| Eden's Birth by: Lori I found out I was pregnant in June 2003. I was 20 years old. My husband, Mark, and I were very excited. We had been married a little over a year. Our baby was due on February 23, 2004. We found out at 5 months we were having a little girl. We were thrilled. My pregnancy was going well until my 6th month. They noticed my blood pressure was too high, so they put me on medication and started doing non-stress tests on me regularly to check on the baby. Because of my high blood pressure, they didn't want me to carry her past my due date. I went in on February 20, 2004, for a normal appointment. The doctor did an exam and said I was 2 centimeters dilated and 80 percent effaced, so he said I should go to the hospital the next morning on the 21st for a Pitocin induction. I was excited but a little nervous to know I was going to have my baby, but I was ready. On the morning of the 21st I called the hospital to see when I should come in. They said to eat some breakfast and come on down. Mark and I got to the hospital at about 9 am. We checked in. They put me in my room and examined me. The doctor said I was 2 centimeters dilated and only 50 percent effaced, so I wasn't ready for the Pitocin yet. She gave me a dose of a gel to soften my cervix. We waited, and all my family arrived. When the doctor checked me again there was no change, so she gave me another dose. That did the trick. I started to feel crampy. When she checked me again I was 3 centimeters and 80 percent effaced. "She's ready for the Pitocin," the doctor said. They started my Pitocin drip at around 8:30 p.m. The cramps started immediately. At first they weren't that bad, just period-like cramps. I was even playing cards with my sisters, husband and mother-in-law. At about 10:30 p.m. they were getting really bad. I was getting up and going to the bathroom all the time. I didn't have to go. It was just from all the pressure. I was really thinking I wanted an epidural for the pain. It was so intense. I asked to be checked again because I was in so much pain. The nurse said she wasn't going to check me until tomorrow morning. I couldn't believe it. She checked me and said I was 5 centimeters and 100 percent effaced, so I asked for my epidural. I spend the next half hour waiting for my epidural in the bathroom with my husband. It hurt so much, that was the only position that felt comfortable. They came in to administer my epidural, and my whole family had to leave, even my husband. They told me to sit up straight and be still. NO WAY! I could NOT sit still. I was in so much pain. I kept telling the nurse I had to go to the bathroom because of all the pressure. So the nurse said, "I better check her.� When she did I was complete and ready to push. I didn't have any medication, there was no time. I was freaked out. Everything was moving so fast, and my family was still gone. They came rushing in as I started to push. They were great support, but it was hard to push until I got the hang of it. Then it didn't really hurt anymore. It felt good to push with the contractions. I didn't push for very long. I felt the burning of her head crowning, and then her whole body came out so fast. She had her hand by her face, and she pulled herself out. They didn't even have time to suction her nose and mouth. I didn't have an episiotomy, but I had a 2nd degree tear. It was the most wonderful feeling in the whole world, feeling her slide out of my body. I will remember it always. I am so glad I didn't have any medication, and I felt everything. It was worth all the pain the moment I saw her beautiful face. I love her and my husband more than anything in this whole world. Eden Francisca Allen was born on February 22, 2004, at 12:49 a.m. She was 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. |