I had my daughter!!!!
On March 9 (2 days before her planned induction) I had my daughter. She was born 4 pounds and 5 ounces! That just 2 ounces more than me at birth and half my husband at birth (he was 8 pounds 5 ounces).
I had pre labor signs about 2 weeks prior (if you remember from my weekly pregnancy updates). Then the Saturday before she came they REALLY picked up. They actually picked up so much I made my husband getvthe car seat ready. I was sure she wouldn’t make it to the following Saturday. (Guess I was right. All I really wanted was my momma to make it here the next day before my daughter came. Thank goodness my mom got here first). Then Wednesday came and by 4pm labor had really started.
My mom and I went with a friend of mine to the San Diego zoo for 2 hours that morning. I was feeling great. But by lunch I desperately felt the need to nap. So we went home and I got a relaxing nap in! Then we decided to drive to La Jolla and see the seals. By 4pm (as we’re driving) I started to not feel good. My mom stopes twice on the 20 minute drive so I could use the bathroom. We stayed a short time then drove back home. By 7pm I was throwing up and contractions really started to pick up. Every 10 minutes. By 9pm I called my doctor and he told me to make a choice come in right then or wait 2 hours and come in. I’m not one who likes to come in to the office/ER and have it turn out to be nothing. So I stayed home 2 more hours. Then we headed in where they said I was only dismayed to a .5 and I’m sure my mouth dropped because I was sure I had to of been more dilated. In the end baby girl was in some distress so they went ahead and admit me until shift change where the new team would decide.
Fast forward 6ish hours. My doctor comes in not only did he let me get food (I had nothing in me since 11am the day before) he also was very sure she’d be out within the next 12-24 hours. He also informed me he wasn’t on call that day or night but he gave me 100% reassurance that both doctors on are amazing and I could trust them to take great care of me. (And thank goodness he was right because it definitely helped me stay calm).
Anyways through the day they let me try to progress naturally all while monitoring baby girl. By 4 pm at shift change they started the induction meds (pitocin) to help me progress. They also did a catheter and man was I miserable for that. Shortly after I also got my epidural (I mandatorily had to get one due to my heart). I was very proud of myself I had very little meds and I only pushed the button for extra 2 times. But we found after the fact it wasn’t working so the doc came in and manually inserted just a little more about 30 minutes before I started to push. It helped take the initial edge off but let me tell you it still was a lot of pain and pressure and I felt it all. But I wouldn’t change that for the world because I wanted to be as close to drug less as possible.
The doc came in told me it’d be probably 2 hours before she would be ready to be delivered. He no more walked out of the room I had a contraction and just knew she was ready to come out. The nurse didn’t really believe right away. The next contraction came and if I wasn’t sure she was ready before I knew she was this time. The nurse stayed with me (watching my daughters head start to crown) while my mom stuck her head out the door and asked the doc to come back in. He does right away looked at me and said “yup that’s her head let’s get this party going” I laughed they helped me get comfortable and away we went. I pushed for 3 cycles of 3 (push breath push breath push breath break do it again). I didn’t push for anything more than 10 minutes (that includes pushing my daughter and the placenta out).
Unfortunately though my best friend and mother in law did not make it in time to see her be birthed. But for me I was very happy just having my mom and my husband with me. I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted anyone else with me as when I’m in pain or doing something stressful the more people around the more nervous I get. And I love my best friend and mother in law but I knew I wouldn’t be as calm if they were there. However I knew how much they wanted to be a part of this so I was willing to put my concerns aside to allow them this experience. I think in the end God knew what I really needed and he allowed me to have the perfect experience. And it really was perfect because aside from not having MY doctor all my birthing preferences were upheld and I never had to make a decision that didn’t go off the path of what I already pre decided I wanted. (Granted I do need to point out I didn’t write my plan down and I was willing to go with the flow and trust my doctors if needed and trust my husband to make decisions that I would want if I wasn’t able to).
Well I guess that’s all I have to say! I’m sure you wanted a picture long before my story. So here they are!
Meet our beautiful daughter Kairi Mae!
They had me on oxygen on and off to help Kairi.
The epidural being placed actually really sucked. They had someone training so it. :S
You might not be able to tell but this was my face through most my contractions. Until the last hour before she came.
Here is the very beginning right after they checked and told me I was dilated to a .5. I was contemplating if I was actually in labor. Turns out I was I just didn’t want to dilate.
Well thanks for joining me through this process! Next up join me for the story of her life! Although bear with me if I’m not as quick to post. (I’m making this post as she’s now 19 days old and I still feel like I’m recovering).
Oh side note I didn’t tear and the doctor told me she was one of the easiest deliveries he’s ever made. Not to mention I was the most calm mom he’s had. I think my chest puffed up like a proud momma lion!
Talk soon,
Marena
This week I’ve craved tons of food but by the time it’s made I throw up or just simply no longer want food. Same goes for drinking water or any fluid. It’s hard to keep anything down. 
Living Life 