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citywife
LIF Adult
Member since 10/10 994 total posts
Name:
Expecting #3
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My drug-free, TMI birth story
Baby is sleeping now but I am wide awake so I thought I'd take the time to share my amazing birth story!
As you know, on Monday (11/7) I was 41 weeks. Sunday night DH and I went to my grandparents on LI for dinner, just to get out of the apartment/city since I was feeling so bummed about being overdue. When we were having dinner I started to feel very constipated and uncomfortable. When we got home I kept trying to poop (to no avail). I had my third non-stress test scheduled on Monday. I was still feeling the abdominal bloating and crampiness and the nurse told me it was probably early labor (exciting). When I was hooked up to the machine I could see that I was having mild contractions about every 7-10 minutes and felt them towards the top of my uterus. My doctor said they didn't count unless I really felt them without a monitor. At that point I was 3cm and 70% effaced. The doctor did a membrane sweep and sent me home to walk and have sex.
The traditional high up contractions totally stopped when I got home but I was still having moderate cramping so low down on my abdomen - like the feeling you get when you have to go diarrhea, except I couldn't poop at all. I followed the doctor's orders and walked on the treadmill for a little over an hour and had sex with DH. Went to bed a little on the early side because the cramping made me so uncomfortable.
I woke up suddenly at around 6:40 am and felt a little wet in the pants. I jumped out of bed and ran to the toilet, where my water broke INTO the toilet (how lucky is that?!). Because I'm GBS positive, I called the doctor on call to find out when to come in. She told me to shower and have breakfast, then go to L&D. I also called my doula to let her know what the deal was and she told me to tell her how dilated I was when we got there and when we wanted her to come. She also told me that real contractions would start soon. At this point, I was still just having that gnawing crampiness menstrual bloating feeling in my lower abdomen.
At 7:30 we finally left the apartment after showering, having some breakfast and gathering our things. We caught a cab right away (thank god) and in the cab I noticed the crampiness I was feeling was coming in waves that I couldn't talk or breathe through, about 3-4 minutes apart. It took 10 minutes to get to the hospital, I booked it for registration and by that point the waves were coming 2-3 minutes apart. Mind you, I still didn't think they were contractions since they were in the "wrong spot" and I couldn't believe that I would go from just feeling achy to having contractions so close together.
When we got to triage, they put me on the external monitor, which showed that I was in fact having contractions every 1-2 minutes! The doctor checked me around 8:30 and I was dilated to 5cm. She said the baby would probably be out by 2pm. I told my doula to come and told the nurses that I did not want an epidural because I was trying to have a natural birth. Well, that lasted about 30 minutes until my contractions started coming without a break. I begged for the epidural and they put in a request, I signed paperwork, etc. I am not going to lie, I went into this with the thinking that I'm mrs. tough guy and wouldn't even want an epidural. Holy he!! those contractions were the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire life. I was shaking, thought I was going to vomit and die. I was screaming on the top of my lungs (DH said I sounded like a wounded animal). All my screaming and hyperventilating was causing the baby's heart rate to decelerate. Then I freaked because I've spent the last 5 weeks watching A Baby Story marathons on TLC and knew that when the baby's HR decelerates, they sometimes do an emergency C-Section. Because I can't have a spinal (I have a neurological issue) and didn't have the epidural in yet, I was freaking and told them I wanted to get the epidural ASAP (just in case).
I was finally moved into a delivery room at about 9:30. They finally got the antibiotic hooked up at this point (took FOREVER for that to come). The anesthesiologists came in to prep me for the epidural. The contractions were so strong and unbearable at this point that I didn't know how I'd be able to keep still for it. The baby's heart rate also kept decelerating so they quickly hooked him up to an internal monitor (I didn't even know that was happening). I was literally bent over getting washed for the epidural when I felt the urge to push. The doctor checked me again and I was at 10cm and +1 station. The delivery nurse (who was amazing) encouraged me to go without the epidural. They told me I'd have to push for an hour or so and he'd be out. At this point, my doula arrived.
