8 months ago
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
How It All Went Down
Are you ready for a good baby story? Here's what happened....
Tuesday morning Andy and I dropped Georgia with a friend and went to my scheduled OB appointment (one I seriously did not think I was going to have). While there I had an ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid and another monitoring of the baby's heart rate. Everything looked great, until I saw the doctor.
She checked my cervix and told me I was about 4 1/2 to 5 cm dilated. (I still don't know why I wasn't in labor!) Then she told me that she had seen a deceleration in the baby's heartbeat while I was having a contraction. Because I was so overdue she had cause for concern and wanted me to go directly to the hospital to be induced. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200.
But I didn't want to. I knew that they were going to want to induce me in the next few days, but I wanted those next few days to go into labor on my own. I asked if we could wait until the next day because Andy's parents would be here and we'd have care for Georgia lined up. She said no. She didn't even want us to go home to get our bags. I just said fine so that I wouldn't start crying. We broke the rules however, and we went home to get our bags, call Andy's parents to ask them to come earlier, and take a few things over for Georgia.
Needless to say, the crankies set in. I had really hoped to go into labor on my own and I had told my friend Sara that I didn't want to pick my baby's birthday. Before I left for the hospital she said, "At least you didn't pick your baby's birthday. The doctor did." She was right! I was going to pick the last possible day to be induced, but the doctor did it for me by pushing us to the hospital.
When we got to the hospital, we had a GREAT nurse. She said there was no reason to rush an induction, they'd monitor the baby for awhile and either send me home or possibly break my water. She thought that since I was so far dilated breaking my water would probably get things going really well and we wouldn't have to mess with pitocin. She made me feel very at ease and like I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to do.
But after thinking about it, I told Andy that since we were there already and would probably be back in a few days anyway, AND that his parents were already on their way, we should just let them break my water and see what happens. The doctor agreed with my decision because from the time I left the office to the time I got to the hospital, I was over 5 cm and getting close to 6. So after a couple of hours of monitoring the baby (she was fine), they broke my water around 1:00 pm. Within about 20 minutes I started having contractions that were pretty uncomfortable.
Things progressed quickly from there. The pain was increasing and I knew I wanted an epidural, but the anesthesiologist was in surgery so I opted for some Nubain. The nurse gave me some other medication that made me sleep. It actually made me feel intoxicated. So I could still feel my contractions, but had a hard time vocalizing that I was still in pain. I didn't like that. I was dilated to between 7 and 8 when I did get the epidural and it was about an hour and a half later that it was time to push. A lot of that time is still foggy to me because of the earlier medication. I remember that when the midwife (my doctor was in emergency surgery) told me I could start pushing, I thought it was way too early and not enough time had passed! But that was because I had spent the last several hours kind of out it from the meds.
I started pushing at about 4:50 pm and the baby was born at 5:42 pm. The midwife thought my push time would have been shorter, but the size of the baby made it a little difficult. Still, 50 minutes compared to 2 1/2 hours with Georgia was good in my book!
And now she's here! Lola Sue Schumacher was born February 22, 2011 at 5:42 pm. She was 9 lbs and 12 oz and 21 inches long. No wonder I couldn't sleep, breathe or walk during the last part of my pregnancy. She's a whole lot of baby! So far she eats and sleeps very well and is proving to be pretty content. We are so thrilled to have this new little addition to our family!
Tuesday morning Andy and I dropped Georgia with a friend and went to my scheduled OB appointment (one I seriously did not think I was going to have). While there I had an ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid and another monitoring of the baby's heart rate. Everything looked great, until I saw the doctor.
She checked my cervix and told me I was about 4 1/2 to 5 cm dilated. (I still don't know why I wasn't in labor!) Then she told me that she had seen a deceleration in the baby's heartbeat while I was having a contraction. Because I was so overdue she had cause for concern and wanted me to go directly to the hospital to be induced. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200.
But I didn't want to. I knew that they were going to want to induce me in the next few days, but I wanted those next few days to go into labor on my own. I asked if we could wait until the next day because Andy's parents would be here and we'd have care for Georgia lined up. She said no. She didn't even want us to go home to get our bags. I just said fine so that I wouldn't start crying. We broke the rules however, and we went home to get our bags, call Andy's parents to ask them to come earlier, and take a few things over for Georgia.
Needless to say, the crankies set in. I had really hoped to go into labor on my own and I had told my friend Sara that I didn't want to pick my baby's birthday. Before I left for the hospital she said, "At least you didn't pick your baby's birthday. The doctor did." She was right! I was going to pick the last possible day to be induced, but the doctor did it for me by pushing us to the hospital.
