The Birth Story

At almost 6 weeks postpartum, I'm finally getting into the swing of things.  I'll start with some mushy  momma stuff since this little blog is the best journal ever.  I love the idea of Baby H going through and reading all about her entrance into this world.  Don't worry, we'll be back to decorating next post!  So we'll start here...Wednesday, March 13, 2013:

We got to the hospital at 4:45 a.m.  Checked in, got hooked up to my IV, answered a million questions about my pregnancy and family history, and then we waited.  I was two days passed my due date, so we decided to induce.  Dr. Sills (ah-MAZING Ob/Gyn if you are in NWA!) came in and broke my water at 8:20 a.m. and we got the party started!  I wanted to wait as long as possible before getting pitocin to give my body a chance to labor on its own.  I was 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced.

We watched GMA, I walked around the room, bounced on my birthing ball, and kept the hubby entertained for the majority of the morning.  Around 2 p.m. they checked me again and I had only progressed to 3 c.m., still 80% effaced.  They started me on pitocin and that's when things started moving.  Contractions were taking my breath away and I worked through the pain as much as possible.  My mother-in-law was a great coach and really helped me get through each contraction.

By 5 p.m., I was ready for my epidural.  I went natural as long as I could, but the contractions were 15-30 seconds apart and lasting 1-1 1/2 minutes and I was only at 4 cm. By the time the anesthesiologist arrived, it was 6:30 p.m. and I had been laboring naturally for 10 hours. I was finally able to rest and at 9:30 p.m. I knew it was time.  The nurse checked me and I was ready to push.  We did a couple of practice pushes and the nurse nearly had to catch Baby H herself!  Dr. Sills arrived and I gave a few good pushes and she was here!

Some parts of recovery were a bit rough...I had strained during delivery and could not move my neck for a few days.  I also had light chest pains that made it difficult to breath lying down.  The hubby was amazing and did all the diaper changes and brought her to me for each feeding.

The staff (and U of A nursing students) at Northwest were amazing both during labor/delivery and postpartum care.  I couldn't have asked for a better experience.  It has been so much fun to see the Mr. take on the role of Dad and I feel so blessed to be her Momma.

Welcome to the family Finlee Kate.  Born on 3/13/13 at 10:01 p.m..  Weighing in at a whopping 8 lbs. 4 oz. and 20 inches long.  We love you more than you know.