My Birth Story

So my birthstory, like most, did not turn out as planned... but it if I could give my labor a score from a 1-10... I would give it a 9.

My Birth Story
On Monday, March 9, I went to work... like normal. Up at 6am... worked til 4. Came home. Hubby and I went for a walk... to get things going since I was just sitting at 4 cm dilation w/out any real sign of labor contractions. We got 5 mins into the walk and I knew something had changed. We had to turn around. At that point, I was pretty sure I was finally experiencing some contractions. I would say they started around 5:45 pm. So after a full day of work... HELLO LABOR!
That is one of my reasons for giving my labor a 9... instead of a 10.
So, while we monitored the contractions, I ate some supper and started to get the "Oh, this is it" pumping through my head.
The contractions started getting bit closer together and more intense... so I labored in the tub for about 20 mins or so. That was nice!
Then I got out and decided to call the midwife on call and let them know I was in labor. I spoke w/Soheyl. I saw her at my 13 week appt. She is wonderful. From Iran. Amazingly soft spoken, calm, and encouraging. So perfect for my delivery!
She told us to watch the contractions for another hr and then head that way. So at 8:30, I called her and told her we were on our way. We arrived at 8:45 and got settled into the room by 9.
Between those 3.5 hrs, I was dilated to 6cm now. Contractions were very manageable. We walked the halls, I sat on my birthing ball, Josh massaged my back.
My labor was in my back.
Very intense.
So after laboring for a lil while, Soheyl broke my water to speed things up a bit.
After that, then came the really intense back labor.
It was now 2:30 am, March 10.
I worked the whole day before, was completely exhausted at this point and couldn't stay on top of my contractions enough to calm myself at all. I was shaking. Soheyl checked me and I was at 8 cm. Transition. But totally exhausted. I couldn't even focus.
So I opted for the epidural so I could try and relax my body and rest some for pushing.
Epi was a piece of cake compared to all I went through already getting to 8 cm.
However, b/c I waited so late to get it, it really didn't help much w/the contractions.
They were still so strong and back labor was intense. I managed to rest from 2:45 or so til about 6 when Soheyl came to check me and get set up to start pushing.
I was ready.
Pushing was the most relieving feeling out of this whole birthing thing! It was the best part for me!
Josh was so amazing....
The support, encouraging words, feeding me ice chips and keeping a cold washcloth on my forehead.
Incredible Man.
Soheyl was amazing too. So calm, supportive, focused, and encouraging.
I only pushed for 20 mins by the time they got set up for the birth.
The greatest words to hear from Soheyl,
"Are you ready to see your baby, one more push!"
And there she was...



There was some issues w/my placenta. It did not come out in 1 piece. So Soheyl did her best to get what should could, then called for the OB and he came and they worked for about an hour trying to get it all. The labor nurses were incredible. Josh was w/Josephine during all this.



The nurses were holding my hand, rubbing my face and encouraging me while they worked on my placenta.
That was the WORST part of the whole thing... most painful really.
But they got it all finally after an hr and I was able to really hold Josephine.
Gosh, it was incredible.


 
After all that, we were in labor and delivery for a total about about 2 hours after she was born b/c my placenta issues.
Around 8:30, we headed to the nursery for her to get weighed and then went straight to our post-pardum room.
We got settled and called our families to come on down and meet their granddaughter...
It was incredible.
Everyone at Vanderbilt was just incredible. All the nurses...just amazing!
So...
there is My Birth Story.

We have been home for 3 days now.
We brought her home on my birthday Thursday!
What an amazing Birthday gift!



We have been going through the typical transitional stuff.
So if you could just continue to keep our new lil family in your prayers during these next few weeks.
Ill be blogging sporadically when I can Im sure.
Thank you everyone from around the globe for the support, well wishes, and gifts that have been sent!
We love you!

Amber, Josh, & Josephine
Ulmer