John "Jack" Donald- 2/14/09

Jack was actually due on 2/12/09 but wasn't making his appearance. At my last appointment, the doctor really felt that he was very big and that I needed to induce if he didn't come by his due date.
So on Sat. 2/14, I checked into the hospital at 8:15am to start my induction. They got me into my birthing suite and into my gown. I was given an IV and the pictocin was started at 9am. The contractions started right away but were pretty mild. By noon, they were unbearable so the nurse gave me an injection of some drug that felt amazing. The contractions got harder and faster so they decided it was time for my epidural. That went very smoothly at first. But then I was still feeling pain on the right side of my body and not the left which was a really strange feeling. The epi doc was in a c-section and I had to wait a half an hour for her to return. The pain was incredible but only on one side. Once she came in and fixed it, I was in heaven and the nurse told me it was time to start pushing. It actually felt better to push.
Her face got a look of concern after pushing for a only a few minutes. The nurse said she was concerned that the cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck. She went to get my doctor who had me push. They keep looking at his vitals on the paper strip and whispering to each other. I knew it wasn't good when my doctor asked the nurse to find Dr. Allen to assist. I asked him if he thought I would need a c-section. He told me he wanted to try pushing first but if the baby was still in distress he would. I only pushed a few more times when he looked at me and said, this is a really big baby and he is not progressing as I would hope with a second baby. He also said that even if he did progress he was so big that I might tear very badly. I was convinced- he got the team together and I was wheeled down the hall to the surgery room. Luckily, they had 3 students watching my delivery so they didn't argue when my Mom asked to be with my DH in the delivery room. They both suited up and I was covered up too. They administered the spinal blocker and I was good to go. I really didn't feel a thing but some tugging and pulling. At one point the other doctor said, Oh its a boy, huh? TOTALLY ruining the nine months of being surprised with that moment when he was taken from my body. I was now royally pis sed! Pis sed that I needed a C-section, angry that this random doctor ruined the surprise. But then he was out and so beautiful it didn't matter anymore. My doctor said, its a boy(which we now knew anyhow ) and they brought him over to the warming table and cleaned him up. My mom and DH were all over him and I couldn't even see. I was so excited when they finally placed him close to me and I got to hold him. I was so glad he was safe and sound.

The next three hours were torture. I couldn't hold or breast fed Jack. I was in the recovery room fully awake but paralyzed from the neck down. I could only feel my arms. It was the worst feeling I ever experienced. I totally panicked, even though they kept telling me it was normal.

Finally the blocker started to wear off and I could hold and breast feed my baby. I was so happy but still angry at how the whole day went. I still feel that I could have had the baby vaginally and that the doctor just wanted him out so he could move on. He ended up being only 8 pds 4 oz- not the huge baby he thought.
But I need to move on from that- I have a beautiful son who I love more than life itself. My stay in the hospital was awesome- private room and the nurses were amazing round the clock. I felt like I was in a hotel, in pain but waited on constantly.
Big sister Grace has been wonderful- she loves her brother so much. I thought she would be jealous but she really isn't and loves spending time with her Grandma.
I am so thankful to have Jack even with all we went through for him to arrive.

Re: John "Jack" Donald- 2/14/09

Sorry things were crazy, but what a fabulous reward you got at the end. Congrats. I can't wait to see pics of him

Re: John "Jack" Donald- 2/14/09

Thank you for sharing your story! Sorry it didn't go as planned.

But congratulations on your new addition!!!!

Re: John "Jack" Donald- 2/14/09

Congrats! Can't wait to see a pic!!!

Re: John "Jack" Donald- 2/14/09

Congratulations on your little boy! How precious. Reading your story got me a little teary as I went through almost the same thing as you...and on the same day.

You sound exactly like me. My DD was 8, 6 and I keep beating myself up about
not having her or pressing more to try to have her naturally. I trust my Dr. completely, but part of me thought the same thing. And of course at that moment you didn't have a choice because once you hear "baby" and "distress" you are not going to argue with anyone about how the baby should come out.

In the end, thank god he is here and healthy!

Re: John "Jack" Donald- 2/14/09

nothing is ever as perfect as we would want it to be but it was special since you have your baby boy now, congrats again Christine

Re: John "Jack" Donald- 2/14/09

Congrats!!!