Almost baby time.
Been at the hospital since about 4:00pm yesterday, but Sara wasn't induced until this AM. She's been incredibly strong, I think. Labor through about 5 cm was done without assistance, but about 1/2 hour ago, she crossed a pain threshold she couldn't take anymore. It was really really hard to see. When the doctors told her that an epidural would take 70% of the pain away AND help the baby deliver a lot faster (because when you tense up as Sara was from the pain, it restricts labor), she took it. I can't imagine anyone in that degree of pain at that stage NOT taking it, now that I've witnessed it.
Watching them do the epidural was awful. Supremely awful. I was helpless to do anything, and she was frightened out of her mind because of all of the various things she's heard about them. I kinda wish she'd never watched a single episode of those fucking Baby Story shows on TLC. Do yourself a huge favor: stay the hell away from those shows if you ever get pregnant. Worst thing you could do to yourself - gives you 1000 more reasons to worry about everything.
As for the pain, it looked like it really hurt when they gave her that first numbing shot. Sara said it burned like hell. But after that it was mostly fear in her face. There were lots of people around her giving her warnings about this or that as they were doing stuff, and it made me frightened, so I can't even imagine how it feels when they're doing it to you.
Now I sit typing this as she sleeps. She was insanely exhausted from her pre-epidural contractions/pain (she was working VERY hard to get through those for many hours) so after there was pain relief, she was out like a light. Not from the meds - they don't make you sleepy - just complete exhaustion. The doctor wants her to sleep so she has the strength to push soon. Probably very soon. Within the next hour or so.
Looks like we really will have a baby this evening, and I know when Sara's got her in her arms, it'll all be worth it. Still, what an unbelievable thing women sign up for when they decide to do this. Watch all the birthing videos you want, it's impossible to grasp until it's right in front of you. (Hell, tons of people even told me that it was impossible to grasp, but even hearing that doesn't cover it at all.)
Send positive thoughts everybody. Hopefully my next post is a birth announcement!
-m
Watching them do the epidural was awful. Supremely awful. I was helpless to do anything, and she was frightened out of her mind because of all of the various things she's heard about them. I kinda wish she'd never watched a single episode of those fucking Baby Story shows on TLC. Do yourself a huge favor: stay the hell away from those shows if you ever get pregnant. Worst thing you could do to yourself - gives you 1000 more reasons to worry about everything.
As for the pain, it looked like it really hurt when they gave her that first numbing shot. Sara said it burned like hell. But after that it was mostly fear in her face. There were lots of people around her giving her warnings about this or that as they were doing stuff, and it made me frightened, so I can't even imagine how it feels when they're doing it to you.
Now I sit typing this as she sleeps. She was insanely exhausted from her pre-epidural contractions/pain (she was working VERY hard to get through those for many hours) so after there was pain relief, she was out like a light. Not from the meds - they don't make you sleepy - just complete exhaustion. The doctor wants her to sleep so she has the strength to push soon. Probably very soon. Within the next hour or so.
Looks like we really will have a baby this evening, and I know when Sara's got her in her arms, it'll all be worth it. Still, what an unbelievable thing women sign up for when they decide to do this. Watch all the birthing videos you want, it's impossible to grasp until it's right in front of you. (Hell, tons of people even told me that it was impossible to grasp, but even hearing that doesn't cover it at all.)
Send positive thoughts everybody. Hopefully my next post is a birth announcement!
-m