulb balloon that manually dilates the cervix to get me into active labor. The nurse personally didn’t like the balloon and described it as very painful. At this point, I was exhausted. I had had 2 nights of contractions with minimal sleep, nothing was working, and I was discouraged. I didn’t even know how to decide so Chris and I took a walk to discuss, pausing in the hallway as I had contractions. He stepped in as the voice of reason and reminded me of how we wanted to do things as naturally as possible and the Foley Bulb was the next logical choice. Of course he was right. I wanted to try everything possible. Well, it did its job and dilated me to 5 cm and I was 90% effaced. The Bulb itself was not really that painful and I’m definitely glad I chose to try it. 

 

Contractions were becoming stronger and more regular and my birth team was right there. Rebekah was communicating with family and massaging my back when Chris needed a break. Chris was right there doing everything I wanted and needed, without me even having to ask. He was absolutely amazing. Hours went by with no progression from there. It had now been 24 hours since I was admitted and Pitocin was all that was left. The humor was not lost on me that after all that, we were going with the original doctor’s recommendation. But at that point, it was on MY terms. We started the drip and things got serious. I could no longer go to the bathroom by myself. I needed to lean on Chris as I had contractions to and from the bed. Modesty was long gone. Clothes didn’t matter anymore. Not much did except working with Chris, breathing through contractions, and this journey with my baby girl. 


Hypnobirthing was working great to keep me deep breathing and relaxed. That is, until my pushing contractions started. There was no deep breathing through that. I had uncontrollable guttural urges but nothing I couldn’t get through. I kept saying I didn’t want to do it anymore but remembered my friends telling me that’s when it’s almost over. Of course none of them had Pitocin and no epidural. ;) I continued to let my body work through the contractions until the doctor came in and said that the baby’s heartrate was not coming up like they wanted. She said I needed to get her out. She was crowning and a few pushes would get her out. My motivation came in thinking that I hadn’t gone through all of that for them to use forceps or be whisked away for a c-section. 


Forcing it was as painful as I thought it would be, but it needed to be done. Moments later, she came out screaming her head off. Thank God! They handed her to me and I just weeped, partly from exhaustion and relief, but mostly from instantaneous, intense love. She was healthy, but why did the mood in the room change? Apparently I was losing a lot of blood. They swarmed me with towels, upped the Pitocin, gave me Cytotec, and started talking about a blood transfusion when they finally got it under control. Chris stepped outside and came right back. He later explained that he thought he was going to throw up. He was terrified of losing his wife. 


I can’t explain the bond I felt the 3 of us had. I knew the journey that Lillian and I would go through would be special, but I underestimated the effect all of this would have on my relationship with Chris. Although it was one of the most difficult things we have gone through together, I wouldn’t change a thing because we now have a deeper level of love than I thought possible. Rebekah asked me how I would rate my birth experience on a scale from 1-10. I said 9. I can’t say enough of how great the nurses and doctors were. The only thing that could’ve made it better was to have it at home. 
BabyName Ticker

 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-05-2012 at 11:57 PM
Saltina11
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-24-2009
Philadelphia, PA
4,303 Posts
15,217 Points
Saltina11 is not online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 3:53 PMSilver
Score!!!
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Pregnancy Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-07-2012 at 11:34 AM
AimnJus917
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-25-2007
742 Posts
8,306 Points
AimnJus917 is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 3:05 PMBronze
What an awesome birth story! The title drew me in not because I'm planning a home birth but a birth center birth and I'm scared of being induced if I don't go spontaneously before 42 weeks.  You were lucky to have such a great birth team at the hospital. Just beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations on your baby girl.
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-08-2012 at 10:05 PM
MamaDobbs
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-11-2006
43 Posts
240 Points
MamaDobbs is not online. Last active: 02-22-2013, 7:55 AMNewbie

Thanks so much! Initially, I was really upset, but then I thought I could either be upset or embrace my new birth plan. I believe things happen for a reason and although it's not what I envisioned, the journey was still amazing. Of course I was really lucky to have such great support, not only from my husband and sister, but also the nurses and doctors. I would say to just be sure you have great support with you, even if you have to hire a doula. I could not have done it without my hubby and sis!

 
BabyName Ticker

 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-09-2012 at 10:19 AM
evelyntayl...
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-18-2012
703 Posts
12,726 Points
evelyntaylor is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 11:52 PMBronze
Congrats!! This is a great birth story. I'm so glad your bleeding was able to be controlled and that you're both healthy. Love her name!
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker I'm going to school to become a midwife! You can follow my journey here: http://midwife101.wordpress.com 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-09-2012 at 1:16 PM
LovesMM
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-25-2007
11,228 Posts
27,978 Points
LovesMM is not online. Last active: 05-08-2013, 10:10 PMGold
Congrats!