When we got to the hospital, we had a GREAT nurse. She said there was no reason to rush an induction, they'd monitor the baby for awhile and either send me home or possibly break my water. She thought that since I was so far dilated breaking my water would probably get things going really well and we wouldn't have to mess with pitocin. She made me feel very at ease and like I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to do.
But after thinking about it, I told Andy that since we were there already and would probably be back in a few days anyway, AND that his parents were already on their way, we should just let them break my water and see what happens. The doctor agreed with my decision because from the time I left the office to the time I got to the hospital, I was over 5 cm and getting close to 6. So after a couple of hours of monitoring the baby (she was fine), they broke my water around 1:00 pm. Within about 20 minutes I started having contractions that were pretty uncomfortable.
Things progressed quickly from there. The pain was increasing and I knew I wanted an epidural, but the anesthesiologist was in surgery so I opted for some Nubain. The nurse gave me some other medication that made me sleep. It actually made me feel intoxicated. So I could still feel my contractions, but had a hard time vocalizing that I was still in pain. I didn't like that. I was dilated to between 7 and 8 when I did get the epidural and it was about an hour and a half later that it was time to push. A lot of that time is still foggy to me because of the earlier medication. I remember that when the midwife (my doctor was in emergency surgery) told me I could start pushing, I thought it was way too early and not enough time had passed! But that was because I had spent the last several hours kind of out it from the meds.
I started pushing at about 4:50 pm and the baby was born at 5:42 pm. The midwife thought my push time would have been shorter, but the size of the baby made it a little difficult. Still, 50 minutes compared to 2 1/2 hours with Georgia was good in my book!
And now she's here! Lola Sue Schumacher was born February 22, 2011 at 5:42 pm. She was 9 lbs and 12 oz and 21 inches long. No wonder I couldn't sleep, breathe or walk during the last part of my pregnancy. She's a whole lot of baby! So far she eats and sleeps very well and is proving to be pretty content. We are so thrilled to have this new little addition to our family!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Baby Update
My last appointment was this past Tuesday. Not much has changed. I'm dilated to 4 1/2 cm and am 80 percent effaced. They hooked me up to a monitor to watch the baby's heartbeat for about twenty minutes. They do this for mommies who are overdue, just making sure that the heart rate accelerates when the baby moves. Everything looked good.
When I saw the doctor, she asked again if I was wanting to schedule an induction, but I told her that I didn't want to yet and she said that was still fine since baby looked good. I have another appointment scheduled for next Tuesday where they will monitor the baby again and also do an ultrasound to make sure my fluids look good. Needless to say, I'm REALLY hoping to go into labor on my own before then!
Tonight I got a special treat from Andy. We googled some information on pressure points and for the last half an hour or so, I've been eating chocolate and having Andy rub my feet, ankles and calves. It's been really nice, but some of those pressure points are a little painful. Here's hoping it actually works. I'll let you know, but if the baby is born I guess you'll have figured it out for yourself.
When I saw the doctor, she asked again if I was wanting to schedule an induction, but I told her that I didn't want to yet and she said that was still fine since baby looked good. I have another appointment scheduled for next Tuesday where they will monitor the baby again and also do an ultrasound to make sure my fluids look good. Needless to say, I'm REALLY hoping to go into labor on my own before then!
Tonight I got a special treat from Andy. We googled some information on pressure points and for the last half an hour or so, I've been eating chocolate and having Andy rub my feet, ankles and calves. It's been really nice, but some of those pressure points are a little painful. Here's hoping it actually works. I'll let you know, but if the baby is born I guess you'll have figured it out for yourself.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's Day
Ahhh...the day of love, right? I used to think I wanted a big production for Valentine's Day, but not so much anymore; though I do like a little bit of spoiling, just for fun.
We didn't do a whole lot. Actually we didn't do anything. I made heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast and Andy and I exchanged some sweet treats with each other. I know my husband loves me very much because he bought me Pepsi. I have been craving it so much in the last few weeks of pregnancy and I am thanking him for not judging me for having pop! He also bought me chocolate (which never fails in my book, Valentine's Day or not) and wrote me another sweet little poem. Later in the day we gave Georgia a small gift which included some Hershey kisses. I think she ate, like, 17 of them.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Life is Good
Tonight I was in the bathroom getting ready for another trip to the mall. (I'm trying to walk this baby out.) I opened the door while I put on my make-up and heard Andy and Georgia hootin' and hollerin'; laughing ridiculously at something, though what I don't know. But I had to smile and think, That really is the best sound ever.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Pregnancy Update
I know there are a few of you who like up-to-the-minute details of this pregnancy as we're nearing the end. I had an appointment yesterday morning and learned that I am 4 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I was honestly shocked at that information. I was in active labor with Georgia at 3 cm. I know that each person/pregnancy is different, but it seems strange to be one cm closer without feeling the pains of labor.
