September 2009 Weddings
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BR Nate's Birth Story (Christina inspired me:)

Sorry this is so late!

For those that didn't know I had high BP when I was 37 weeks PG and was hospitalized overnight.  Anyway, a few days later I had a follow up visit and BP was still high and I ended up back in triage.  Since BP wasn't as bad as last time but still above normal I was told I would be induced in a few days unless BP was miraculously in a more normal range.  I was so disappointed because I really wanted a natural birth and no pitocin if possible. 

My OB stripped my membranes to hopefully get things going naturally although it wasn't a sure thing.  I also did every trick in the book that night (sex, spicy food, etc) lol.  I was shocked when I woke up at 3:45 am and my water broke.   Contractions started very quickly and I called the hospital and was told to come in when they were 5 min. apart. I labored in the tub which really helped the pain and relaxed me. They went from 10min. to 6 min. and in the car 3 min!  I didn't tell my husband but was very glad we were only 15 min. from the hospital.  We were in triage in a room for a very long time because we were told they we still waiting for a room.  Contractions were 1min apart!  I was 80 percent effaced and 2 cm dilated.  I was doing pretty well with the pain and the breathing techniques I learned from the birthing class I took really saved me.

Unfortunately, once I was wheeled to the labor room, I never went beyond 2 cm and my BP was spiking.  Since it was dangerously high I was told I could only labor laying down on my left side which sucked because I was getting through the pain by walking and standing swaying with H.  When they wanted to give me pitocin I was encouraged to get the Epi because it naturally lowers BP and because the contractions were going to get a lot worse (naturally).   The epi was amazing; much less painful than I thought and BP went way down.  I wanted no pain meds but in this case I had to go with the flow to lower BP.  I did feel very faint and dizzy for 15 min. after it was administered but it quickly disappeared.  I was also relieved I couldn't feel the catheter in my bladder (this terrified me but it ended up being painless).  I went to 10cm after laboring for 7 hrs in hospital but had to wait 2 hrs for Dr. who was doing emergency C section:( 

The birth was amazing.  I did end up needing an eposiotomy but I only pushed for 10 minutes and Nathaniel was born at 4:24PM. Seeing my boy come out was the most beautiful and emotional moment of my life.  Nate was a great breast feeder at the hospital and the 1st week home.  As many of you know he had an unusual reaction to my milk (do not worry ladies this rarely happens so it will most likely not happen to you) and I had to stop BFing  when he was 5 weeks which broke my heart. 

Anyway despite that and a few other pitfalls Nate and are doing much better.  I have a ton of pics on FB for those who haven't looked yet.  You can also friend me (jessica schaeffer beatty).

Thanks for reading:)

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Re: BR Nate's Birth Story (Christina inspired me:)

  • Jessica, I love your new profile picture! What a cute littel face Nate has! He looks like a little old man in that picture and I love how he's looking right at the camera. Adorable photo.

  • Thanks for sharing!  I like hearing everyone's experiences, as they are all so different.  But the description of seeing your baby for the first time is always the same, and always gives me chills!  Congrats again!
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • Thanks for sharing your story!  It sounds like even though it didn't go as you had hoped or planned that you handled it all so well.  Congrats again on Nate, he is adorable and I am so glad you are all doing so well.  :)
  • Thanks for sharing this :)  Isn't it incredible that we can make plans and decisions ahead of time about our birthing experience and then life happens and you end up just having to go with the flow.  It sounds you have done an amazing job and despite some set backs, you're doing amazing and so is Nate! 
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