My birth was not quite what I expected, but brought into this world my beautiful baby boy, Maximilian! I knew as soon as I found out I was pregnant that I wanted a natural birth and I planned accordingly. I hired a doula and got started with my birth plan. I discussed with my OB my wishes and was supported. My doctor delivers at [a local hospital known for their high C-section rates]so I was prepared to fight for my right to birth naturally. Early labor started the night of my due date, proving strong enough to prevent sleep but light enough to let me know active labor was still to come. Bottom line, I didn't sleep at all the 24 hours before I went into active labor. Things picked up the next night and I begin to really understand what laboring was all about. My husband, Ben, and I tried many things; counter pressure, taking a bath and shower, massage and laboring on the birth ball. Finally at around 1:30am we headed to [the hospital], meeting my doula and family there.
I was 3 centimeters upon arriving, which was a little frustrating considering how long we had been in active labor, but we continued to labor at the hospital for another 7 hours, making it to 7 centimeters. I found much relief from the shower- I think I spent a couple of hours in there!! My husband, doula, and mom were all there to support me and take care of my needs, massaging me or bringing me something to drink/eat. My doctor arrived in the morning and, two hours after the nurse had said I was at 7 centimeters, she told me I was at 6 centimeters! I was so devastated! I didn’t think I would reach the end of the line, but aftering hearing that, it was hard to go on. I was so exhausted and discouraged. My labor had slowed down and I was actually falling asleep in between contractions! It was wild! I decided to get an epidural, despite everyone encouraging me to go on (hard decision but at the time I felt it was necessary). I was able to get some well needed sleep. I must say, it was strange to not feel the contractions after feeling them for so long!
My doctor was really great, knowing I wanted as little intervention as possible. Once I got the epidural, I asked to dilate without Pitocin, but after about 5 hours, I was still at 7 centimeters! I asked her to break my waters which helped me progress to 10 centimeters after another couple of hours. Then came pushing! I turned down the epidural to feel the contractions again, but, after 2 ½ hours of pushing, my doctor informed me that Max’s head was tilted in a way that was preventing him from come out. She told me we could continue to push as long as I wanted, so I asked them to bring out the squat bar. It was very funny trying to squat with the epidural- I had to basically hold myself up with my upper body! I pushed for about 30 more minutes, but eventually I couldn’t do it anymore and they delivered Max with forceps. My doctor was supportive of our request to delay cutting the cord so she just laid him right on me! What a beauty! He cried when he came out, but stopped as soon as he was laid on me. He had a short cord, so he barely reached the bottom of my breasts. We nursed after some well deserved resting and he was then cleaned up. 7lbs. even and just beautiful!
Looking back, I realize that my request for the epidural probably caused my difficulty pushing, and ultimately the forceps. Though now I wish the labor and delivery was different, at the time I felt I just couldn't go on. My exhaustion really limited me. I did avoid a C-section, which is a true blessing! My hope for next time is that I experience transition and deliver naturally! I am choosing to use a midwife and I am considering a home birth. My son arrived into this world after a long, long journey and ultimately it was holding him in my arms that made my unexpected birth exceptional.
Maximilian Alexander
Submitted by Mari
