Emerson's Birth Journey <3
(Although I believe Emer's journey began in mid April, when we were hospitalized for preterm contractions, let me jump right to the good stuff!) :)
Thursday, May 28th, I began feeling regular, mild contractions. These began to come further and further apart later in the night - which really took a toll on me and Scott. The next day, when our baby would be officially one week and three days overdue, we were to have an appointment to meet with one of our midwives. We knew we would be hearing the dreaded word, "induction," and were pretty sad.
Friday, May 29th - Our lovely midwife swept my membranes (the area between the sack of amniotic fluid and cervix) during our exam. We made a tentative plan regarding induction - though Scott and I were still very nervous. I headed to the mall for an air conditioned walking area - and began my three hour trek. :) Contractions were beginning to come, though pretty far apart. We spoke with our sweet, calming natural birth instructor, Jessica English - who helped to allay our fears of a medical induction and gave us extra ideas for natural means of induction. Scott and I were feeling so, so much better - more calm and accepting - very at ease. We spent the rest of the evening watching movies, playing Backgammon, walking, and reading. Contractions continued on, mildly, though we weren't keeping time.
Saturday, May 30th 2009 - The most wonderful date in the history of the world!! :)
What a BEAUTIFUL day we had! I woke Saturday morning from stronger contractions, but kept myself relaxed and was able to fall back asleep. After waking/falling asleep a few more times from the contractions, I have to admit, I was pretty excited! Scott and I stocked up on the protein for breakfast...and continued on our day as regularly as possible...(which means even though I was laboring, I beat a couple more times at Backgammon!). I was so thankful to be able to rest between our various activities - taking about three small naps throughout the day. Our dachsund, Olie, became very sensitive to my contractions - no matter which room of the house I was in, she came running once she heard my moaning - trying her best to offer support. At about 3pm, with contractions coming about five minutes apart (and getting stronger, yay!!), we took her for a beautiful hike in the nature reserve across the street.
Keep in mind that though I was, of course, feeling pain, we were SO excited at the idea of not having to be medically induced that I was practically dancing my contractions away! I was so happy to be in active labor at last! The hike felt like a spiritual experience every step of the way. I felt so in tune with the nature all around us - the sun shining through the tree tops, the birds and small animals flicking around, flowers everywhere. I couldn't help stopping a number of times on the trail to soak it all in. Though our hike was amazing, I would definitely warn others to be aware of the season - ahh allergies!! I guess I should've seen it coming as I brushed pollen off Scott's shirt, but at the end of the hike, I was overcome with sneezes! I began a pattern of alternating contractions with sneezing fits. I imagined myself to look ridiculous and kept laughing out loud - which caught the attention of a woman walking her dog. She was happy to see a pregnant woman laughing so, and asked if I was feeling the baby kick. I replied, "No, I'm in labor!!" :) She was so happy for us - congratulating and everything, and mentioned, "Oh man, I didn't get to do this because I was induced - good for you guys!"
After our hike, Scott and I (and Olie) rested in bed for another hour. At about 4:30pm we contacted our midwife on-call, Deb, and let her know that my contractions were at about 4 minutes apart, and becoming stronger. We decided to continue on our way at home for awhile longer, knowing the longer we labored at home, the better our chances of an intervention-free birth for our babe. I was past the point of being able to concentrate on books or Backgammon (which is lucky for Scott's sake), but still enjoying my experience. We contacted our parents to let them know that we'd probably be headed to the hospital soon - especially since my mom and dad live about four hours away. At about 5:30, we attempted another walk in our neighborhood. This time, though, I only made it about five minutes down the road before an intense contraction and hot flash made me want to turn back. I was beginning to gag a bit - which we knew to be another wonderful indicator of progress. Scott ate a quick dinner, I grabbed a handful of almonds, and by about 6:15pm, we were headed for the car! Three of our neighbors were sitting in one of their front yards, and cheered us on as we drove off - Scott and I couldn't stop smiling!
On the way to the hospital, though less than a ten minute drive, I contracted twice. I was beginning to feel very flushed, warm, and even more gaggy. We lingered in the parking lot for about fifteen minutes - wondering if we had come to soon. We let my body do the talking, though, and decided if I wasn't too far dilated, we'd head back outdoors for another walk. Our midwife hadn't arrived to the hospital, yet - so we were sent to Triage to be assessed. Fortunately, we didn't stay long. I was six cm. dilated, 100% effaced, and contracting every three or four minutes - we were only monitored for about 15 minutes!
