My entire pregnancy was relatively “easy” but we had to change plans a couple of times. And then when it came to labor and delivery, I ended up having to be induced. While I had hoped to avoid induction, my doctor felt it was the best course of action. So, that’s what we did.
The Monday before my scheduled induction I let my employer know I would be out. I finalized my sick pool request, which was granted. Thankfully. That Tuesday, I worked on “tying up loose ends” and handing over important documents to the person taking on some of my duties. I said bye to everyone and went home to pack.
That afternoon, I packed my hospital bag and went over a mental checklist. Gown, socks, toiletries, snacks, adult diapers, phone charger, etc. I placed my son’s going-home outfit in my bag and had Corey check that the car seat was installed properly. He then made sure to pack his pillow and loaded up our bags. It felt unreal that, God willing, by that time on the following day our son would be here.
The day of my induction started early for us. We had to be at the hospital by 5 AM which meant we had to be up at 4 AM. Our alarm went off, and we made sure to gather the last bit of things we needed. We fixed our coffee and grabbed some breakfast. I walked into my daughter’s room and gave her a kiss. I told her I’d see her later and off we went.
The drive was pretty quiet as I was mentally preparing myself for what I was about to go through. The plan was to labor and deliver without any kind of pain medication. I had done it with my daughter, and I was adamant about doing it again. But that meant I would have to endure quite a bit of pain. So, I sipped on my coffee and ate my breakfast as we traveled down the winding back road towards the hospital. I kept thinking about how our lives were about to change, forever.
Once we arrived at the hospital the check-in process was simple. We were taken back to our room, and I started the process of getting ready. The nurse hooked up my IV and the wireless monitor system. Another nurse asked how I’d like to labor, and I informed her of my wishes. We were given some more paperwork, and then I was told that the Pitocin would be started after the doctor came in to check on me. Corey went out to grab some breakfast, and I recorded a little vlog while I waited.
By 7 AM, we had met the nurses who would be our “team”. We discussed natural pain management, and alternative non-medication options available. And because it’s required we went over epidurals and medications available should I change my mind. Then, I was checked for dilation, and the Pitocin was started. Everyone kept telling me that this would go by fast because I was already dilated to 6 cm. From that point, we just had to wait for the contractions to start.
Over the next few hours, I requested a birthing ball and spoke to the nurse about different delivery positions. We discussed the availability of a squat bar, getting on all fours, and even sitting upright. Thankfully, my doctor was open to whatever I felt comfortable doing. During this time my mom arrived. My father-in-law and my daughter came as well. The contractions were mild, and I rolled through them on the birthing ball. By 11 AM they broke my water.
The contractions remained mild, but it was about 1 PM when the nurse came in with concerns about my son’s heart rate and my lack of progression. She checked the monitor and confirmed that with every contraction I had, my baby’s heart rate would drop. She checked me and then stated that she felt the cord was wrapped around his neck. So, she started having me labor in different positions. Switching every 20 minutes. If this didn’t help or resolve the issue then we’d have to discuss other options...
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