Aftyn's Birth Story

At my 39 week appointment my midwife told me that I was 90 percent effaced and dilated to a 3 and she would be surprised if I didn't have the baby within the next couple of days.  I didn't hold my breath at this because I remember I was that way with Maiya too and still went all the way to her due date.  But, I was still hoping that it would happen sooner.  But Alas!  My babies are all very prompt and on time!  With my other two babies my water had broken but it did not set me into contractions and so I had to be induced with them both.  So, I had doubts that my body would even be able to go into labor on it's own without the help of Pitocin.  BUT!  I really hoped that I could do it without being induced.  One reason being because everyone says that being induced makes the contractions a lot more intense and close together than without.  But also because the midwives said I wouldn't have to be tied down to the bed with cords and that appealed to me. 

So, my due date came along and I had an appointment at 9:40a.  I was dilated to a 5 and  90% effaced and babies head was at a station -2.  But still not feeling any regular contractions.  When she offered me to be induced I had mixed feelings, but mostly I just felt like I would have to be induced anyways, so I might as well, because I was ready to be done.  So, through tears I told her to go ahead and set up the induction and I gave up my hopes for a natural birth.  The induction was set for Dec. 22nd at 5am.

I called Geren and stopped by his work because I was feeling so emotional.  He was so calm and comforting and assured me that he felt very strongly that the baby would come that day.  I went and picked up Maiya (Quincey stayed at his friends house) and we decided to go to Olive Garden to have a 'Due Date' celebration.  We had so much fun (even though there was hardly enough room for my belly at the table we sat at) and she felt very special. 

After lunch we went home and I rested and watched a movie.  While I was resting I noticed a slight pain in my back that hung around for awhile so I started timing it and noticed it was coming about every 2-3 min for about a minute long.  When Geren came home I had been timing them for 1hr and a half.  So, I decided to call the midwife because even though they were very mild I was already at a 5 so I didn't want to risk going to fast.

We got to the hospital around 4:30 pm.  The midwife came and checked me around 7 pm.  My contractions were still as mild as they were before.  Her intent was to break the water to get the contractions going.  I was dilated to a 6 and 90% effaced, but the babies head had gone up to a station -3 and so she couldn't break the water because of risk of getting the cord involved.  So, they told me to get up and walk around and try to get the babies head engaged.  So, we walked and walked and walked.  At 9:45pm my midwife checked me again, I was now at a 7 and at a station -2!! So she went ahead and broke my water.  AND IT WORKED!!!  It took about a half an hour of severe contractions and back labor and I was at a 10.  Then, I pushed and PUSHED AND PUSHED!!!! For an hour I pushed.  And at 11:41 pm she was born!  And I wasn't surprised when they told me she was 9 pounds 4 ounces, I knew she was definitely my biggest baby.  (Quincey was 8 lb. 7oz. Maiya was 7 lb. 8oz.).  My midwife was definitely surprised because she guessed 'maybe barely 8 lbs.' 

I was so happy and proud of myself and my body for being able to go into contractions without extra medicine.  And what they say is right.  The biggest difference I noticed is that I had more time in between contractions to rest this time.  When I was induced they were a lot closer together.  With that said.... I was so spoiled with Maiya.  I didn't have to push at all, and so I just kinda figured I wouldn't have to again.  But! I did, and it stunk.  During the pushing stage I remember saying, "Why do I have to do this with out pain meds???  Why don't I get an epidural like everyone else!"  I also was yelling at Geren asking why we had to have such big headed children!  The nurses thought I was hilarious, Apparently extreme pain brings out my funny side.

All in all it was such a great experience.  I loved my midwives, loved all of the extra freedom I felt during delivery.  And Geren was such a great help.  In fact, the midwife told me afterward how impressed she was at the support he gave me, and how involved he was and never told me to just get medication (which is how she says a lot of dad's react).  She said we were a joy to watch.  (I am glad so many people love watching me in pain).

Aftyn and I are doing really well.  She is a champ eater.  She has such a strong suck!  It hurts, but we are getting through it.  The most pain I feel is in my neck, shoulders, and arms from pulling on the bars while I was pushing.  We are so happy that she joined us before Christmas.