Reese's Birth Story

 

 

 

 

I wanted to write Reese's birth story before all the special details got blurred by time. However, I've realized that time flies once you've had a baby and March 7th still seems like yesterday. Reese was past the fashionably late point when she was born. It's almost humorous to look back and remember my doctor telling me at 37 weeks it could be any moment. I was 75% effaced then and she believed Reese would come early. Reese had other plans. At 41 weeks and 2 days, I was induced. Induction could have happened sooner, but I wanted to give Reese as much time as she needed in the womb. I also had heard too many stories of labor lasting forever when induced. Nine days over due was enough though, my doctor recommended induction. It was time.

At 7:00 AM, Jerry and I headed to Liberty Hospital. I couldn't sleep a wink the night before. I wasn't nervous, I was excited. Excited about who she would look like, excited to experience her birth, excited to see the beautiful result of the never ending pregnancy. I'm usually a pretty anxious person, but God put my mind at ease.

By 8:00, my water was broken and the doctor confirmed I was 3 cm dilated. Things happened quickly after that. Pitocin was given to start contractions, but my natural contractions started coming as well. Jerry was by my side trying to ease my pain by rubbing my back. I quickly realized I didn't want to be touched and I didn't want to talk. I'm sure Jer was surprised by my silence for a change. At 9:30, I was 4 cm and my nurse said the anesthesiologist was on the floor. She recommended that my epidural be given. I was shocked. Only labor an hour before an epidural? I thought it would be much longer. However, the pain was intensifying and I took my nurse's advice.

After 3 attempts at securing the epidural correctly, I felt amazing. I admire women that have a babe sans pain meds. I can't imagine. For me though, I wanted to enjoy laboring with Jerry and our family. After visiting with family and being told how fast and intense my contractions were by others, my doctor arrived at 1 PM. Since I couldn't move the lower half of my body, I assumed I hadn't progressed much. I was wrong. At 1:30, I started pushing.

The next hour and a half flew by. I honestly enjoyed pushing. Knowing we were so close to meeting our baby made it a special time for Jerry and me. At 2:57, our little miracle was born. It's a moment I replay in my mind all the time. It's by far the best moment of my life. I instantly felt a love for this tiny person that is indescribable.

Weighing in at 9 pounds and 20.5 inches, Reese Abigail gave me best gift. The gift of motherhood. I then had some hiccups with my recovery, but after a peaceful and drama free labor and delivery, I can't complain. Now Reese is 6 weeks old. Time is flying and I'm trying to soak up every second.

More to come on this little one soon...

-Rachelle

 

 

*Post written on April 18th