Baby Luke William

Luke is officially 1 week old today!
Some people think sharing a birth story is TMI and no one elses business. I want to share mine because when I was preparing for labor & delivery with Evan, I read a ton of natural birth stories online. It really encouraged me when I would read other peoples' stories, because so many people you meet in real life have not had a totally unmedicated birth experience. It helped me realize it's not that big of a deal and women have done it through the ages with no pain medication. So here is the story of Luke William's entrance into this world.

So it all began last Friday when I woke up to a very strong contraction at 6am. Just like with Evan I told my self it was just diarrhea or something. I got a glass of water thinking that I was just dehydrated and maybe some water would make it go away. Then I got in the shower to run warm water over my belly and realized this was the real thing and so I called Adam in so he could start timing. He said they were 3 minutes apart and called both of our moms. Then I made him call our doula, he was hesitant to call her so early but I made him because I knew I was going to need some support quick. It was only about 45 minutes of labor and the contractions seemed so hard and strong and too close together.

So I got out and got dressed and Adams mom showed up to watch Evan. By this time I was only getting about 1 minute between contractions. I was able to brush my teeth and get in my contacts. I remember really wanting to fix my hair and put on some make-up. I thought I could do this between contractions, and Adam's mom just laughed at me. Just a few minutes later the contractions were coming right on top of each other and they were sooo painful. I told Adam to take me to the hospital because I needed the epidural. I seriously couldn't handle the pain if there were not any breaks between the contractions. I started to pray to God to please just give me like 30 seconds to rest, but it wasn't happening. As all natural birth aficionados know, it is best to try to labor at home as long as possible. Adam kept trying to get me to eat some carbs to prepare because it was going to be such a long day and I needed my energy. I took a few sips of milk and then just threw it up. Adam was really hesitant to go to the hospital because the atmosphere was going to be so hectic there (and I think he was a little worried I was going to take back my beliefs about unmedicated birth and beg for the epidural). But when I got assertive with him and told him I felt like I had to push, he was like okay let's go.

So on the way to the hospital God answered my prayers and the contractions started to come further apart, about 2 minutes between each. But they were different, I was pushing and couldn't stop. So I just grabbed the "oh shit" handle and crossed my legs tight through every contraction.

When we got to the hospital I walked to the front desk and told the little old volunteer ladies in the pink vests behind the desk that I needed to go to labor and delivery and then walked over to the elevator. Next thing I know I am on my knees moaning through a contraction hoping this baby doesn't come out. Then someone shows up with a wheelchair and puts me on the elevator. The lady says " you really shouldn't do that to those old ladies, I think you almost gave them a heart attack" I only had enough time to say, "I'm so sorry, I couldn't help it" before the next contraction came.

So they get me into observation and let me go pee. I came back from the bathroom completely naked (they tell you in childbirth class that you will lose all sense of modesty & it is so true) So I get my gown on and the nurse checks me and says "She's complete." Adam was like what do you mean, you mean she's a 10. and the nurse says yep shes ready to push. I think Adam's eyes about popped out of his head, because it was only about 8:30 and I had only been in labor for 2 & 1/2 hours!! The doula showed up at the time the nurse said "she's complete" and the doula looked really surprised too. I was just so happy because if I had been anything less than about 8 centimeters I would have asked for the epidural. But maybe not I knew I was ready to push and get this baby out.

So they wheel me into a delivery room and I crawl onto the bed. I hear the nurses debating about giving me an IV and then decide not too. I had been going through the contractions on my hands and knees because that was the only comfortable position. I started to worry that the midwife was not going to make it. When she showed up I had another really strong contraction and told them I had to push and then my water broke all over the deliver bed/table, so when they asked if I wanted to lay back I was like heck no I'm not laying in that stuff. and I just remember pushing about 3 more times. Then I told them I needed to be upright so gravity could help me get this baby out. So I was on my knees and put my arms around Adam's neck, I only freaked out a little :) when he was crowning and yelled at the midwife to pull him out. But it only took about 2 more pushes and he was out!!! Luke William made his entrance on July 16th, 2010 at 8:52am.

They gave him to me and let me nurse him immediately and did not cut the cord immediately (we waited until after the placenta was delivered and the cord stopped pulsing) The nurses all pretty much left us and said when I was ready they would come take him to bathe and weigh him, etc.

I have to say this birth was much more painful than Evan's but maybe that was because I knew what to expect and I didn't prepare myself mentally. Also I have heard that the shorter the labor, the more painful. That is definitely true in my case.

I am just so glad to have baby Luke on the outside, I thought I would like to just keep him in there because it was easier to take care of him. But now that he is here, all the "work" I was dreading all of a sudden doesn't seem so bad. Believe it or not, I look forward to changing a poopy diaper because I get to see if he is getting enough breastmilk. Also the fact that we are exclusively breastfeeding I get to just snuggle with him all night, no getting up out of the bed to get a bottle, just roll over and whip it out:) I am really hoping that I can keep this up and not have to supplement with formula this time. I've got the support of some of the best lactation consultants in the state of Mississippi, so I hope it works out.

Evan is doing great with his little brother. He loves him so much and hugs and kisses and "pets" his little head. Sometimes I get scared because he loves him a little too hard and he squeezes him :)

Although I didn't prepare myself for this birth it was definitely awesome and turned out perfect. I thanked the midwife over and over for not making me birth this baby on my back. I feel that I am very lucky to have short labors even if they are painful, and I have to thank my mom for passing on that gene/characteristic to me. Thanks Mom!

So all of you asking when we are going to try for a little girl, don't be surprised when I give you the evil eye or a dirty look. Hello it's only been a week, I still remember the pain! I have 2 under 2 people, I'm not trying for 3 under 3. Thanks for your concern that my boys need a little sister, I'll keep that thought in the back of my brain for oh at least 2-3 years.

The whole thing went so fast we forgot to get the camera to take pictures, but here are a few that were taken once someone showed up with a camera:)