My pregnancy was probably my most difficult one, physically. It was very hard to care for a 1 year old, being nauseous and sick for 5 months straight! Also, I swelled a lot and developed bad 'carpal tunel' towards the end of my pregnancy, which was so painful. Plus, our power went out for 3 days and practically 3 nights when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant! That meant so much more work and inconveniences for me. We stayed home and froze the first night (it was the beginning of February!) The second night; my mom, me and Koby stayed at a crappy motel that smelled like dog poop! All the motels/hotels were completely filled up, since so many people were without power. I'm pretty sure we got the last room! What an experience! I was certain I'd go into labor right in the middle of it!
I had a scheduled induction a week before my due date, mainly because of the terrible swelling and carpal tunel. I was so relieved! We left for the hospital around 8:00 am. The doctor inserted a pill to soften my cervix about 9:00 am. My contractions started to become regular around noon. At 1:15, I had my I.V. put in, although the nurse tried one hand, then had to do it in the other! At 1:30 pm, the doctor broke my water. At 2:30, my contractions were getting painful, so I got an epidural. At 5:19 pm, Brayden entered the world!
The doctor had gotten to the hospital within about 1/2 hour of the birth. He'd been seeing patients at the clinic and I basically had to stop pushing for a while, to wait for the doctor...Brayden could've came sooner, if the doctor had been there! Only Matt was there and that's how we planned it. Matt's parents kept Koby.
This labor was a lot easier, less painful and less scary than my other two (Shaina & Koby). Knowing what to expect really helped tremendously. The epidural was the main helper! The pushing (which I didn't have to do a lot of), was just mainly tiring, not too painful. I was a lot more into holding Brayden after he was born, than I was with Koby, because this time, I couldn't feel the doctor stitching me up.
Matt video-taped most of the birth and I'm so glad he did! The nursing was difficult at first, but I was so determined to breastfeed, especially since it didn't work out with Koby. If a wonderful nurse hadn't helped me out so much in the hospital, I don't know if I would've continued. Brayden nursed until after I became pregnant with Dayne (1 1/2 years old). He never took a bottle or pacifier! I'm so proud!!! |
