Labor Continued

During my pregnancy, I frequented a message board for women due in September. A few experienced women there said they would pack when they went into labor so they'd have something to do. I'm glad I didn't listen to them! Once I was pretty sure I was in labor, I wasn't up to doing anything but laying in bed paying attention to the contractions! Todd got everything in the car, and we headed to the hospital.

I felt weird approaching the desk on the OB floor and saying "I'm in labor." But they got me into a room and checked out. I was 4 cm dilated, and they admitted me.

I can't give things in a timeline, because I was too out of it to pay attention--and that was with no drugs! But they got me hooked up to an IV and monitors. Libby was very active and they had trouble keeping track of her on the monitor. Todd kept massaging through every contraction (until I started pushing! What a guy!). I think he called both of our parents when I was admitted, and my parents started their drive. I wanted Mom to come down for the birth, and Dad came too.

Dr. Perry got there at some point and asked if I wanted an epidural. I said no and Todd backed me up. The only drugs I had was a shot of Lidocaine when I was being stitched up afterward.

My mom got there when I had about 30 minutes left of pushing. Libby was born at 1:57 am on August 30th, less than 8 hours after I went into labor, and just 6 hours after I was admitted. The doctor immediately put her on my belly, and it was just so exciting to meet her! She had a lot of dark hair, and she squeaked when she cried, which she still does when she gets really upset.

After they took her measurements and got her cleaned up, they gave her back to me. She was so soft! Just her little face was sticking out of the swaddling and hat. We tried breastfeeding and were somewhat successful. I felt like it took 4-6 weeks to get the hang of it, and 10-12 to be really comfortable and confident. I'm glad I stuck with it!