Luke is finally here! Last Monday I had my 41 week check and was pretty discouraged on the lack of progress my cervix was making, and that the Dr. said if Luke didn't come by Friday, we would have to perform a repeat csection on me. I really didn't want that, as I had a successful VBAC with Hannah, and I knew how much better the experience and recovery of a VBAC was. So Tuesday I got in with another Dr in the practice to get a second opinion. She moved my section back to Monday, which gave Luke three more days to get here. She also stripped my membranes, which ended up really stirring things up because contractions started 2 hours later!!
Contractions continued Tuesday night, and continued all day Wednesday. They were 7-8 minutes apart while I was standing, but slowed down to every 15 minutes when I would lay down. So we knew it was early labor. My goal was to labor at home as long as possible. My mom came over Tuesday night, just to make sure she didn't miss anything. No surprise, Luke was taking his time, so Wednesday we ran errands, went on walks, and hung out at Danielle's. Andy brought the kids by after work and as you can see below - I had some really good helpers while I was in between contractions on the labor ball!
Around 10pm Wednesday night the contractions got a lot stronger, and continued to be 7-8 minutes apart while lying down, and lasted over a minute long. That was the goal. So we headed to the hospital, hopefully not to be sent home! The nurse checked me and I was dilated to almost a 4, which was a little discouraging since I was hoping to be a 5, but since my cervix was changing, that was a great sign and they kept me!
We got settled in the room, Andy took his position on the couch (this daddy needs his sleep - so I was totally fine with him resting for a few hours since I knew we would not get much of it over the next few days!!), and my mom and I started walking the halls of the hospital to keep the progress coming.
The nurse checked me at 4am and I had made it to a 5! Getting to a 5 takes the longest, so I was relieved to hear that. I still was holding out on the epidural, since I knew that can sometimes slow things down, and once you get the epidural you are tied to your bed since your legs don't work. Since my contractions were still only 7-8 minutes apart, I could handle the pain since I had such a break in between. Right before 6am the Dr came in and broke my water. I ordered the epidural since typically the breaking of the water speeds things up. Not with this guy! Once I got the epidural the pain was gone, and it was a pretty smooth ride from there on out. They checked me again at 9am, and no progress, which made me nervous, but the new Dr on call ran pitocin on me (which not all Dr.'s will do on VBAC's, so I lucked out), which got my contractions coming very strong and close together. They checked me again at 10:30, and I was to a 7.
Andy needed lunch, so him and my dad left to get lunch at 10:55. I figured it would be fine, since I was progressing so slowly at 1cm every 2 hours or so. No joke, about 5 minutes after they left I felt like I had to push. Which usually means baby is there ready to make an appearance! So I labored down for about 30 minutes since we didn't need Luke's dad missing his arrival. He got back, the nurse checked me, and it was go time. The next 10 minutes was a whirlwind as the Dr was there, all the nurses, the NICU nurses since there was meconium in the fluid (not uncommon since he was so overdue), and Andy by my side. The first contraction came, I pushed 3 times, and his head was out. Next contraction came, I pushed once and he was completely out. Born at 11:39am. At least I got a break at the end after that two day labor! It took him a few seconds to scream, and the NICU nurses checked him over for about two minutes, and then he was on my chest and calmed down.
Me and my little man. Skin to skin for a good 30 minutes after his arrival. And just like with Hannah, it feels so darn good after they are here and in your arms right away. And my heartburn went away the second I pushed him out and hasn't returned since!
Weighed 7lb 10oz and 20.5 inches long.
Getting checked over.
Our new addition!
So happy to be on his mommy.
Proud daddy.
I am so blessed to have such a great support system. My husband is so supportive and helpful and stands by my side no matter what. My mom rushed over the second my contractions started, and was my coach during the two day labor and kept me going, my dad came over Thursday morning and helped keep me company during the last part of labor, and my sisters and friends were such good support systems keeping my mind off of things. I couldn't have done it without the help of everyone the past week. My family, friends, everyone. Luke is so lucky to be born into such a great family and is loved so much already! He just wanted to take his sweet ole time.
Congrats beautiful friend! He's perfect!
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