Follow Me on Pinterest 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-09-2012 at 1:59 PM
traceyt07
Not Ranked
Joined on 03-11-2008
3,694 Posts
25,184 Points
traceyt07 is online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 4:31 PMSilver
Congratulations! Although your birth did not follow your plan, in the end, you got all that really matters... your happy, healthy baby.
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker  
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-12-2012 at 1:56 PM
jeggomyegg...
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-16-2011
468 Posts
8,557 Points
jeggomyeggo is not online. Last active: 04-25-2013, 6:51 PMNewbie
On of my favorite birth stories I've read! You were able to make adjustments and still do what's best for your baby girl AND you had her relatively intervention free. I'm so glad you're both healthy. Congrats!
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-18-2012 at 10:15 AM
saintpaulJ...
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-22-2010
2,841 Posts
22,793 Points
saintpaulJess is not online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 11:04 AMSilver
Thanks for sharing your awesome birth story!
BFP #3 July 2012 = EDD 4/1/2013
BFP #2 May 2012 = loss at 4w3d
BFP #1 January 2003 = 9 year old son


  My BFP Chart
BabyFruit Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-18-2012 at 5:21 PM
julyjennif...
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-03-2003
Minnesota
1,367 Posts
843 Points
julyjennifer is not online. Last active: 05-16-2013, 9:53 PMBronze
Congrats!  What a nice story.  I'm glad you had a good experience!
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Natural miscarriage on 12-27-09 at 11.5 weeks. Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
12-27-2012 at 4:49 PM
kplaxco85
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-21-2010
889 Posts
15,086 Points
kplaxco85 is not online. Last active: 05-19-2013, 5:13 PMBronze
I'm glad everything turned out well for you and your family
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-16-2013 at 3:38 PM
Organicmam...
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-22-2012
163 Posts
3,373 Points
Organicmama1227 is not online. Last active: 05-08-2013, 11:07 AMNewbie
I am glad you and your little one are ok!! Enjoy your little one :)
BabyFetus Ticker Mommy of two amazing boys **Aiden 5 & Logan 3**  
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-18-2013 at 11:10 PM
BrooketheC...
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-19-2007
Southern California
672 Posts
11,151 Points
BrooketheCat is not online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 4:15 PMBronze
Great job!
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
01-26-2013 at 11:17 AM
Mollygirl1
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-25-2008
West Palm Beach, Florida and Atlantic City, NJ
882 Posts
6,443 Points
Mollygirl1 is online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 4:25 PMBronze
Congrats!!! And thank God you didn't have her at home, sounds like you could've bled to death!
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker "You knew me before I was born, and all the days of my life were ordained for me before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
02-22-2013 at 7:55 AM
MamaDobbs
Not Ranked
Joined on 10-11-2006
43 Posts
240 Points
MamaDobbs is not online. Last active: 02-22-2013, 7:55 AMNewbie
Thanks everybody! Although the bleeding was scary, even it I would have had her at home, the midwives would've had everything the hospital used to stop the bleeding, i.e., pitocin, cytocec, etc. The only thing is if I would've needed to have a transfusion, we would have had to get to the hospital. Fortunately, I believe everything worked out the way it was supposed to and now I am absolutely enjoying my precious baby girl!
BabyName Ticker

 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
03-13-2013 at 12:09 PM
NeroDoo
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-02-2008
Florida
575 Posts
1,299 Points
NeroDoo is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 6:03 PMBronze
Congratulations on the birth. Sounds like it was an empowering experience. I do have a question for you, now that you've processed your whole experience. Do you think the doctor's fear of no amniotic fluid was warranted? And do you think the BPP was helpful? It sounds like it was quite a while after that assessment that baby was actually born and that baby was born healthy. Just curious what your thoughts were about that. Many congrats on a beautiful birth!
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
Hot Topics

New dad or dad-to-be? Chat with other dads here!
Visit the Dads & Dads-to-be board

Need baby shower inspiration? Get ideas here!
Visit the Baby Showers board

Chat with other crafty moms here!
Visit the Crafty Moms board

search boards

choose another board

most active posters
sunlavende...
953 posts
BayleighPa...
912 posts
minicheezb...
425 posts
sheacox
382 posts
Nest Cayla
365 posts
*Mrs*Rohrb...
247 posts
Love4Labs3...
201 posts
jertie
101 posts
KimberHill...
68 posts
sarisosrWe...
50 posts

connect with these online bumpies
mnbv9502! Corleyrae
wifeofafarmer SplashingFishy
tpeale hardewbr
JAO2011 cmcmillan0901
Liz4444 Paige1210
origamipoppy charpe
Megdowntheshore amilyn9785
kist0021 Sunday924
pitterpatter129 m0mmi3ee2b1025
bbg676 danie07
wtchbtch canadianmum
MaggieD4243 meg&jeff
mbenit4 SWIMR17
pistolpackinmomma mariej220
JessieMTH hintzr1
From The Nest Boards:
"What's on your pre-baby bucket list?"
sessionswedding on BNOTB

"Hello baby ... Goodbye marriage?"
maganh91 on Trouble in Paradise