I just recently attended my first birth...it was very exciting! It was about 22 hours in total, and all worth it. The baby was born healthy and strong at 37 weeks. Congratulations and Mahalo for allowing me to be at your birth!
Timmy’s Birth
November 25, 2008
2:02 am
When we arrived at the hospital on Thursday, November 24, 2008 at 6:00 in the morning, Mom, Jen and I had no idea what to expect. It was a first for both of us, as Jen had never been induced, though she had already given birth six times before, and I had not yet attended a birth. Needless to say, we were excited, nervous and ready! Jen mentioned she hadn’t been able to sleep the night before because she was too anxious to have her baby. We entered the room and had many questions for the nurses about the plans for that day. Our first nurse, Lorraine, was kind and gave us good information about what to expect throughout the day. She got Jen set up and since we weren’t sure how long we would be there, we got comfortable.
A few hours later, Dr. Johnson came in and told us the plan. Our new nurse, Cheryl, came in and started the IV of Pitocin. Contractions started about a half hour after the Pitocin, and we started to get excited. Jen was beginning to feel uncomfortable but hung in there as her contractions picked up. She concentrated on breathing to get through each one. After a few hours, contractions suddenly stopped. Dr. Johnson came in and broke Jen’s water bag, hoping that it would keep things going. However, at that time, the nurses realized that the Pitocin IV needed to be moved to a different vein. Jen was brave as the nurses switched veins.
We relaxed, and hoped things would pick up soon. Jen continued to breath, and rest on and off, though it was difficult with all of the people in and out of the room! Cindy came by to visit and bring some Thanksgiving dinner. Jen was happy to eat some normal, non-liquid food. At about 8pm, contractions became strong and regular. Soon after that, Jen requested an epidural as she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Her dilation was slow but getting there. Timmy’s heartbeat was strong and healthy and everything was going well so we decided to rest, knowing that the next few hours might be leading up to delivery.
At about 1:30am on Tuesday, November 25, Jen woke up from a nap and told us that she was beginning to feel a lot of pressure. The nurses checked her and gave us the good news that she was almost 10 cm dilated and would soon be ready to push. The doctors and nurses prepared the room for delivery, as Jen prepared emotionally and mentally for the moment that would bring her baby boy into the world. At about 1:58, the doctors gave Jen the go ahead to begin pushing and after only two powerful pushes, Timmy was born! He began crying strong immediately while Mom was overcome with joy as she welcomed her new son into her life. I watched in awe and took it all in. I was so grateful to have had the opportunity to be there through Jen’s labor and at birth of little Timmy, who weighed in healthily at 6 pounds, 15 ounces. Jen did beautifully and delivered the placenta soon after her baby.
Timmy began breastfeeding for about 15 minutes almost immediately after birth. When it was time to go to the nursery, I accompanied baby and the nurse and let mom rest a bit. He was weighed and measured and kept in the nursery for monitoring. Soon after, nurse Dawn helped transfer Jen to the recovery room. After she was all settled, she enjoyed the rest of the delicious Thanksgiving meal. It was 4:30 in the morning and time to rest. I said my goodbyes and left mom to rest after a long night. Baby Timmy was healthy, and mom was happy. What a night!
