On Wednesday, July 13th I began to have an achey back at work. I also noticed some different feelings in my head and body... a buzzing in my body is the best explanation. At my scheduled doctor appointment that day, I mentioned these changes. However, I was only about 2 centimeters dialated at that point.
I stayed home from work on Thursday since my back was still quite achey in the morning. But, by late afternoon, I no longer had a backache and felt good. So, I ran a few errands and visited my friend Amanda. That evening I decided I'd be going to work on Friday since I was feeling good.
Well, Friday morning my alarm went off at 6:30am for work. As soon as I began to awake, I noticed cramping feelings. I laid in bed awhile thinking the cramping might be temporary, but it was happening at regular intervals. I got out my iphone and starting tracking these cramps with my contractions app. They were averaging 20-30 seconds long, every 5-6 minutes. By the time Dave was dressing for work, we both began to think this was the 'real thing' so Dave stayed home from work. From that point on, the cramping became definite contractions. As the day went on, they lasted longer and were closer together. At 7:30pm we decided to head out for the hospital since the contractions were lasting 1 minute each and were coming every 3 minutes.
We arrived at the hospital and saw my doctor, Dr. McDonald, even though I hadn't called ahead. She happened to be the house doctor that night at St. Lukes! Once we checked in and were in the room (which feels much like a hotel room at St. Lukes), I got into the jacuzzi bath to help ease the feelings of contractions. I was 5 centimeters. To that point, the contractions were intense but I was able to effectivly relax into them. After the bath, things really ramped up. My water hadn't broke yet so I wasn't progressing past 7 centimeters, despite having very, very intese contractions. I was beginning to question my ability to do it without pain medications. Dave and nurse Sara began to problem solve and give me options to keep me motivated. We decided to have the doc break my water, then get back into the bath. Once the amniotic sac was broke, things really started to progress and I never made it back into the jacuzzi tub. They call this the 'transition' phase when your body goes from 8-10 centimeters. From all the natural births I watched in videos and on television, I knew this was the worst part and every woman really questions her ability to get through this phase without meds. I was in that same frame of mind. Soon, my body was telling me (really forcing me) to push. I knew that baby was ready to enter the world. Unfortunately, I had to do ALOT of pushing to get the baby out, and I really was doubting baby Gratz would ever come out of me. Nurse Sara, Dave, and Dr. McDonald all assured me they kept seeing the baby and knew it had hair. Finally, I pushed that baby's head out and then the body. That's when Dave and I both exclaimed, "It's a girl!" Pretty amazing stuff! She was placed on my belly (and then she pooped on my belly) and allowed a few minutes to get the last benefits of her placenta before Dave cut the cord. She nursed just minutes after birth and was healthy as can be! She was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.75 inches long.
After some time with our new daughter and all the medical stuff that has to be taken care of with me and the baby, we began to call family. No one knew we were even at the hospital, so it was quite a surprise to everyone. First we called our moms, then our dads, then our siblings, then Aunt Donna. Soon we had family there to meet baby Vivian. She has been surrounded by loving family and friends ever since.
As we expected, our life and family has changed forever. But, this is what we have wanted and want nothing else. Feedings (my job) and changing diapers (dave's job) is the new norm. I'm so glad Dave took 2 weeks off work to help me adjust to this new role as mom. Our family and friends have been showering us with food and gifts. I'm especially greatful for the food since I now have an insatiable appetite due to the breastfeeding.
It's slowly sinking in that we are now parents... and we couldn't be happier! Vivian Love Gratz is healthy and sweet as sugar.
Love the update! We need to come over and meet her one of these days - we'll give you a call.
ReplyDeleteGood for you with the no pain meds! I wasn't tough enough.