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Birth Stories

Jake Hudson

My third son, Jake Hudson, was due May 20, 2007. So when my water broke 3 1/2 weeks early at 5:30 in the morning on April 27th ( the day before my 2nd son's 6th birthday ) I was in shock and disbelief. This just couldn't be happening! I had 12 children coming to my house the next day for a birthday party. And besides, my bags weren't packed, I hadn't had my pedicure yet and we still didn't have a name picked out. Needless to say, I was quite emotional that morning.

After a few phone calls to the parents of the kids coming to the party and then to the Doctor to fill her in on the mornings events, we were off to St. Francis to have our baby boy. We arrived at the hospital around 9 am and I was sure, this being my 3rd child, he would be in my arms by lunch time. Well, lunch time came and went and no baby. The nurse checked me at 2pm only to inform me I was 4cm dilated. How could that be? He was in such a hurry just hours before! All I could think about was I needed to have him on the 27th. I just couldn't have 2 children with the very same birthday. Surely, someone would have their feelings hurt or need therapy down the road (most likely me). So, it was then I decided to let them start the pitocin drip. MY plan was to get an epidural when I was about 6/7 cm dilated, just like I had done during my other two deliveries. Then, if history repeated itself, I would take a nap for about an hour, wake up, push for 15 minutes and Walla.....I would be holding my beautiful baby boy in no time at all.

The only problem was, MY plan just wasn't meant to be. I labored for the next few hours switching between the bed, which was in a completely upright position ( I felt like a queen on her throne) and the birthing ball. My contractions were finally coming on strong. Yet surprisingly, I felt calm and in control. I must give all the credit to Mary Jo and her Friday morning Prenatal yoga class. I was not a believer in yoga when I signed up. Actually the only reason I did was because my sister-in-love, who is also pregnant wanted to take the class together and use it as a bonding experience. Boy has my perspective changed! The breathing and relaxation techniques I learned were invaluable to me during my labor. For the first time during my labor I felt very in control. Little did I know then, I would need this strength during the next couple hours ahead.

It was 7:45pm when they checked my cervix again. I laid back on the bed and to my delight I was 8cm dilated. Finally! I could get my epidural! The nurse called the anesthesiologist and began to set up the room for the procedure. But when my next contraction came it was HUGE.....I mean MONUMENTAL. I had never felt a contraction like this before!? I told my nurse the anesthesiologist better hurry and come quick! I needed drugs! 5.....10 minutes went by and no anesthesiologist, but most importantly.....no drugs. Then something happened that never happened to me during a delivery before. Without my input or consent, during my next contraction my body began pushing the baby out. I told the nurse what was going on and she didn't believe me. She quickly laid me back in the bed to check me again and saw the baby's head was crowning. She called for the Doctor to come back into the room and he showed up just in the nick of time. But I was in denial and still wanted MY epidural! The panic began to set in. My contractions were coming and my body was pushing and I was doing everything in my power to hold them in. This was not in MY plan! Where was the anesthesiologist? The nurse finally looked me square in the eyes and firmly but kindly told me how it was going to be. I would deliver my 3rd son, with no pain medication. Instead of continuing to fight against my contractions, it was that very moment I realized the pain meds weren't going to happen and I needed to get past the fear of the unknown and push this baby out. So that is exactly what I did. And 2 pushes later at 8:15pm on April the 27th, I delivered an alert, healthy, 6lb 10oz, blue eyed, beautiful baby boy. I was so proud of myself! I couldn't believe I had done it! I delivered naturally! Not in a hundred years would I have ever thought I could do it. Pain is not my thing and it was NOT in MY plan! But somehow I did it and I'm alive to talk about it. Funny thing is, I can't even remember the pain now.

I have attached some pictures of our new baby boy, Jake Hudson (name was picked about 6 hours after delivery). He is such a great addition to our family. Currently at 7 weeks old, everything is going great. He has gained 2 1/2 lbs and grown 3 inches. He is sleeping 3/4 hours at night and is beginning to stay awake a little during the day.

Thanks Mary Jo for your guidance and instruction. Without it, I feel my birthing experience may have been completely overwhelming and negative. I hope to be back to Mommy and Me yoga in the fall!

Namaste

Betsy A.

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