We were admitted and in our delivery room by 7pm. Our midwife and nurse were extremely supportive of our birth preferences - they both read over our plan and reassured us that all points were very possible. We were very adament about having a natural birth - without even the offer or mention of pain medicines. Though I was experiencing more pain, I was still very talkative and jokey (as indicated in the picture of me receiving my H-lock IV of antibiotics (needed for Group B Strep) - smiling like the happiest girl in the world!). I labored in a variety of positions - with Scott supporting all the way! My favorite positions were on my hands and knees, leaning over a birthing ball, leaning into Scott, and later, on the toilet with Scott next to me. Around 9pm or so, Scott was on the phone with my mom and I told him to have her come say hi really quick when she got to the hospital (they were about 3 miles away). By the time she was at the door, I was beginning transition and didn't want her in. Labor was progressing very fast! I began to vomit with contractions and was extremely hot. The contractions were extremely close together and very intense, which made it difficult to want to change laboring positions - luckily our midwife was very supportive and helped guide me from one technique to another. This is the phase of labor that Scott calls "Wonderwoman"...and I call "dragon." At one point, on my hands and knees in the bed, I realized I was trying to "scare off" my contractions. I felt like a massive dragon - roaring with fury (but without the flames). Though I was in a lot of physical pain, I was so surprised that my mind was able, to some extent, stay separate from what my body was experiencing. I was singing songs in my head, remembering key points from birthing videos/class/discussions, etc. Scott recalls one point when I was staring straight at him, sweat everywhere, with crazy, half opened eyes - and his thinking, "I wonder what's going on behind those eyes...what is she thinking about?" - And at what had to be the same time, I was thinking, "I know I look crazy right now...I wonder what he's thinking about." :) The nurse maneuvered a covered bean bag chair underneath my belly to sink into in between contractions. What a God-send! Though still roaring like a dragon during the contractions, I started to almost purr in between - while gently moving my stomach over the bean bag. There were a couple times when I remember saying things like, "This is never going to end. This is me for the rest of my life," and "No, I can't do this - it's too hard" - but I was aware, even after saying them, that it was just another form of coping - I was seeking the reassurance of everyone around me (which they kindly gave!).
I began to feel like I wanted to push, but I was stuck at 9.5 cm - with just a sliver of my cervix left, for a little while. Our midwife tried to help Emerson's head around the slivers, but the pain was too intense. Again, she helped to guide me into different laboring positions - one leg on the couch with the other stretched on the floor (like a stretch) and back onto the birthing ball for a squat. Once on the ball, I was able to start effectively pushing - and my gosh the relief! With Scott holding my hands in front of me, and our midwife tickling my back behind me, I was feeling great again. I was able to smile, make some jokes, and most importantly, tell Scott how much I loved him at this time. After some time, in between contractions, I left the birthing ball and started walking around. I laughed when our midwife said, "Okay, honey...we'll see ya later." I said, "Yea guys, I'm heading out now - talk to you later." :) I pushed for a little bit longer in a squating position (which felt amazing!) on the floor, holding onto the railing at the foot of the bed. Next, I laid on my right side at the foot of the bed, cradling the magical bean bag chair for support. Scott held my left leg, and the nurse and I held my right leg. With each push, Scott and our midwife were narrating the scene - letting me know how close Emerson was. I remember telling them that they were "just being nice" to me...that Emerson wasn't actually that close - (which reminded me, even while pushing, of you, Nikki R!) And then, the sweet and sour of Ring of Fire! :) The intense burning that hurts, but lets you know your baby is crowning and really and truly almost here. I yelled out, "Ring of Fire!" - which seemed to please our midwife. :) Which also seemed to please our playlist...because Johnny Cash started playing in the backround! At this point I was getting excited and started pushing really hard. Our nurse gently talked me into pushing in softer ways, guiding me into deep breaths, etc. I was still able to joke at times, and told our midwife I wanted May 30th as Emer's birthday. At 11:55pm, she said, "Okay Abby, there're only 5 more minutes left to May 30th." Emerson James Pettit Wyzgoski was born 11:56pm on May 30th. :)
The first minute of Emerson's life was pretty chaotic. Usually a baby's head emerges, the shoulders are wiggled out, and then he/she is completely born. Emerson literally came shooting out. Remember, I was lying on my side, at the foot of the bed, so our midwife had to barricade him from falling. Scott was planning on helping to catch Emer, but he came way too fast for that. For this, Scott calls him Rocket Man. :) (Surprisingly, with how hard I was pushing, there was no tearing, no episiotomy, and no stitches!)
Emerson's cord was wrapped around his neck, which wouldn't have been a problem - except for the speed of which he was born. His cord was pulled tight and there was no movement/sound. Scott was rushed to cut the cord and help stimulate him on the heating table. Though he was really away from me for only a minute, I was, obviously, in shock and became a little hysterical. My body started shaking uncontrollably and the care team cocooned me in warm blankets - which was amazing. Emerson was brought right over and placed in the cocoon with me. I have never experienced such a perfect moment in my entire life. I began telling everyone that I loved them and thanking them for such a wonderful birth for our baby. From the moment he was brought to me, Emerson has been extremely alert - dozens of caregivers - midwives, nurses, techs, and his pediatrician kept commenting on how wonderfully alert natural born babies are.
The feeling of pure happiness and empowerment I felt are unexplainable. I just couldn't believe this entire person was living IN me and that I gave birth to him! As we wheeled past the nurse's station to head upstairs to our room, I held Emerson up and exclaimed, "Look what I did!!" :)
Emerson James Pettit Wyzgoski
May 30, 2009
7 lbs. 3 oz
20.9 inches long
