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Charlies Birth Story
Charles James Birth Story
The short version:
Charles (Charlie) James ? he?s named after his Grandpa and
his Daddy. We kept the name a surprise and told Grandpa when he came to visit
in the hospital. There were lots of tears and it was a beautiful moment 
My water broke at 39 weeks 6 days December 11th, 2011 at 11:10am. We made it to the hospital at 12:20pm. Charlie was born at 1:38pm! He was in a hurry to arrive apparently! No time for meds so delivery was pain med free.
He was 6lbs 12oz and 20 inches long with gorgeous blue eyes and blonde peach fuzz.
We came home on the 13th and things are going pretty well. It?s a big adjustment.
The long version:
Jamie and I went to church at 9am on December 11th. I had been having irregular contractions for days, but after 2 membrane sweeps nothing was happening.
We had been home for about 45 minutes and Jamie stepped outside to work on some things in the garage. I was about to have a snack, when all of a sudden I felt a gush. At first I thought I just wet myself, but then the pain kicked in. Just like that I was doubled over with the pain of the contractions. They were about 4 minutes apart at that point so we headed into labor and delivery.
Never in a million years would I have imagined that things would go so quickly after my water broke.
We made it to the hospital and I was admitted at 4cm and 100% effaced. My contractions were right on top of each other with little to no break. The babys heart rate was dropping with each contraction, so the nurse decided to check me again, in 10 minutes time I jumped to 6cm.
At this point I was asking for an epidural, the burse put in the call but warned me that I was progressing so quickly that I likely wouldn?t get one in time. She checked me again then and I was at 8cm. I opted for Nubain at that time, but it didn?t do anything at all. She checked me again and I was ready to push!
I needed oxygen to help both baby and I out. After 28 minutes and about 6 rounds of pushing, Charlie was born at 6lbs 12oz 20 inches long.
There was a bit of meconium in the fluid and the cord was wrapped around his neck once, so NICU was called in. He had a bit of respiratory distress due to his fast delivery, but after a few hours he was doing just great.
I didn?t get to hold him right off the bat because of his breathing issue, but after about 30 minutes I held him for the first time and I was amazed at how beautiful he is.
I had a 1st degree tear that needed one stitch, but that was it. I had some bleeding issues because the delivery went so fast and my body didn?t have time to adjust. That resolved itself after a about 24 hours.
We came home after 2 days in the hospital and things have been great. Charlie is doing really well and my husband has been really great and super supportive. Breastfeeding has been going well, after a difficult start. My supply is great, and things are getting slowly better after meeting with a wonderful lactation consultant.
Charlie is a bit jaundiced and we have been getting his levels checked regularly. It seems to be taking care of itself so no need for lights of anything.
My emotional state has been a huge hot mess. I can?t stop the tears and cry, A LOT. Jamie has been wonderful and so SO supportive, I don?t know what I would do without him. I?m very overwhelmed and having a hard time adjusting to motherhood. I love my son, but being his soul provider of milk has been very stressful on me. He likes to feed for 1+ hours at times and then he?s up an hour after he?s done to do it all over again. It?s certainly a lot harder than I thought it would be.
My labor experience was nothing like I expected, but I wouldn?t change anything for the world. I have a beautiful son and I have never loved him or my husband more. This has been such a life altering experience for me.
Re: Charlies Birth Story
Beautiful story Michelle!
Try to take some comfort, I do promise you that it does get easier. Some women take longer to adjust than others but it does get better. And, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. *hugs*
Beautiful story, Michelle.
And holy wow, that was a quick delivery. You weren't kidding. Good to know you are all doing well. Congratulations, Momma!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I echo Amelia's sentiments and cannot tell you enough to not be afraid to ask for help. My mistake was thinking I was a failure if I asked for help or if I needed someone to talk to since I was so overwhelmed from being a new mom. It's OK to admit your sad, overwhelmed and unprepared to take care of a newborn. Not only does it get easier but it gets more enjoyable. The tough times will eventually speed up and fly by until you're like me and running after an almost 1 year old!
Thanks for sharing Charlie's birth story! I still can't believe how fast he arrived!
And seriously, please ask us for any help you need in the breastfeeding department. There are lots of mommies here who have great advice. I know how hard it is. I almost gave up so many times in the beginning but it did get easier. And just know that constant, long nursing is totally normal for newborns. (I recommend using that time to read a lot. Set that kid on a Boppy, latch him on and bust out a good book.)
Awwww, Michelle! thanks for sharing this. You should feel like a super woman for such a fast labor sans drugs! Way to go Momma! I'm so glad the BFing is going well. It will get better. As much as I hated hearing that early on its so true. To echo the other ladies, yes ask for lots of help. Its so hard to be the only one who can offer baby comfort and feed early on. I struggled with that so much in the begining. You're such a great mommy already.
Congrats again honey!
I can agree with this... dont be afraid to ask for help... all of us are here and we can hopefully help!
updated 10.03.12