A Baby Story

This time last year, I was giving birth... What a scary thought!

I really can't believe how fast this past year has gone by and all the changes, both little and big, there have been in our lives. I think I was as prepared for it as anyone could be. I read all the books, talked to all the right people, weight all the points and counterpoints, heard all the unsolicited advice...

The funny thing is NOTHING really prepares you for motherhood. Frankly, I think it's just something you can't fully appreciate (or commiserate) until it happens to you.

Today, as my son officially turns ONE, I would like to share with you his birth story, as written for my son in his baby book.

At 38 weeks, you were healthy and getting to be so big that my doctor recommended inducing labor the following week. We checked-in into the hospital at 10 pm on Monday, April 3, 2006 to start the process. By the time we arrived, I was already having early contractions (unbeknownst to me) and dilated to 3-4 cm. Rather than inducing I was allowed to progress naturally overnight. I was hooked up to an IV and monitors and left get some rest.

I awoke at 8 am the next morning to heavy contractions and was in “active labor”. Between 10 and 11 am, I was given an epidural and further monitored. At 12:20 pm, my water broke while I was rearranging myself to get more comfortable. When this happened, you dropped quickly in my womb and pinched your umbilical cord. This caused your heart rate to drop every time I had a contraction, much to everyone’s concern--especially your Daddy. He watched your heart rate monitor for hours making sure you were okay.

I started pushing at 4:20 pm with the assistance of the nurses, your Daddy, and my mom (your grandmother). This continued until around 6:30 pm, when it was decided that it would be best for you if I had a cesarean section. I pushed as hard as I could, but your head, although in the correct downward position, was facing backwards. The extended hours of laboring beforehand had made it too swollen for a safe birth. Also, with every push your umbilical cord would pinch and your heart rate would drop- an alarming prospect.

I was relieved that we would be able to get you out safely. I was also very exhausted and very ready to see my little boy. I was brought into surgery at 7 pm and you were born 59 minute later. When your Daddy and I heard your cry, we wept tears of joy and relief.

You were the most beautiful sight we had ever seen!

As soon as you were born, the nurse showed you to me, but took you away to be cleaned, weighed, measured, and warmed in the nursery. Your Daddy never left your side. He watched every procedure done to you; his eyes welling up with tears the entire time. You were brought to me once I was in my post-partum room, where I was able to hold you and feed you for the very first time.

I can't believe that it's been a year since that happened. It just feels like a few days ago. My husband and I have had several friends give birth in the past year or two, and we never get tired of hearing about their experience.

I know there's probably nothing out of the ordinary about the way he came into the world. For that matter, there's nothing out of the ordinary about that way most babies come into the world...

Yet, every single one is an amazing miracle and every birth story is just as exciting as our own.