all part of the same trip.: Britta's birth story

I realized that I haven't written anything down about Britta's birthday. Already I have forgotten some of the details from those first days and moments with her, but I don't think I will ever forget how special they were! I'd like to document what I do remember now, so that one day I can share with Britta what a GREAT day it was!

The days leading up to Britta's birth were exciting and also a little nerve wrecking. I was sleeping well and feeling pretty good. I remember having more energy than I had expected, and was generally comfortable. I had heard from many moms that the last month or so would drag on. I was nervous this would be the case, especially since I was off of work for the summer, and wouldn't have much to keep myself occupied with. I found I DID have plenty to do to stay busy though - especially with a new puppy to take care of and my Master's degree to finish.

We also had the frequent doctor appointments to check how things were moving along to go to too. Our doctor presented the option of being induced to us. Britta was doing well, I was dilated some, and effaced. The doctor was also going on vacation within the next week or so, and it was important to me that he be there for the delivery. He recommends inducing in some cases so that everything can be prepared and no one feels rushed or stressed (the hospital in Amory is about 30 minutes from our house). Since I was group B positive, it was also important that we arrive at the hospital with plenty of time for the antibiotics to get through my system. I did not want to compromise Britta's health or safety though for convenience. Therefore I really wasn't sure what to do! I really wanted to make the right decision for us and Britta. After some prayer and conversation, we decided to go ahead with the induction. When I made the decision and said it out loud I knew it was the right one. I felt confident with the decision, and at peace with it.

We planned to arrive at the hospital at 5:30 AM on Friday July 17. Of course, Matt and I were running late and had to stop to grab breakfast along the way. We didn't arrive at the hospital until about 6:30 or so. I had completed the hospital paperwork online to pre-register, but once we arrived the information was not in the hospital's computer system. We had to complete the forms again, and that made us even later! Ha! We got a good laugh out of being late to our own daughter's birth!

Once we arrived in our room everything was very casual. Not rushed or stressful like I expected. I changed into a hospital gown and they put me on Pitocin, to get the labor started, and Group B antibiotics to prevent the group B from being passed to Britta.

Smiling and feeling excited to meet Britta.

After about an hour I was not feeling any changes or contractions, so the doctor came in to break my water. I remember this being a weird sensation. Matt had stepped out and gone to the cafeteria and the car, so he missed this part. I remember laughing to myself about this. Soon after this happened I felt like I needed to go to the bathroom. These were actually contractions! I remember thinking "this isn't so bad!"

As the contractions got stronger I spent some time on the exercise ball rolling and moving on it. This helped a little bit, and gave me something to do. I was very prepared for the labor to take a long time. I had even asked Matt to bring a deck of cards in case we got bored! HA!

The contractions quickly became stronger, and I remember asking for something to help manage the pain. I was very wishy washy about it though. Matt was very confident in me that I could do it without, and I thought I could too, but was open to the idea of having an epidural. However, I was worried that getting an epidural would slow the delivery down or stall it. A middle ground was getting narcotics through an IV. I had Staydol which we had learned about in our new parent classes. The purpose of it is to allow rest for the mom and dull the pain of the contractions. This turned out to be a great decision for us. It did make me sleepy, I still felt the pain, but I didn't care that I was in pain. It was somewhat comparable to being drunk!

I remember that the pain in my legs was actually more bothersome to me than the contractions. I think because of all of the IV fluids I was getting (antibiotics, Pitocin, and Staydol) everything was resting in my legs. I remember wanting them rubbed. Matt rubbed them for me for awhile, but this soon irritated me. I asked him not to touch me and to turn the TV off (golf was on in the background) so there wouldn't be noise. I also remember moving my arms through the contractions and watching the monitor that showed them getting stronger and closer together. These things helped encourage me to persevere.

Things became blurry for a little bit because of the Staydol. I remember saying that I didn't think I could do it, and I didn't want to do it. I asked for an epidural, but when the nurse (in training) came in to check me I was already too far along. They didn't want to tell me this, and Matt told me they were looking into it for me. I knew this wasn't the case though - I wasn't that out of it! I asked if it would be okay if I yelled. They of course laughed and told me yes, I could do whatever I needed to. Matt says that my "yells" were not loud at all though.

The more seasoned nurse came to check me - I was fully dilated, and Britta was coming. She asked if the doctor was on his way, and looked out our window to see if he was coming. We had a view of the sidewalk between the office and the hospital. A nurse said he was coming, and the seasoned nurse asked if he was walking or running! I knew Britta would be here soon, and they were worried he wouldn't make it in time. I felt the strong urge to push, but they were trying to get me not to. Of course the body just naturally takes over, and it was not something I could stop.

The doctor arrived and put his gloves on. Matt put gloves on as well. I pushed 3 or 4 times and then Britta arrived at 12:38 pm! Matt was able to pull her out himself after the doctor delivered her head. He was also able to cut the umbilical cord! It was all very exciting. I don't remember her specifically crying, but I knew she was healthy. I remember that I then had to deliver the placenta, and that this was not something I had expected or had read much about. This was also a strange sensation for me. Britta was placed on my chest and I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I did not cry, but I was so happy she was there. I was so overwhelmed (and maybe partly because of the Staydol) that I couldn't open my eyes to look at her. I remember telling her I wanted to look at her, but I just couldn't do it. I could not physically open my eyes. This was also a strange sensation. I was so happy to hold her, but was also being stitched up from my tearing at the same time. These were very conflicting feelings, since the stitches were painful. Overwhelming is the only way I can describe it.

After I was stitched up, I was able to open my eyes and look at Britta. Right away she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I knew she was perfect in every way. She was then given a bath during which she cried VERY loudly. When she was finished they brought her back to me, and she nursed. Everything Britta did, she did very naturally. It was easy for her, and it was easier for me than I expected. Being a mom came naturally, I hadn't needed to worry. The nurses said that even physically I am a natural. From them I took this as a compliment even though I think it's a funny one!

Britta's first bath

We spent Friday and Saturday night in the hospital. Britta's vitals checked out just fine, and she was eating without any problems. I had some problems being able to go to the bathroom at first and they thought they might need to put a catheter in. Thankfully after a few hours I was fine. I remember my stomach was very squishy and lopsided. I felt tired, but good and hungry that whole weekend. I was happy!

All wrapped up.

In love.

(A friend gave me the hair tie I am wearing on my left arm. She told me that delivery would be the easiest part of being a mom. I hadn't been given advice like this, and it gave me courage to be brave through the labor! I wore her hair tie as a reminder.)

We had some visitors which was really nice, and Matt treated the nurses to several meals. A few friends knew we had a week to wait until our family could come to visit, so it was really nice that they came out to meet Britta while we were at the hospital. The nurses also took really good care of us knowing that we didn't have any family in the area. The kindness that people showed us throughout the pregnancy, during our stay at the hospital, and throughout our first 2 weeks at home is something I will never forget. It made me really realize that I need to strive to show kindness to others more often.

Britta's arrival was better than I could have ever imagined or hoped!

Nurse Gail was our "seasoned" nurse. She was very encouraging and helpful throughout our entire stay at the hospital.

Dr. Wood was the BEST doctor I could have had. He prayed with us at our appointments and on the day of the delivery. He is a very calming and peaceful presence. He is so reassuring and really gave me confidence that I could do it throughout the entire pregnancy. He took time to answer all the questions we had, and really got to know us and what we wanted.