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birth story- long!
So here it is. As some of you know I had my heart set on a natural birth so when my water broke with no sign of contractions I immediately got moving. We headed up the slope and down the slope, to prospect park, up steps and down steps, on the wii fit and even tried castor oil. After about 3 hours though I was still barely having contractions and those that I was having my doc called, disorganized. She said we could wait until morning to go to the hospital. At 6 am things didn't look much different so we called a car and went to the hospital. I was monitored for an hour before they started the pitocin, which was the one thing I really really didn't want. Contractions started pretty quickly, but were managable. I could breathe through them. I declined the epidural thinking I could make it. I did make it- for hours and hours.
the contractions got crazy intense and eventually I realized I wasn't getting breaks in between them, I looked at dh and in between, umm, my vocalizations, said, "why aren't they stopping?" the room was so hot, I couldn't stand for dh to touch me, and because I was being monitored we couldn't do any of the coping techniques we had learned.
At least four doctors tried to get me to take an epidural, not to mention nurses, everybody in scrubs! The last doctor was pretty sweet and I was in the midst of a ten minute contraction so I finally consented at around 3:15 and seven centimeters. I hated getting the epidural- dh had to leave and I really really really hate when people touch my spine. It was not as bad as I imagined, but not good either. They checked me again and said I was nine centimeters. I then yelled at them- "then why didn't I *** wait?" I still wasn't happy about the epidural even though I felt better and natural childbirth with pitocin is probably psychotic.
About an hour later I started to push, and asked if I could touch the baby's head when she came out. even better- I got to watch my whole delivery in a mirror ( I loved this even though it probably would have too much for many people). Two hours later she was born, she had her arm up by her head which was why it took so long, and had the cord wrapped around her leg twice.
All in all, it was pretty amazing, but really really hard. If you ever have pitocin take the epidural. I am glad though, that I waited, I felt proud, and like I really experienced most of what I wanted to. I could still feel contractions and still knew when to push.
Wow- That was long- I am writing a longer version for me though 
Re: birth story- long!
My Craft Blog
My Planning Bio
Finally! A Married Bio!!
Our New Home! Renovation Underway! The Law Nest
TTC Journey
7/2008 - begin TTC
7/2009 - began charting
9/2009 - Dx Endometriosis
10/2009 - HSG/SA (Normal)
12/2009 -6/2010 - Lupron #1 & 2
Sep-Nov 2010- Clomid Cycles #1&2 = BFN
Dec 2010 - Clomid Cycle #3 = BFP (1/11/11);no h/b (2/10/11); D&C (2/23/11)
5/11-6/11 - herbal tea regime = BFN
7/24/2011- herbal tea regime = surprise BFP
I'm happy that in the end it went well. Everybody told me, write your birth plan, then crumple it up and toss it, it never goes as expected.
The pitocin is nasty stuff, I had it, what it does to you is brutal. I had the epidural, but something weird happened and it wore off, so I get how nasty the pitocin is without any pain aid. But pitocin can be very effective at getting things going! I can't believe how many hours you made it through with pitocin and no epi! You are amazing!!!
So cool that you got to watch B's entrance in a mirror!!
Congratulations Mamma!!!
Bonnie, I will be screaming for drugs too! I could never last that long!
What a great story, thanks for sharing!
Traci, what an amazing, candid story! I couldn't wait to read it--thanks so much for sharing momma! Beatrix is a such a doll and you should feel so accomplished and proud of yourself. You managed to endure a lot longer than most women and that alone, should make you feel wonderful, despite your plans.
Get some rest (when you can)! Can't wait to hear more from you on mommyhood
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Wow, you're a brave woman! I too had pitocin, but I was already contracting by that point and the docs just wanted to get things moving faster (my water has already broken too). I had epidural probably 4 or 5 hours after pit. And two hours of pushing... you are a saint!
Beatrix is beautiful! Congrats again
Bubblegum Explosion
Great story. Love your daughters name. It is such a cute name. I'm sorry the birth did not go the way that you wanted. Mine didn't either and I lamented over it for a couple of days but I got over it. I'm sorry the labor was so long ugh! Not to dispute anything that you went through or compare your experience to mine at all but I was given pitocin and I went natural. I requested a very slow drip and my contractions were on top of each other too but I don't think I was at the level of pain that you were in by any standards. I agree...pitocin is the devil but at least both of our babies are healthy! The cord was around Ori's neck but they were able to deliver her safely. I love your story and hope you are enjoying your new addition!
Thanks for sharing, I love hearing about people's birthing experiences.
Congrats, mama!! Try not to feel bad... I ended up w/pitocin & an epi too & although I felt some guilt about it, I can honestly say that I did what had to be done to bring my daughter into this world. You should be proud, you're one strong mama!
PS - I love her pretty name!!