Meaghan

I am a military spouse and had our daughter in Fort Irwin, California.
 (About 10 miles south of  Death Valley)  I was very concerned about the
location, in case there were any problems.  Fortunately my fears were
completely unfounded.

Like most new moms, I had heard every horror story about labor there is.  So
here's my "horror" story.  ;-)

Meaghan was due on June 17, 1996.  On June 16, I was having company for
dinner.  As I prepared dinner for my husband and our friend, I began feeling
bad and (I have been told) got very cranky.  Suddenly I realized that I was
having pains about every 5 minutes or so.  Could this be labor???  Called the
hospital and they advised me to hang tight at home as my first labor would
assuredly be many many hours if not a day or two.  (that was a 6:00 pm)  By
9:00, I went to the hospital with my husband sure that I was the only woman
in history to be in that much pain.  (it really wasn't that bad in hindsight)
 I was only 4 centimeters dialated but it was a slow night so they told me to
stay.  I was very nauseous, so the nurses gave me Phenergan and Nubain to
help me with the nausea and labor pains.  Nubain was a godsend for me.  I
slept thru most of the contractions, waking only for the peaks.  I was VERY
relaxed.  About 1:00 am I was dialated to 10 and began pushing.  At 2:30am
the Dr. had to use vacuum suction to finally get Meaghan out as she was stuck
on my pelvic bone.    She was born at 2:43 am and was the most beautiful
thing I have ever seen in my life.  She was 8 lb 16  and 18 1/2 inches long.
 I was awake enough after delivery to be able to take plenty of pictures of
my hubby bathing her.  

My second child is due June 23, 1997.  And I hope that all goes as smoothly
with this one.

Luvquiltn@aol.com