Author’s note: This is the seventh of a ten-part series recapping and examining the birth story of my Itty Bitty. Birth is a beautiful experience, but some can find the contents of the topic a bit squeemish. In light of this, please note that these posts are neither too graphic, nor are they full of unicorns and rainbows. They’re just the unfettered, unadulterated truth. And the truth is that birth is the most amazing experience of which I have been a part. By far. So, read on – learn, cry, laugh, but most of all, enjoy.
My doula and I walked into the hospital together, with Hubby following behind. I had to keep stopping every two minutes at this point to brace myself for a contraction. Hospital employees kept asking me if I’d like a wheelchair. Nope, no thanks. I knew it would just slow me down, and I was ready to have this baby – NOW!
I knew because my contractions were so intense and close. I was still in my pajamas, rocking some serious bedhead, and had my doula rubbing my back while I waited for the nurses to prepare my examination room. I was uptight, and not as calm as I expected to be.
I changed into a robe, and laid down on an examination table. My doctor arrived, with a big smile on her face.
“How are we doing?” she asked.
“Ummm, these contractions do not feel like warm strong hugs like my Hypnobabies class said they would.” I replied.
My doctor examined me, and there was good news, and not so good news. The good news was that I was 100% effaced (which needs to happen before the baby comes out.) Also, Itty Bitty was already descending into my birth canal, which is also supposed to happen.
The bad news was that I was only 3 cm dialated (you need to be 4cm to be admitted to the hospital, and 10cm —the size of a bagel!—for the baby to come out.)
The really bad news was that his head was facing my belly button in what is called posterior position, which is NOT supposed to happen. I knew from my prenatal research that moms who have babies face-up or “sunnyside up” often push longer, may need more medication, and also have a higher risk of having forceps, vacuum, or c-sections for birth.
This is how a baby is ideally positioned right before birth.
credit: webmd |
credit: webmd |
“Hypnobabies is going out the window for now. I need to spin this baby around.” I said.
I was in for a lot more than what I originally bargained.
This is the seventh of a ten-part series recapping and examining the birth story of my Itty Bitty.
Uggggh! Addie was sunny, too! When I laid on my back it looked like I wasn't pregnant because she was laying flat and so low. LOL.
These babies are cray-cray!
No way!! I think Rhys turned around to face that way right before I went into labor. Silly little babies 🙂
Oh, my… ! Love this series, by the way!
Thanks 🙂
How funny – I have the same issue with belly buttons 🙂 Loving these posts!
Glad I'm not alone with the belly button fear 😉
I love following this series! What hospital did you end up going with?