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James' Birth

My September 24th due date came and went without so much as a cramp. I had been 1 cm dialated at my 36 week checkup so I was convinced that I would be early. At my 42 week checkup the OB told me that I should be induced and we agreed on October 3rd as 'B' day. I kept hoping that I would go into labor on my own, but it was not meant to be. Of course my boss had to crack that I was never on time for anything. funny

On October 3rd Mike and I woke up bright and early, and got ready to go to the hospital. We were both pretty nervous and I really don't remember what we talked about. We checked into the hospital and went directly to the birthing room where I would labor and deliver. My OB came in to greet me with his cheerful smile, examined me, and said I was at 3 cm. He then decided to break my waters in hopes of starting labor without the pitocin. After that, Mike and I roamed the halls for an hour and I never felt so much as a twitch. At 10am they decided to set up the IV with the pitocin. As someone who gives blood on a regular basis, I did not find the IV distressing. Mike, of course, had to ask how long this was going to take. Dr T smiled and said the first babies usually aren't in any hurry to arrive.

Within 10 minutes I started to feel the contractions. They became stronger after the first half hour and Mike started talking me through them. At certain intervals the nurse would come in and increase the drip. I have to say that I started to hate the sight of her face. The good thing is Mike and I were left alone for the most part because I couldn't stand to have anyone touch me but him. about 2 1/2 hours later the pains were coming on hard and fierce. I started to feel the urge to push and told Mike. This was the worst part for me because it took everything I had not to push. It was at this point that I started to waiver about pain relief. I still did not want an epidural but I was ready for something. Luckly Mike told the nurse to get the doctor. Dr T came in and casually said he was going to check me out. I could hear the utter suprise in his voice when he said I was at 9cm. I can't tell you how glad I was to hear him say that. I had been thinking to myself that if he says I'm only a 4 or 5 cm, I'm taking a leap through the window.

He asked me to give a 'practice push' and with that the baby was down the birth canal. It felt wonderful to push. A few more pushes and the baby's head was crowning. Dr T had a mirror brought in so I could see what was going on. What I could see was there was no way this baby was coming out without an episiotomy. He numbed the area with novicaine and proceeded to cut. I still felt the perinium cut and it hurt. I started pushing again and Mike told me the baby was almost out. Dr T told me that the pitocin had been turned off and I was doing this on my own. This must have messed with my mind alittle because the next contraction took a while to come. One big push later I felt a pop and the baby's head was out. Dr T cleaned his nose and mouth, and told me to push again. One more gentle push and a red and screaming baby was handed to me. I pronounced him to be perfect. He was 7lbs, 13oz, and 21 in long with a 14in head. Ouch. He was 9 and 9 on the apgars though he was a 10 to me.

The OB stiched me up while I cuddled Jamie, who's first act in the world was to pee on his mother. Mike cut the cord and I easily passed the placenta. After the cord was cut I nursed Jamie who sucked as vigorously as he cried.

Throughout, Dr T explained everthing that was happening and never took a step without my nod of consent. The the nurse left us alone and didn't try to interfere. I labored for 3 hours, pushed for 15 minutes, and feel that due to the quick labor I was able to avoid drugs. In all the experience was a positive one. The only thing I would change is that next time I would hold out longer before I am induced.

Lois Murphy