Why am I laughing about this now?
Because when I noticed that I MIGHT POSSIBLY be in labor it was around 3:00a. By about 3:30 when I was having chills and just not feeling right I woke up my husband and in his half sleep state debated what was going on with me. I was hesitant to call my doula in the middle of the night because the contractions were somewhat frequent, but not lasting very long at all--no where near 60 seconds. It obviously wasn't doing much to open the cervix right? By 4:00 I knew something was not right, but not sure it was labor. I hesitated calling the doula, but I did. She wasn't sure from what I said if I was in labor either. From my voice I know she didn't think there was anyway I was very far along. But, she thought I should get everything together and my parents to our house so I could head to the hospital to at least get checked out. My parents arrived at 4:30 and the contractions were getting more intense, but still thought I would embarrass myself for heading to the hospital for false labor. But, off we went. On the way I was starting to realize it was probably real labor, which I was relieved since I had woken up my parents, the doula, and the doctor. Todd timed the contractions on the way to the hospital and they were 2-3 minutes apart, but I still don't think they ever lasted a minute which was my directions.
When we got to the hospital at 5:00a we decided that this time we would bring our bags in since last time we didn't and that was a mistake. The valet parking lady walked us to the elevator and then to the triage (another mistake). My contractions had stopped and I was perfectly normal for like 10 minutes it felt like. The lady even commented something of the sorts, " you sure don't seem like you are in much pain or labor" I was like GREAT--this is false labor. When I went to the triage I walked right in, smiling and normal for a good 5 minutes with no contractions. I know the nurses thought it was a joke that I was coming in as they were moving very slow and pokey to help me. They had even been given orders that last time I had come in at 8 cm. After a few minutes the contractions started coming back--WHEW-a relief that maybe this wasn't false. They finally got me hooked up to monitors and checked me. I thought for sure I was only 4-5 cm along. NOPE--I was 8 cm!! The same as when I had come in last time. I had tried to get there earlier this time but that did not happen. After this the nurses admitted that they were joking behind the desk when I walked in that there was NO WAY I was 8 cm this time around.
I am not sure if it was knowing how far along I was or if it was just coincidence, but after this my labor got very intense. The nurses also switched gears from slow moving to absolute chaos and very frantic to say the least. It was a real shame because in between every contraction when you are supposed to have your God given break instead I was being prodded with needles and told to sign my name a hundred times. I had no idea what I was signing things for. All I wanted was to sign my name as fast as I could so they would leave me alone. I asked for my doula a hundred times, but my wonderful husband kept saying she is on her way. I needed her support so desperately since not a single nurse gave me one bit of support. Instead the nurses would wait impatiently by my side during every contraction so that when it stopped they could have me sign papers, etc. For breaks during at least 5+ contractions they tried to get my heploc(sp?) in place. I have small veins so it is always a struggle. So, back and forth between contractions and then during a break being poked with needles. Fun stuff especially since it was never used! My only hope during this time was that I knew being 8 cm along that this intense labor and being pestered by nurses would not be much longer and in a VERY short time I would be meeting my precious daughter.
I am glad I was right because it did move quickly after that. A few minutes later I walked to my room. They encouraged me to take a wheel chair, but I wanted to be tough so I didn't. When I got to my room I got really light headed and vomited--oops. Maybe that is a sign you are ready because that freaked them out too. They checked me immediately again. I only had a little left on one side she said. I also kept asking where the doctor was as I felt I needed to push. I loved the looks on the nurses face when I said that. They told me to pretend I was blowing out a candle when that happened. They have me some oxygen and monitored me and I couldn't get out of my bad. UGH! With my first I was out of bed and it made labor so much more manageable. Then VERY shortly after the doctor and my doula arrived. I was very relieved to have my doula there, but I needed her long before. Then it was time to push. About 10-15 minutes later we welcomed our daughter into our family at 6:03a! We were blessed beyond belief with a beautiful and healthy child!!
All of this to say I am thankful we made it to the hospital in time. If I would have followed my directions I think I would have had my baby at home or in the car. I was only in labor that I know of for 3 hours! I am blessed with short labors, but it sure does cause craziness at the hospital. I have been told by MANY people to consider a home birth next time. We will see. At this time I will need convincing. My husband is not to keen on the idea either. He is afraid he would deliver the baby since I will probably be even faster the next time. But, I have to admit the calmness and support would be much appreciated as that is NOT my experience of birthing at the hospital.
If you made it through all of this--kudos. There is my birth story in a nutshell. It was definielty worth all the work for this wonderful blessing!!!
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