Birth Story

I can't believe that Leah is already 3 days old.  I didn't cry the night she was born because I was too physically exhausted. But last night I cried for the first time because I realized that she was already 2 days old and I felt that time was already flying by.  I'm ridiculous, I know.  But I can't help that I love her so much already.

On Monday, July 11, I went to my final prenatal doctor's appointment.  I was scheduled for an induction on Wednesday, July 13, so this appointment was just a standard heart monitor check and amniotic fluid level check.  The little Peanut's heart was strong as ever, but her fluid had dropped to a dangerously low level of 3 cm.  My doctor told me to go immediately to Cedars Sinai Hospital and check in - it was time to have a baby. 

Just checked in.  Excited and in disbelief that I was really about to have a baby.

The view from my labor/delivery/recovery room.  That's Beverly Hills in the background. 

I checked in a 3 pm and at 5 pm they started a round of pitocin to make my contractions regular.  I was already 4 cm dilated when I walked in but I wasn't having regular contractions and therefore, not progressing.  By 8 pm my contractions still weren't painful and I hadn't progressed very far.  My doctor decided to break my water.  15 minutes after she did this, my contractions got painful.  Up until this point I had managed all my pre-labor contractions with ease.  Just a little focused breathing would get me through.  This was a different ball game.  I was in real pain for the first time. 

I decided a few weeks ago to attempt a natural childbirth without any pain medication.  But I reserved the right to change my mind and ask for an epidural if I couldn't handle the pain.  I knew that the only way I would be able to go drug-free would be if I had a relatively quick labor.  This was my primary focus and goal.  I had read that if you move around, it makes labor progress more quickly.  I had read horror stories of women in labor for over 20 hours - not me - I was determined to make this happen as fast as possible.  I managed contractions by changing positions constantly.  I bounced on the exercise ball, I got on the floor on my hands and knees and rocked back and forth, I rocked standing up right, I walked the halls.  I was hardly ever in the bed.  By 9:30 pm my urge to start pushing was overwhelming and I was about to give up and call the anesthesiologist for some relief.  The pain was so intense that I started freaking out for the first time (freaking out is the kiss of death for a natural childbirth).  Natural childbirth requires a tricky juxaposition; your must remain in control of your mind meanwhile releasing all control of your body and letting it do what it's designed to do.  My brain starting shutting down, and no matter what I did I could not ease the enormous amount of pressure or pain.  I asked the nurse to check me and I was dilated to 9.5 cm.  She said the doctor was coming and I would be able to start pushing soon.  Thank God!  At 10:30 pm I started pushing and I pushed with all my might.  I was screaming, and wailing, and sobbing at the top of my lungs, again, determined to make this happen as fast as possible.  At one point I yelled at the doctor "get this baby out of me NOW!"  As the baby descended the pain got unbearable and I actually thought to myself, "I don't think I can do this."  This thought was immediately followed with "you don't have a choice - you must do this."

35 minutes after I started pushing, and only 6 hours after my labor began, baby Leah was born. 

Baby Leah.  Born July 11, 2011 at 11:05 p.m.  6 pounds 3 ounces

After she came out they immediately put her on my chest.  I couldn't believe what I had just done.  I was in total shock and awe of this beautiful little baby.  I was still in considerable pain, my face was completely white, my voice was hoarse from all the screaming, and my legs shook uncontrollably like I'd just run a marathon.  I suffered two, first degree tears, and only then did I receive local anesthesia for the stitches (I'm not totally crazy).  Most everything after that is a blur, but one thing I do remember is asking her weight.  I collapsed with relief when they said 6 pounds 3 ounces!  After all the "Scary Doctor" visits and all the worrying about her size, she came out just perfect.  I was so proud.

We spent the next 2 days in the hospital, while I recovered on a steady dose of Tylenol and ice packs.  We were discharged on Wednesday, and have been home loving our little Peanut.  We feel so lucky to have this healthy, beautiful baby girl.

First family photo.  Taken immediately after delivery.  I am a mess.

Leah's first bath.  She was not a happy camper and let the nurses know this by peeing in the tub!

All better now.  Check out that cone head! 

Welcome to the world baby Leah.  We love you so much!