my birth story 🤍
this delivery was a dream, especially compared to my first. on feb 19 I started cramping on and off throughout the day. I had already been in prodromal labor for 3 weeks leading up to this point so I didn’t think much of it. I continued to chase around my toddler and go about our day. later that night my cramps started to get stronger and I remember saying to my husband “I think i’m having contractions but i’m not sure”. I decided to try and go to sleep assuming they would stop as they had before. at 10:45pm I woke up feeling wet and as soon as I stood up out of bed there was the gush. my water broke. almost immediately the contractions intensified. now we live in jacksonville and our closest family is in sarasota which is 4 hours away. we moved here a few months ago and haven’t met anyone so I immediately called my stepmom and she was rushing up to jax. I labored at home for about an hour until I couldn’t take it anymore, at this point it was about 11:45pm. my husband and toddler rushed me to the hospital, where I was taken immediately to L&D while my husband and son were in the waiting room, hoping my stepmom would make it in time to get my son. I made it up there at midnight and when they checked me I was already 5cm and I asked for the epidural right away. I revived my epidural at around 1:30am and was finally able to relax. my stepmom is superwoman and made it to the hospital to pick up my son at 3am, so my husband was finally able to joint me in the delivery room. I was progressing very quickly and the nurses were worried he wouldn’t make it in the room in time. around 5:30 I started feeling a ton of pressure and felt like I needed to push. sure enough I was 10cm and the baby was low. it was go time! I started pushing and baby was coming out so fast my nurse had me stop because the doctor still wasn’t there. the doctor got there a few minutes later, and 2-3 pushes later, baby boy was born! feb 20, 6:10am!
the experience was so wonderful! I didn’t feel any pain, I was joking and laughing with my nurses and doctor between pushes, I only pushed for 20 minutes, and I only had a 2nd degree tear and partial labia tear.
i’m so blessed to have such an amazing experience this time, after I was traumatized from my first delivery. being a mom is the most special thing in this world and I am so blessed and grateful that god has given me two baby boys
#birth #birthstories #momlife #Lemon8Diary #embracevulnerability
Giving birth is a unique experience for every mother, filled with anticipation and emotions. Many women go through varying levels of labor, and understanding the stages can be insightful for expecting mothers. It’s common to experience prodromal labor, which can make it challenging to distinguish between real contractions and false alarms. In my case, cramping led me to believe it could be another false alarm. However, recognizing the signs when my water broke proved critical for both myself and my support team. For a smoother delivery, ensure you have a plan in place. Knowing where the nearest hospital is located and having reliable caregivers, like family or friends, to assist can alleviate stress. In my situation, having my stepmom come to watch my toddler was vital. After reaching the hospital, I was quickly assessed and able to receive an epidural, which helped me relax and enjoy the moment leading up to my son’s arrival. Epidurals can be a controversial topic, so it’s essential for mothers to research their options and consult their healthcare professionals. Each woman's experience will differ based on their individual preferences, health status, and labor progression. Post-delivery, it’s essential to celebrate the journey and bond with your newborn. Acknowledging and sharing your birth story can empower others, and it promotes an understanding of the various paths to motherhood. Every birth story is valuable, contributing to the incredible tapestry of maternal experiences, and sharing these narratives creates a supportive community for new and expectant mothers.
