Saturday, February 28, 2009

Just call me Mom

LABOR


Maybe I'm a wuss after all. I thought I had a really high pain tolerance...


So it all started with Pitocin and for 7.5 hours nothing happened! I was rocking out on a birthing ball and just waiting and waiting...one centimeter. So finally they decide to break my water. Ok, I heard in the past that it felt "a little uncomfortable". Rrrrrright. KILLED!


But soon after the contractions came on STRONG. Ok, so my sister was in labor at the same time and she was a four and not feeling anything. I got to a three and WANTED TO DIE! Am I pathetic or was it the extra strong contractions from Pitocin? They actually turned it down TWICE because they said my contractions were off the charts. Lovely. Thanks guys.


So I was in agony for a few hours and then the epidural came. Sweet nectar of the Gods. That's all I have to say about that :)


As for pushing...the nurse kept telling me to push harder and not from my head (which was turning purple). Well, guess what? I was pushing so hard I was ALSO throwing up. Imagine the fun. So I'd push and then turn my head to the side and throw up. I can't imagine pushing any harder than I was. I mean, seriously.


They had a mirror up so I could see everything which was actually incredible. They thought it would help motivate me. Well, so much for that nurse...I pushed a 9 pounder 1 ouncer out in 45 minutes. Then it was all over. I'm a little sad that I couldn't quite grasp the intensity of the final moments because I was so nauseated but at the same time, I'll never forget it. Kris had a camera in one hand and a video camera in the other. Hahaha. So I have those first moments captured forever. I used to think those alien-squished hospital pics were gross but seeing my son's very first breath of life captured forever? Majestic.


When he opened his big, beautiful eyes it seriously took my breath away.



P.S. The past few days have been...how can I even describe this? Some moments so tender and sacred they are for my journal and my husband only. Some moments so frustrating and scary and overwhelming it seems like every day is an eternity. One week ago today, it all began. I'm just trying to take in a day at a time.

P.P.S. LOVE my son and LOVE my husband...more than ever.

11 comments:

Michelle Olson said...

You are not a wimp by any means. Pitocin is NOT natural and when you are on it without an epideral it is the most excrutiating pain in the world!! Your story is pretty much as I did it, except after 8 hours on pitocin (no epideral), I was able to push!! ANd then she came out folded in half 2 hours and 20 minutes later. Second baby, no pain whatsoever. 3 pushes and he was out. No pitocin. Natural. I had been terrified the same thing was going to happen to me the second time around... The Lord's tender mercies.
Anyway, You are THE woman! I"m sooo happy for you! Another thought I kept having over and over with MacKenzie was, "how in the world do women have more than one?" And "Why would they want to?" It's kind of like the mission. How come nobody told me it would be this hard? Then you have those moments (every single day) when you realize and know you would do it all over again in a second...or maybe 9 months...
Sooooo happy for you guys!!!!

The Birth Control Pill said...

this baby boy doesn't look 9 lbs 1oz at all. he is so adorable. those big cathy eyes melt my heart. congrats honey. i just love you and i am so proud of you. thanks for sharing.

Andrea said...

LOVED reading this. It's so fun to hear everyones experience. It's like a secret club of women who KNOW how bad it hurts. not to downplay your pain by any means, but at least you didn't get to the point of feeling the "pressure." SCARIEST. THING. EVER.

BUT HOW THE H#** did you push out a nine pound baby? SERIOUSLY. U are so tiny. ARen't babies usually "suited" for your body type? Holy crap.

So glad things went well and he's adorable. I love babies that LOOK like their mom and dad and you can TOTALLY tell that's your kid! MORE PICS.

Now the real adventure begins. Stay in touch and we can swap knowledge. My only advice for hte first month is, don't listen to a thing the books tell you. Get to know your kid and trust him. Congrats again!

Christi Pobst said...

We love you guys! I can't wait to see the little baby boy grow up! I also can't wait for my own baby to come out so i enjoy the experience with you!

diana said...

What an experience, eh? I'm so glad you shared. I've been wondering what happened and how it all played out. Congratulations on Motherhood. He is SO adorable; I can't wait to meet him! XOXO

Day Family Blog said...

Epidurals are wonderful! I think that you hit motherhood right on the head: Some moments are so tender and others are utterly frustrating. Just enjoy the ride cuz as you know it is so worth it. I still can't believe that you delivered a 9 lbs baby. Enjoy getting to know your little man!

Sislers said...

Wow, my labor was very similar, except I didn't throw up. The pain from pitocin was horrible, and my nurse didn't tell me I could have the epidural whenever I wanted it, so after 4 hours of agony, I was in heaven :)
He is adorable and for a second I wanted to have another one, but mine's not even 1 yet...not to mention, I'm not ready for all that "stuff" again :)

JenJ said...

Cathy!!!
He is so darling!!!!!!!!! I just want to hug that little guy! Thanks for such a sweet cousin for our little Noah!
Great work ! Pitocin is the worst! Next time will be way easier.

Lexi Patterson said...

Congratulations!!! He is so beautiful. I LOVE his big eyes. I can't wait to have my little boy out, but I am not excited about the labor. So scary. Thanks for sharing that and freaking me out! :)

Linz said...

Oh gosh...not a wimp at all.....there is a reason it is called the "sweet nectar of the gods" because it is no doubt heaven sent! Now who wants to miss out on anything heaven sent?!? Especially for people who birth big babies! Owen was 10lbs 5oz and there is NO WAY I could have done that all by myself!! I threw up too must be a big baby thing! He is cute, congratulations! By the way, it does get easier and life will start to feel normal sooner than you know it!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness!!! He is so cute! I love his little inquizitive eyes:) You two know how to make 'em. Sounds like you have your hands full....literally. Good job cuz, I'm proud of ya!

Love,
Amanda Panda (Pribyl)