Baby #3 is here! Hazel Evergreen was born today at 2:19. She's 8 lbs 11 oz, 19 1/4 inches and she did a great job being born
Due date came and went on Friday. Contractions started at 11 pm on Sunday. By midnight I was in the bathtub, and it seemed like things were still going along steadily, but with some good rest breaks in between.
Around 1, I decided it was time to go to the hospital, but I was still managing the waves pretty well, trying to surrender to them and work with them. I felt like that helped with my son's birth last time, and he was born in under 3 hours.
Still, just from the way I was acting —not moaning or anything, still had my wits about me — I figured I was in for a few more hours. So I thought to myself, if I'm less than 5 cm, maybe I'm just gonna get an epidural this time, and try something new
The car ride was OK and thankfully short. I stopped for a contraction on the walk to the door. Signed all the papers I had already signed at preregistration (!!) gave them my insurance and ID. They made me get in a wheelchair even though I wanted to walk, so I sat up on my knees facing the driver I couldn't sit down, too uncomfortable!
Got to the delivery room and thought, ugh, did I make a mistake coming here? It was so medical, and I was missing my bathtub and the comforts of home. They said they had to check me, but I said I needed to use the restroom first. They didn't like that I hung around on the toilet for a couple contractions, but I needed to wait for a break so I could pee!
Got myself over to the bed for the check. The nurse paused then said, "Do you feel like pushing? I think you're at 10 cm." I didn't feel like pushing, but it was such a relief to hear I was almost done!
They hooked me up to IV antibiotics for GBS+. I pushed back a little, but decided not to make it a big deal since I knew I would only get a few minutes' worth anyway (but I felt like they should have also known that I wouldn't get enough to make a difference, so why bother?)
They called the doctor and she checked me again (not fun) and said the head was right there, just give two pushes. Actually, it was more like 5 or 6 pretty tough pushes, but I powered through and baby girl was born! She cried straight away and they put her on my chest.
I completely forgot to ask for delayed clamping in the moment, so that's a bummer. But she's had perfect breathing and good color, so I'm happy with that.
Placenta came out super easily and quickly. The doctor went in to get a bit of retained tissue, and that wasn't as hard as I expected. And for the first time, I didn't tear! Sooo nice not to have stitches.
All in all, it was a really smooth birth. So, so thankful.
The only thing now is that I have to stay here for 48 hours so they can monitor the baby, but she hasn't left my chest for more than a few minutes. They've been very baby friendly overall.
I'm glad to have had a redemptive hospital experience after my unpleasant hospital birth with my first. But I think if there is a number 4, I will spend the money to stay home with a midwife. And I'd do better prep to make sure I'm GBS negative. I'm definitely missing my bed right now!
Lots of love to all you mommas! For those still waiting, may you have beautiful births! xo
Due date came and went on Friday. Contractions started at 11 pm on Sunday. By midnight I was in the bathtub, and it seemed like things were still going along steadily, but with some good rest breaks in between.
Around 1, I decided it was time to go to the hospital, but I was still managing the waves pretty well, trying to surrender to them and work with them. I felt like that helped with my son's birth last time, and he was born in under 3 hours.
Still, just from the way I was acting —not moaning or anything, still had my wits about me — I figured I was in for a few more hours. So I thought to myself, if I'm less than 5 cm, maybe I'm just gonna get an epidural this time, and try something new
The car ride was OK and thankfully short. I stopped for a contraction on the walk to the door. Signed all the papers I had already signed at preregistration (!!) gave them my insurance and ID. They made me get in a wheelchair even though I wanted to walk, so I sat up on my knees facing the driver I couldn't sit down, too uncomfortable!
Got to the delivery room and thought, ugh, did I make a mistake coming here? It was so medical, and I was missing my bathtub and the comforts of home. They said they had to check me, but I said I needed to use the restroom first. They didn't like that I hung around on the toilet for a couple contractions, but I needed to wait for a break so I could pee!
Got myself over to the bed for the check. The nurse paused then said, "Do you feel like pushing? I think you're at 10 cm." I didn't feel like pushing, but it was such a relief to hear I was almost done!
They hooked me up to IV antibiotics for GBS+. I pushed back a little, but decided not to make it a big deal since I knew I would only get a few minutes' worth anyway (but I felt like they should have also known that I wouldn't get enough to make a difference, so why bother?)
They called the doctor and she checked me again (not fun) and said the head was right there, just give two pushes. Actually, it was more like 5 or 6 pretty tough pushes, but I powered through and baby girl was born! She cried straight away and they put her on my chest.
I completely forgot to ask for delayed clamping in the moment, so that's a bummer. But she's had perfect breathing and good color, so I'm happy with that.
Placenta came out super easily and quickly. The doctor went in to get a bit of retained tissue, and that wasn't as hard as I expected. And for the first time, I didn't tear! Sooo nice not to have stitches.
All in all, it was a really smooth birth. So, so thankful.
The only thing now is that I have to stay here for 48 hours so they can monitor the baby, but she hasn't left my chest for more than a few minutes. They've been very baby friendly overall.
I'm glad to have had a redemptive hospital experience after my unpleasant hospital birth with my first. But I think if there is a number 4, I will spend the money to stay home with a midwife. And I'd do better prep to make sure I'm GBS negative. I'm definitely missing my bed right now!
Lots of love to all you mommas! For those still waiting, may you have beautiful births! xo