Josh started a blog on here which inspired me to look at mine and I realized that I haven't updated on here for 4 weeks. I'm not sure where the time goes and it's only getting worse as we get busier.
I went to my usual OB appointment with the CNM at 38 weeks. She asked about scheduling induction which we hadn't yet done. We requested July 8th (so she could have 7/8/9 as her birthday) but that date was booked. We were put down on the 6th and 7th just in case the unit would be too full. The first day were called off but told to come on the second at 6:30 am. We all (Josh, myself, Mom and Dad) got up at 4:30 am so that we could all be ready to go on time. I was in the bathroom when Josh came in and let me know that I could go back to bed because the hospital had called and said that we're not "on call" for 8am. When we called at 8 we were good to go.
We arrived to L&D around 0900 and were greeted by a former co-worker of mine, Jenny. I was happy to see a familiar face since ER nurses aren't exactly comfortable with OB stuff. She was wonderful. My IV was in and a short time later the CNM came in to check me. I was still the same 1cm that I have been for a month! Pitocin was started and increased throughout the day. I had nothing more than some cramping and thought to myself "wow this isn't so bad". They shut everything off at 1830, let me eat, shower and wander around the hospital for a few hours. We walked the halls the whole time hoping that this would help bring Mackenzie down. The plan for the evening was to get "low-dose" pitocin all night and then turn it up in the morning and try again. All night I barely slept despite the Ambien that was given to me wondering if it truly were possible to be pregnant forever. My nurse, Ruth checked on me frequently and let me know that the plans for the evening had changed since there were 2 emergency c-sections and another patient delivering as well.
At 0600 the CNM came in and broke my water. This wasn't too uncomfortable despite what I've heard about it but I was disappointed to hear that I was only 1.5 cm and still 50% effaced. This CNM was leaving for the day but felt very strongly that I'd have a baby by lunchtime. A few of my friends came down as they were leaving for work and with the pitocin going now I was becoming more and more uncomfortable. I hate being a pest so I tried to just watch TV with Josh and Mom. Later in the morning IV meds were offered and I jumped at the chance to get them. I was comfortable for a little while but then just became so tired that I'd sleep between contractions and then wake up for it crying in pain. Around 10:30 they offered me the epidural and I again accepted the offer. By 1100 the anesthesiologist was at my bedside claiming that he couldn't let me sign consent for my epidural because I had received "mind-altering medication". I said well then my husband will sign, he then said that I wasn't altered enough and that this wasn't considered an emergency. Unfortunately I was in too much pain to get snippy but Josh and Mom along with the OB team made sure that they found a loophole to get me an epidural. At 11:30 it was placed and I wasn't really feeling any relief. 1145 I was laying in bed asking why it wasn't working. I was assured that it takes up to 30 minutes to work and to be patient. The CNM wanted to wait until I had relief but checked me anyway and I was 5cm. I remember her telling my nurse, Donna that it wouldn't take long. Whatever that was supposed to mean I wasn't sure. At 1200 I was laying on my side in agonizing pain crying and yelling. Anesthesia was called to come and change my epidural since this one wasn't working. By 1215 Josh summoned staff because I felt the urge to push. They checked me and I was 10cm. I said that I wasn't ready b/c I needed my epidural and they told me it was too late. At 1329 Mackenzie was brought into the world. I can't believe I did it like that and am so incredibly proud of myself. She was 5 lbs 10 oz, 19.5 inches long. She was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
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