| Anyway mom suggested I take a shower and I went in there for about two hours!!It felt good for a while, but then it hurt so much and the contractions seemed almost totally unbearable!!! Mom made sure I was getting juice and snacks in the shower to keep my strength up. I then told Sean that I that I was ready for an epidural but he said to wait to see what Toni (my midwife) said. I was getting frustrated and I said "Where is Toni!?" She had arrived and came in to see how I was doing. She suggested that after a couple contractions I get out and she check me.Sean continued to spray warm water all over me with the shower head. Poor Sean, he was completely soaked with water all over his jeans. Well, after a while later, I got out and got into the hospital bed and Toni checked me. I was at six centimeters, but that didn't seem like it was enough to me. How could I get through four more centimeters? This was horrible! She suggested that she break my water, and I became scared that if I was in this much pain now that it was going to be worse after she broke it. And I was scared about Transition. Well, I let her break it and you know what? It seemed that the contractions were not much more painful than what I had been going through already. Well, a little later, felt a little bit like pushing. I told mom and she ran to go get Toni. I guess that afterthat, I had dilated to ten in only about 30-45 minutes!! Well, the pushing stage was the toughest stage (physically exhausting!!) I pushed for about an hour and a half. I kept saying how painful it was and clinging to Sean with my arms tight around his neck and breathing for life. At times we stared into each others eyes like we had learned at birthing classes to get through tough contractions. Mom brought me juice to keep my energy up and she also sponged my forehead with a cool rag. I felt like throwing up again and it felt good because of it. I guess I was using my stomach muscles and that helped ease the contractions. The pushing stage was the hardest of all. I bore down and people counted for me as long as I could keep pushing. It seemed that this stage would never end. I kept pushing and pushing and everyone kept telling me "one more, you are almost there" Well, it sure didn't seem like it! I was in so much pain and I kept telling everyone this. At one time, I said" I don't think I can do it any more!" Never the less, I continued and at one point, Toni grabbed my hand and had me feel the baby's head coming. Soon, Dr. Gramann was separating the bad and preparing for the last part! Well, at 8:28 our adorable baby, came into the world. He seemed tiny.He was such a beautiful baby!! I cuddled him and was in tears. I felt so relived. I told mom that I didn't feel any pain anymore. What a miracle! Dr. Gramann took care of the placenta and stitched me up. ( I only needed about six stitches) Nathan Andrew was 6 pounds 14.5 ounces. He has dark hair and blue eyes!! I am so proud of him and love him so much!!! Sean was able to stay with me the whole time in the hospital. I had a good hospital stay but didn't get much sleep at all. However, I would do it all over again, it was worth every bit. I think back now, one week today about the birth, and it is hard to remember EXACTLY what the pain was like. This is such a miracle. I also keep thinking, "I DID IT! WITHOUT MEDICATIONS, 100% NATURAL and I am SO GLAD I didn't have any. I feel like I can do ANYTHING!!!Right now he is sleeping and he is so very precious. He is such a miracle from God. I am so privileged to be able to have him for my son. He is so perfect!!! |
