Saturday, March 14, 2009

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...
IMG_1653sm


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.
IMG_1673sm


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.
IMG_1644sm

 
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!
IMG_1923sm


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

40 comments:

  1. So beautiful :)
    And congrats!

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  2. Wow! Should they call this experience "The Josephine Delivery"?? You basically just wrote MY delivery story verbatum w/ MY Josephine! How ironic is that?! SO happy for you-- it's an amazing, surreal time. Savor every little moment! xoxo

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  3. She is sooooo beautiful, Amber!!!! I'm so glad you got to bring her home on your bday, what agreat gift!!!

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  4. So glad all went well for you. She is a beautiful blessing. Take care!

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  5. my goodness she is beautiful!
    love you guys!
    congrats!

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  6. Jennifer9:38 AM

    Oh my goodness. She is gorgeous!

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  7. Mandy L9:45 AM

    I have posted here before about my experience with the Vandy midwives...love them! Soheyl was on call when I went into labor also, and she ended up delivering my son. I love her! Glad you had a good experience!

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  8. I am glad to hear that you had a good birthing experience. I too had back labor and it is as intense as ever. And, it's amazing how things can change so quickly. I was pushing and the next thing I knew I had to have a c-section because of the placenta. Come to find out, it was too short!
    Congrats again on such a beautiful little girl. Looking forward to more updates as you cad do them!

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  9. Sorry to hear about all your troubles after the delivery, Amber. (HUGS).
    p.s. Josh better be prepared... there are two girls in the house now... *wink*

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  10. What a wonderful story you've created together! It maybe wasn't "perfect", but Josie is, and that's the best part of all. I'm so happy for you and will continue to send love and prayers your way. Be gentle to yourself in these early days. They fly by so quickly- even though they feel so overwhelming right now. TRY to enjoy them just a little bit, and sleep the rest of the time. =) Thanks for the wonderful photos and updates. Take care and know we'll all continue to care from afar! Love you!

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  11. BEautifully captured, Amber. She's a beauty! Get some rest and again, Congrats!!

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  12. Josie is just the sweetest little thing!!! Lots of prayers for you all!!!!!

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  13. Back labors! We prepared for a natural childbirth with the Bradley Method and a doula but I wish I would've had a midwife at the hospital to help me deal with the unexpected back labor. I've since heard that back labors are most common with you first born, but I'm sure it's still different with everyone. We're looking for a midwife this week and I've been waiting to hear this post to see how things went for you guys since I knew you had used one. It sounds like you loved her and her role seemed to play an important part in your labor and delivery. Thanks for sharing all of this with us despite having just come home. We'll be thinking of you guys. And ditto on enjoying the craziness that comes with something so new and so trying. It's a mix of the best and hardest days of your life those first few months but it gets easier. It will get easier.
    Blessings on you three.

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  14. Congratulations!! She is beautiful :0)
    And after planning for a *natural* birth but not having sleep for over 36 hours, I chose one too with my first baby.
    And do not regret it :0)

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  15. Congratulations!! She is beautiful :0)
    And after planning for a *natural* birth but not having sleep for over 36 hours, I chose one too with my first baby.
    And do not regret it :0)

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  16. Amber and Josh.... she is so beautiful! Congratulations!

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  17. Wendy Reed2:15 PM

    Fantastic! :) I'm so happy for the both of you. She really is beautiful just like her parents! Enjoy, they sure do grow up fast.
    Smiles,
    Wendy

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  18. I'm so glad she's here! :)
    Enjoy every second of it, Mama! Nothing like these sweet moments together :)

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  19. What a beautiful story!!! Congrats!! Can't wait to see more photos!!! Hugs, Cassandra

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  20. Dee Heath4:48 PM

    Congratulations to you all, she is absolutely gorgeous!

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  21. Lacey Baker4:58 PM

    She is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations to you all. I will be keeping you in my prayers!

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  22. corinne8:13 PM

    so happy to read this and to see it all went smoothly, she just looks adorable and the first week everything is new, your hormones are taking a ride with you, etc, all will be good :)
    corinnexxx

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  23. Congrats again Amber! She is so beautiful!

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  24. Congrats again Amber! She is so beautiful!

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  25. Oh wow! Can't believe you worked all throughout your pregnancy! I found it really hard with my two pregnancies!
    Glad you had an overall good birth experience. Your daughter is so beautiful! A little angel! Enjoy all that is to come!
    PS i found you through Elsie's twitter! Greetz from the Netherlands!

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  26. O-M-G!!!!!!! She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations!!!!! This is truly the time of you life!!!! :)

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  27. O-M-G!!!!!!! She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations!!!!! This is truly the time of you life!!!! :)

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  28. She is beautiful! And Josh looks like a great Daddy already! Blessings to you all!! XoXo

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  29. I loved reading your birth story. I always find them to be so inspiring. Yours in particular - no epidural until 8cms?! Way to go!
    Josephine is absolutely beautiful!

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  30. Congrats, Amber. :) She's such a beauty. Thanks for sharing the birth story. :)
    Things change from this moment onwards... but it's all good!
    Have good rest and Congrats again on promotion to motherhood.

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  31. so happy for you all! josie is gorgeous!

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  32. What a great birth story!!! She is absolutely beautiful. Oh my goodness. Congratulations!!!

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  33. What a great birth story!!! She is absolutely beautiful. Oh my goodness. Congratulations!!!

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  34. Congratulations!!! She is just gorgeous. And WOW at getting your birth story recorded in the first four days, super Mum!!

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  35. Congratulations!!! She is just gorgeous. And WOW at getting your birth story recorded in the first four days, super Mum!!

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  36. Great birth story Amber - thanks for sharing it with us.
    Praising God for His provisions for you during one of the most incredible times of your lives!
    Josh reminds me so much of my hubby during labours too - so supportive. Such a major blessing.
    Love and best wishes to all,
    Lusi x

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  37. Great birth story Amber - thanks for sharing it with us.
    Praising God for His provisions for you during one of the most incredible times of your lives!
    Josh reminds me so much of my hubby during labours too - so supportive. Such a major blessing.
    Love and best wishes to all,
    Lusi x

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  38. Congratulations and You did very well....Sophie is beautiful and she is very blessed to have both of you for parents....Thanks for sharing.

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  39. awwww so sweet :)
    love you!
    -d

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