Jonathan got a stomach bug on August 13, which he gave to me, just in time to have it to celebrate Warren's and my 3rd anniversary. That was fun. So I had stomach cramps all day, which turned into contractions that night. Unfortunately I was only 36 weeks and 3 days along, so we wanted to keep her in just a little longer. I ended up in the hospital over night for fluids and to be monitored. I was already at 4 cm and 75%. The contractions stopped and I was put on bed rest and sent home. I behaved pretty well for being on bed rest, but was still having contractions a few times a day.
Saturday night, going into Sunday, I woke up frequently through the night to use the restroom, and just uncomfortable. I woke up finally at 7:00 A.M. and then woke Warren up to finish writing the talk he was supposed to give in church that day. By 7:30 my contractions had started up and were already pretty painful. I struggled to keep a calm face for Jonathan, because he is very aware of others' emotions. Though I think he could still tell something was up, because he came and snuggled with me for a while to try to make me feel better.
I was ready to go to the hospital by 8:00, but Warren wanted to wait a little bit to see if they'd pick up, or die down. So I sat and tried to continue to keep it all under control until around 9 when I couldn't handle it anymore. We dropped Jonathan off at Sara's and then went to the hospital. We got there around 9:30, and after stopping for 2 or 3 contractions on the way into the hospital, we finally made it in, and waited to be put in the computer.
The nurse checked me and I was at a 5, 100%, and had a "bulging bag". Sorry if that's tmi. So I waited maybe 15 more minutes and wanted my epidural. The nurse was called out because another lady was bleeding and the doctor couldn't get the placenta, so they needed everyone in there. I ended up waiting until at least 11:30 for my epidural, and with all the contractions, it took a while to get in. probably close to 11:45.
The epidural had close to a half hour to kick in. Which it had time to take the edge off the contractions, but not much else. I could feel the need to push and had to be reminded over and over not to push yet, and that I had to wait for Dr. Oldroyd. Luckily he was fast and I was able to start pushing around 12:15, and had my beautiful girl at 12:32.
With everything I felt (basically everything) the nurse said I had basically had a natural childbirth. Maybe if next time is as fast, we will just skip the epidural all together.
Warren was an excellent labor coach and was able to keep me either laughing or smiling between contractions up until it was time to push, as well as the nurse and anesthesiologist. Warren did have to leave during the epidural, but I prefer that to him passing out.
Charlotte was born at 6 lbs 11 oz and 18.5 inches long, and just as sweet as can be. Being born at 36 and 6 she was supposed to spend 12 hours in the NICU, but the neonatologist came and looked her over and she was healthy enough to stay with us which was great. It let Jonathan meet her, and he absolutely loves her. He is still learning to be soft, but he is doing so great with her.