My doctor told me two things after my exam: 1. Because of my progression, I would be very easy to induce. I asked for at least one more week and she told me that was fine. (I would really like to go into labor on my own - just a personal preference.) 2. This labor is going to go much quicker than the first. I am not going to complain about that! Other than those bits of news, she said everything looked great and hoped to see me before my next appointment. :)
As the end draws near, I'm becoming increasingly excited. I have had a lot of back pain (as I did with Georgia, but worse), I haven't been getting hardly any quality sleep and the pain has prevented me from a lot of play with Georgia. I'm tired of complaining and I'm just ready to be done!
However, having said that, I'm trying to hold these last days close to my heart. In comparison to the span of my life and my child's life, the time that I spend pregnant is so short. And I don't want to forget how amazing it is to carry a life inside of me. There were many things that I'd forgotten about between this pregnancy and the last. It truly is a blessing from God to have carried this baby and now be able to raise it to glorify Him.
My doctor told me two things after my exam: 1. Because of my progression, I would be very easy to induce. I asked for at least one more week and she told me that was fine. (I would really like to go into labor on my own - just a personal preference.) 2. This labor is going to go much quicker than the first. I am not going to complain about that! Other than those bits of news, she said everything looked great and hoped to see me before my next appointment. :)
As the end draws near, I'm becoming increasingly excited. I have had a lot of back pain (as I did with Georgia, but worse), I haven't been getting hardly any quality sleep and the pain has prevented me from a lot of play with Georgia. I'm tired of complaining and I'm just ready to be done!
However, having said that, I'm trying to hold these last days close to my heart. In comparison to the span of my life and my child's life, the time that I spend pregnant is so short. And I don't want to forget how amazing it is to carry a life inside of me. There were many things that I'd forgotten about between this pregnancy and the last. It truly is a blessing from God to have carried this baby and now be able to raise it to glorify Him.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Preggos
This is my dear friend, Colby; the picture was taken a few weeks ago - right around the 37-week marker. She and I are both due February 11, each with our second child. It's been so great to go through this pregnancy with her.
Well, I guess I should say 'were due' as she decided to move forward without me and have her baby early! I was going to wait to do this post until next week when we were nearing the 40th week, but now I can't. Her son, Boone Douglas, was born last night around 8:00 pm after only a few hours of labor. He weighed in at 7 lbs. and 2 oz. Congrats, Colby!
Well, I guess I should say 'were due' as she decided to move forward without me and have her baby early! I was going to wait to do this post until next week when we were nearing the 40th week, but now I can't. Her son, Boone Douglas, was born last night around 8:00 pm after only a few hours of labor. He weighed in at 7 lbs. and 2 oz. Congrats, Colby!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Death Storm 2011
I was hoping we could get through the season without a major storm. What was I thinking??? This is Iowa, for heaven's sake! I am just really glad of two things: 1) I did not go into labor and 2) we didn't lose power. We were able to stay cuddly warm and Andy even got an extra day off.
Can't get out the front door!
Here are a few pictures of the aftermath of Death Storm 2011, as many have lovingly referred to it around here. Andy went out to shovel/blow snow, but couldn't even get out the front door! Thankfully the back door was a little more cleared, though he had to shovel his way from our back porch, through the driveway, and across the street to our neighbor's house, who kindly lent us his snow blower.
I'm not sure how many inches we got exactly, but I did hear it was right around 15. My goodness, that's plenty. Let's hope we can avoid another one of these storms before the baby comes.
I'm not sure how many inches we got exactly, but I did hear it was right around 15. My goodness, that's plenty. Let's hope we can avoid another one of these storms before the baby comes.
Can't get out the front door!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Guessing Game
I am 38 1/2 weeks pregnant. Today I had a doctor's appointment and I am dilated to 2 cm and am 50% effaced. She told me that she thinks the baby is right around 8 lbs. My due date is still about 10 days away (Feb. 11). I know I shouldn't get too excited; I could be pregnant another 3 weeks. But I can't help it! The process has begun...
And because of that, it's time to play the guessing game. I would like all my faithful blog readers to guess the DATE and TIME that this baby is going to make it's debut. I am even going to offer a small (but fun!) prize to the guesser who gets the closest. You can throw in your gender, weight and length guesses for fun, but the prize will be given to whoever is closest to the actual date and time. (Please only leave your guesses by comment on this blog.)
Happy guessing!
And because of that, it's time to play the guessing game. I would like all my faithful blog readers to guess the DATE and TIME that this baby is going to make it's debut. I am even going to offer a small (but fun!) prize to the guesser who gets the closest. You can throw in your gender, weight and length guesses for fun, but the prize will be given to whoever is closest to the actual date and time. (Please only leave your guesses by comment on this blog.)
Happy guessing!
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