Birth story, birth story, birth story

I figured the world is dying to hear all about Miss Seneca's birth, so here we go...

For some reason, this go round my doctor really wanted to be there to deliver her. It was kind of odd honestly, like we were old friends or something. So we planned on an induction at 39 weeks if everything was looking right. Sidenote: I can't go into labor on my own so induction is necessary every time:( I went for my appointment on the 11th at 5pm and he informed me I would be induced the next morning!

 

The hospital does this lovely thing where they call between 3 and 7am and you have to hurry down to have your baby. So sleeping pretty much is out of the question. My mom spent the night to watch the kids so we could just go. I sat in bed waiting for a phone call, it finally came at 10 minutes to 7 but they said they were full so it might not be until noonish. WHAT?!? I told the lady we have 4 other kids and childcare is all arranged, I need to have a baby TODAY! She told me I could come down and wait if I wanted in a kind of snotty tone.

 

So around noon I did just that and let me tell you they were not happy at first! They told me that if I was down there they wouldn't give away my spot, I seriously think they have hidden cameras and may be making a new reality TV show. My doc gave me his cell number and wanted me to text him as soon as I got a room. So I let him know that things weren't looking so good. He made some calls and a couple hours later I finally had a spot. Best thing is that my doctor had the day off and was only there for me...still don't know why...maybe frequent birther points?

 

Around 4 they started my Pitocin...then they raised it...then they did that again...and around 6 I decided to get the epidural...big mistake! This resident comes in and explains the possible (coughprobablecoughIreallysuckatmyjobcough) complications with an epidural. Yeah, yeah, yeah I've lived through 4 already they are wonderful, not a big deal. That was until he numbed me in one spot and stabbed me in another HOLY COW!!!!! I felt pain in my body in places I didn't know I had! And if that wasn't enough "I'm sorry we are going to have to try again." So he tried twice on his own, I thought I was going to die and then he had to call his boss to do it a THIRD TIME! Unfortunately his boss let him place the catheter and he had to call his boss back right afterwards and I heard whispering something about fluid. The meds started in and I could feel pain in my arms and head only at that point.

 

Around 2am and bumping up the Pitocin about 20 more times I felt pressure to push a little. The nurse checked and Seneca was ready to come on out. Doc came back in the room after a little nap and told me how to push, 1 big we have a head, 1/2 a push, 1 medium and out she came. He said "She's a solid one! I'm guessing nine pounds on the dot." 9lbs 1oz  he was really close! She was alert and healthy and perfect:)

 

An hour or so later Jess had to head home to try to get some sleep before facing the rest of the kiddos the next day. I when I got to my room I started throwing up because my head hurt so bad. I had a spinal headache, but when I asked them to call the anesthesiologist they put it off and offered me narcotics instead. I told them no, what I was feeling wasn't normal and I want it fixed. About 12 hours later someone came in and told me nothing in my records showed anything went wrong with my epidural and it's probably just tension, wait until Saturday night and if it's still bad we will discuss it further. So I had to lay flat or I felt like I was being stabbed through the skull. No one would listen to me and I couldn't even get Tylenol on time so we left the hospital Saturday afternoon. I went to a different ER on Monday because the headache was actually getting worse if that was even possible. They had to do a blood patch which essentially another epidural but with your own blood to block the leak in your spinal fluid. That didn't take. So poor Jess is playing Mr. Mom all week while I am in bed and can only take care of the baby.

The ER doctor told me to drink Mountain Dew...gross, but I did and it seemed to help a little. I asked for a blessing Wednesday night and was told my body would be able to heal itself. That night as I was laying in bed I felt impressed to lay flat without any pillows. I woke up about 45 minutes later to a popping sound in my head. I sat up and for the first time in almost a week didn't have that sharp pain in my head. I don't know what happened but I am happy it did!

Seneca was an angel for me during that time. Luckily I learned many kids ago to nurse while laying down. Pantera was a HUGE help to Grandma and Jess when I was down. Papa came over and watched the kiddos when I went to the ER. Meals were brought in from sisters at church, so helpful. Jess was absolutely amazing taking care of EVERYTHING else. Jess you are me hero! I feel so blessed to have people in my life who care enough about me and my family to step in when we really need it.

So now that you've heard me whine, I think you'll agree she was totally worth it!

 

And yes Meredith, one of these days I will post a picture of her wearing clothes.