Pushing felt SO good. It made me look forward to the contractions - it was almost like getting relief from them. Pushing was also the most physically challenging thing I have EVER done. When the baby got to about +4 station, his heart rate started to decelerate again so the doctor told me she would probably have to do an episiotomy and use the vacuum. As I was trying to have an all-natural labor, these were big no-nos on my birth plan. However, when I was in labor I really didn't give a cr@p what was written on my birth plan. I just wanted him OUT as fast and safely as possible. We started taking a few breaks from pushing through the contractions so the baby could recover from the deceleration. Every time the doctor went to either cut me or use the vacuum, his heartrate would recover and I was able to keep going without the intervention. After 35 minutes of pushing, out he came! It was so amazing. A healthy 7 pounds, 7 ounces, 9 minute APGAR. He latched right away! My placenta was being super stubborn about coming out, so while baby was getting cleaned the doctor was massaging my uterus (that feels really awesome after you just pushed a baby out) and then I had to start pushing again. Are you effing kidding me?! I thought delivering the placenta was something you didn't even notice. I did NOT think I would be legs in the air pushing out an organ, having more contractions. And the blood, good god there was so much blood.
My pearls of wisdom:
If you are apprehensive at all about pooping while pushing, I will tell you all modesty goes out the window when you're in labor. I pooped several times. DH saw it. So not a big deal. I am also pretty sure I shot pee or amniotic fluid in the doctor's face while I was pushing. Twice. So hot.
If you are GBS positive and freaking out like I was... I didn't have time to get the recommended two doses. I didn't even have time to get the full dose before I had to start pushing. Get to the hospital early if you're worried about the antibiotic (aka it helps to realize you're in labor). So far, LO's tests have come back normal and knock on wood it doesn't look like he was infected.
Don't overpack! I rolled in with two bags (one labor one delivery) and all I've used out of them so far is my laptop, saline solution, contact case, camera and toothbrush (I wore my sleep nursing bra through delivery). The hospital has almost everything else you need.
When I first looked in the mirror after delivering (they make you pee within the hour to flush out any bacteria) I was super puffy, yes, but also looked like I was going through puberty. I was wondering whether the sudden change in hormones made my entire face (literally) break out in pimples within an hour of delivery. Upon further inspection after we got to the post-partum room, I realized that I actually broke like a million blood vessels while pushing. No one told me that could happen!
Have a birth plan, but roll with the punches. At the end of the day the goal is a healthy baby. I was lucky enough to get most of what I wanted out of my labor - no epidural, no major interventions. But had to sacrifice a few things - the internal fetal monitoring (wasn't even told they were doing this), no delayed cord clamping, etc. I can't emphasize enough that a birth plan seems like a good idea when you're sitting at home hanging out, but when you're in agonizing pain and your baby's heart rate is on the fritz all you care about is getting him out as quickly and safely as possible, no matter how many interventions are necessary.
Not all labors/contractions are treated equally. Just because people tell you that "real" contractions are high up, doesn't mean that you're body is going to do that when you're in labor. Apparently its different for everyone.
All in all, I feel extremely lucky to have had such a fast labor and more importantly, healthy baby boy. Big thanks to everyone for their support over the last 9 months
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Posted 11/9/11 8:27 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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LoveMyHubby605
Our April Baby is here!
Member since 4/11 2418 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
wow, I read every word. Sometimes with my mouth gaped open  Great birth story, I loved all the TMI and how honest it was! Congratulations on your baby boy, I'm sure you are thrilled he is finally out after 41 weeks! 
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:00 AM |
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kimbalina
Bring on the glitter and bows!
Member since 6/08 15158 total posts
Name:
Kim
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Wow! What a labor story!! Congrats!
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:04 AM |
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Mdolph6
So in Love....
Member since 3/07 1622 total posts
Name:
A Family of 4
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Awesome story, Congrats!! Happy your little boy is finally here
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:08 AM |
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MySunshine
In love with my Baby Boy
Member since 3/11 2783 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
What a story thank you for sharing with us! I truly feel like I went through the labor process with you and learned so many things that I didn't know (contractions to push the Placenta?!). I am happy that you were able to still attain most of the things in your birth plan and huge  for going drug free.
Congrats on your little man
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:12 AM |
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WenRC
Happiness is...
