Baby Everett's Birth Story

Wow! I still can't believe I made it through childbirth again! Childbirth is one of the most difficult things that I have ever done in my life. It's one of those things, that you don't know you if have it in you until it happens.  Even though it was so incredibly hard and awful, it made me feel so proud, strong and even fearless.

Everett's birth was a million times easier than Nora's birth, but they say the second time around is easier than the first.  I was scheduled for an induction on that Tuesday 11/11 at 6:00 pm, but the baby had other plans. I started having really heavy contractions on 11/10 at around 10:00 pm.

I was kind of in denial that I was going into labor because the contractions came on really fast.  I was completely convinced that I was having Braxton Hicks (false labor), and it was one big false alarm. I was pacing around the house and Tim started timing my contractions.  He ended up calling the hospital and they told us to come in.  The contractions started to get extremely painful and they were very close together.

Once we got to the hospital it was about midnight. I was in a lot of pain and started pacing around the hallways. The nurses were cracking jokes about how I couldn't just wait for my induction later that day.  We finally got checked-in and I couldn't sit down for very long.  I was in so much pain, that I started asking for the epidural and I could feel the baby dropping.

I started begging for the drugs, any drug.  They started fluids in my IV and some pain medication, while they tracked down the the anesthesiologist. I told the doctor, that I really needed to start pushing. I was secretly afraid that if I started pushing, that I wouldn't be able to get the epidural. I could feel that my water was ready to break.  I had been holding back from pushing and finally pushed so hard that my water shot out across the bed.

The anesthesiologist looked at the doctor and said I was cutting it extremely close to not being able to have an epidural. Tim and I held hands while they administered the epidural and I immediately felt relief once the epidural was in place.

The doctor asked if I wanted to take a break or start to pushing because I could start pushing.  I said I needed at least 10 minutes to get my head together.  This was such a different experience then it was with Nora.  I felt once I had the contractions under control, I could really focus on doing what I needed to do.

I pushed for about 30 minutes, and I tried really hard to relax and focus on what the doctor was saying and getting the baby out.  The baby was out in a few pushes and I could feel the baby literally pop right out.  He was placed on my chest and cuddled my warm skin.  His eyes stayed closed but he did give me a few big sniffs and then pooped all over me!  The whole experience happened so fast and I'm so grateful that he came out healthy.

Want to read Nora's Birth Story? click here. The video is Nora meeting her baby brother for the first time, major heart melt.

PS This was just my personal and genuine birth story. I made decisions and choices, that were best for me. I have a ton of admiration for women who can make it through childbirth with or with out drugs because childbirth is not easy.

11 comments

Tori Dickey said...

Such an amazing story! That is such a cute video of Nora meeting her baby brother for the first time :).

Erin said...

Thank you for sharing this, Erika! I'm so in awe of your strength, especially doing this twice! You're so right, I really don't know if I have it in me, and I half-jokingly wish for the days when they would knock you out with ether and you'd wake up with a baby ;) I'm not close to having to make decisions like these, but I so, so appreciate you being honest about wanting an epidural. There seems to be some sanctimonious mommy-wars out there that like to belittle women who don't suffer through a natural birth, as if their births are somehow more valid because they did it medicine-free. You know? Again, I'm not even pregnant and I can pick that up! Good for you for making your own choices and for getting that beautiful baby boy out safely and healthy. So excited to hear/see more about him in the coming weeks! xo

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

You are a wonderful mother.
I think every woman knows best what their body can take, considering doctor's recommendations.

Krugthethinker said...

Congratulations! What a beautiful story and a beautiful baby! I am so glad you were able to get the epidural like you had hoped! Happy babymoon!!!

Rach said...

Nora is sweet sweet with her little brother! How adorable! I'm so glad Everett is here safely now! :)

rooth said...

You know it's true love when they poop all over you and you don't even care. Love hearing about the newest member of your family

Lauren said...

Thanks for sharing - I totally agree each birth, mother and situation is different. Do what works for you and your baby - healthy momma, healthy baby!

Christine D. | The Plumed Nest said...

this is so sweet. love that video.

my first and second birth stories were so different as well. with my first, i had him at home, with nothing. and after that i was perplexed for years and years how the world was over-populated. i really could not understand how anyone would choose to do it twice. but 10 years later i did. and with my twins, i was at the hospital, had an epidural - which popped right before i started pushing - i was fine with that. for me the pushing wasn't painful either time, it was the contractions and i think because i had such a nice break from them before the pushing part i felt so much more present - SUCH a better experience.

Lauren said...

Oh, what a beautiful story! Hooray! Hooray! Happy, happy day for you all.

Did you know that I used to be a childbirth educator and doula? Way back in another life, but I'll occasionally come out of retirement for friends here in Virginia. When we were going through training we were asked if we were mom-centered, baby-centered or birth-centered. I always came firmly down on the side of mom centered. I feel so strongly that it's *your* birth. Labor is hard work. I'm so proud of you for feeling empowered to make good choices for you and your body and that sweet boy. Happy day!

Side note. One of my favorite memories from my birthing days was a mom who wanted the baby "all cleaned up" before the docs gave it to her. The doula I was working with and I both knew that baby was going to be spitting up down her back for years to come! ;)

Tales of Whimsy said...

I love it. Congratulations. He's beautiful. Want a tender sweet video.

I'm hoping for a super quicky delivery. *fingers crossed*

Kira said...

Axel was similar. So much faster! I bet come induction time the next day you were so happy to already have him out!