#TheCountdownisOver: Baby Watch 2015
- MILLI M.
- Aug 6, 2015
- 4 min read
Tuesday, August 4
First of all, let me say thank you to each and every one of you who has shown support, uplifted us in prayer, or played any positive role in this journey. There were days I was scared. Unsure. Uncertain. But you all were always there to offer words of encouragement! It has absolutely tickled me how invested my friends, family, and followers are in this pregnancy even though the kids aren’t mine. It truly warms my soul.
The doctor had us scheduled to arrive at the hospital at 8pm to induce that next morning. As soon as the clerk said, “if they don’t call you by 4….” I pretty much knew they wouldn’t call. Even though my youngest son was induced, it did begin as spontaneous labor. I wasn’t used to this. Planned delivery? But I waited. And waited. I’ve never bitten my nails like that before in my life. As I predicted, I had to call the hospital. They were swamped with no room for me. Finally, at 830pm, {ring, ring}
'Can you be here in an hour?'
Of course! And off we went.
As soon as I got there, they started strapping me up with IVs and monitors, poking and prodding around everywhere….I was quickly reminded of why I labor at home until the very last minute. Freedom of mobility is key for me while I’m in pain. Not today. Soon as they got me stable and all the paperwork complete, the nurse brought my Cervidil. She inserted the thin little strip of medicine (looked like a slip of paper) into the cervix to soften and efface it overnight. I immediately began to feel contractions. Already dilated 2 cm. Otherwise, pretty quiet and uneventful night. After chatting with Melissa for a while I eventually dosed off. I’ll definitely need the rest!
{For videos and photos check out my IG page: @surroundedinATL}
Wednesday, August 5
Rest is an illusory concept in a hospital…even more so when there are 3 of us to keep track of. All thru the night, sleep is interrupted for one thing or another – blood pressure, monitors failing to read, and the occasional “just checking on ya’s” I don’t know what I’d do without the loving care of nurses. You know a good one when you have it and luckily this hospital is full of them. I woke up early expecting to get this show on the road at 6a, only to find out the doctor order 2 more hours of Cervidil. Sigh. On the bright side, that gives my mom and Pubs time to get here.
My mom arrives first. YAY! Believe it or not, my mom was never able to be with me when I delivered due to distance. So, Melissa is giving us an experience as well. Pubs was right behind her. The gangs all here and we are ready to rock and roll. Dr. K in all her bubbly glory comes in at about 8 in the morning to remove the medicine, check my cervix and give us the plan for the day. Still at 2- 3 cm. starting Pitocin immediately. Request epidural when I need. (Note to self: don’t miss the window). Boys will be delivered in the OR just in case I need an emergency C-section. She’s predicting dinnertime babies, but dares me to prove her wrong. Oh, I never turn down a dare! The Pitocin does bring on some stronger contractions, but they are not coming fast enough for my taste.
“Ramp it up, Julie” I teasingly charge the nurse. Dr. K returns a little after noon to check on my progress. I’m now at 4cm. breaking my water will definitely get this show on the road. Melissa had stepped out to grab a snack. Pubs and I suggested to the doctor to wait since every part of this process is important to the intended mother. Her thought was “Oh she’ll [Melissa] be OK.” Dr. K intended to only prick the bag and have the fluid slowly leak out. Instead, You would have thought Niagara Falls was flowing from between my legs. The gush was noticeable and audible to all in the room…and probably down the hallway.
Melissa walks in to the Dr. on the bed and water everywhere,
“What just happened HERE?!?”
“We told her to wait!”, Pubs and I exclaim in unison.
Just as predicted, breaking my water sped up the labor significantly. I swiftly dilated from 4 to 6 to 8. Contractions were increasingly painful.
Nurse Julie suggested I go ahead and get my epidural early. She assured me it wouldn’t wear off and they’d give me continuous meds. (which turned out to be wrong. More on that later). At about 13, I had back surgery to repair severe scoliosis. Metal rods and hooks were placed along my spine to straighten the curves. As a result, the epidural needle had to be placed so low that although my legs were numb, I could still feel pain in my belly. In short, my first epidural was an epic disappointment.
My phone is going off every minute and my Instagram is blowing up. I can't update fast enough. It's like a news event, BABY WATCH 2015. I'm so tickled at my friends, family, and surrofam I've met onlne. How invested everyone is! We truly feel loved!
The doctor was confident I’d continue to labor until dinnertime. Oh no, these babies will be here and I plan on eating dinner by dinnertime! My mom had to go back to work and Pubs had to pick up the kids from school leaving Melissa to deal with me in my pain ridden state. Before leaving he said,
“She’ll have those babies before I get back.”
Famous last words...
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