Member since 4/11 1253 total posts
Name:
Wendy
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
You just had me close to tears and laughing at the same time. Im in the waiting room chuckling and getting funny looks. Lol
All i can say is WOW! Congrats on your delivery and getting thru it all with no meds!
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:25 AM |
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Jenny614
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 1065 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Wow what an awesome birth story...thank you for that! Im so glad everything worked out in the end, congratulations!!
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:47 AM |
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AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Congratualtions...
sorry the poop and pee thing made me 
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:48 AM |
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Budjeg11
LIF Adult
Member since 4/11 2644 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for sharing your story-it was fantastic!
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| Posted 11/9/11 9:57 AM |
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Bearcat
Love my little girls!!! <3
Member since 6/10 10818 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
so happy you were able to go drug free and congrats again
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| Posted 11/9/11 10:08 AM |
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MamaPapaBear
my little girl
Member since 1/11 2045 total posts
Name:
my whole world
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
WOW what a story! I laughed! I cried! Thank you so much for sharing and being so honest. Congrats again
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| Posted 11/9/11 10:25 AM |
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MrsPenthouse
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 924 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
CONGRATULATIONS MOMMY!
What a great birth story, thank you SO much for sharing and welcome to the world little boy!
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| Posted 11/9/11 10:40 AM |
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alisha
LIF Adult
Member since 3/07 1199 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Amazing!! Thanks for sharing!!
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| Posted 11/9/11 11:01 AM |
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shopaholic07
LIF Adult
Member since 5/08 1535 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
What an amzing birth story!!! Thanks for all the details and honesty!! Hope you are enjoying your baby boy!
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| Posted 11/9/11 11:08 AM |
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Melbernai
I am a lucky Momma!
Member since 7/05 15652 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Absolutely amazing story! Thank you for sharing and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
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| Posted 11/9/11 11:55 AM |
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Shelleybean11
Mommy of 2!
Member since 12/08 11013 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Amazing birth story! You had me laughing! Congrats!
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| Posted 11/9/11 2:02 PM |
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Lara&Aidansmommy
For mom i miss u ETC ILOVEU
Member since 3/07 13921 total posts
Name:
ETC I LOVE YOU
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
I know a few girls that have had drug free births and all i can do is give you a standing ovation
those contractions pains are NO JOKE. im glad im having c section this time around
Congrats to you and God bless your new family always
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| Posted 11/9/11 2:08 PM |
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nicknmb
SISTERS!
Member since 1/06 5193 total posts
Name:
MaryBeth
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Laughing out loud holding my belly about the pee to the face!
Great story and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
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| Posted 11/9/11 2:09 PM |
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ruby
you rang?
Member since 6/08 5573 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Congratulations mama!!! Exciting story!
Did you end up going for the private room? 
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| Posted 11/9/11 3:50 PM |
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jam11308
Member since 11/07 7273 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Congratulations!!
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| Posted 11/9/11 3:55 PM |
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AllyCat
Twin Mommy!
Member since 8/09 1346 total posts
Name:
Allyson
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
What a story! Congratulations on your baby boy 
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| Posted 11/9/11 4:32 PM |
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PurpleC
Miracles Do Come True
Member since 8/10 2287 total posts
Name:
Caren
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
What a great story!! Loved it!! Congrats on your baby !!!!
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| Posted 11/9/11 4:40 PM |
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BigSmooch
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/10 747 total posts
Name:
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Wow! Well it sounds like it was worth the wait to end up with such a quick labor! That is awesome that you ended up doing it drug free, that is my goal also but who knows.
Also, thanks for sharing about the poop/pee stuff. I'm not really worried about it happening to me because I know it happens, I know in the moment I won't care and my husband is also prepared to see it happen but it's nice to hear the truth about what can go on during pushing!
Congratulations!!!!!
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| Posted 11/9/11 5:05 PM |
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KS13
Life is good.
Member since 6/10 1203 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
Congrats!! And all sorts of honest information is more than welcomed!
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| Posted 11/9/11 5:31 PM |
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babyberry
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 1477 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: My drug-free, TMI birth story
what an inspirational and awesome birth story!! i read everything and am so happy that you were able to have an unmedicated, natural birth.
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| Posted 11/9/11 5:36 PM |
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