Jillian's Birth Story

Feeling the sharp pains of contractions was not a new thing to me. I had two false labors when I hit the 35 week mark. So when I had been having contractions all day, I was weary of this being the real deal (Even though they were coming stronger when I walked and I could barely breathe). I really really wanted to be sure this time. I eventually made it to the hospital after 5PM. Toward the end of the presidential debate they wanted me to walk to see if there would be any progression. Hours later around 1AM he decided I was progressing and I was admitted. At 7AM the on-call doctor broke my water, I was given Pitocin soon after.

 My birth plan was not set in stone, but I knew I wanted to wait as long as I could before I considered an epidural. (Not because I enjoy pain but because of my previous labor experience) Once the contractions became unbearable I called for the epidural. Called…hollered same thing. I prayed and thought about Gabe…that’s what got me through it. I started shaking and crying after the epidural. I became an emotional mess. All I knew is I wanted to see Gabe…I could care less if he was in school. In the end I knew if anything were to go wrong it was best he was not there.  

 After 12PM my doctor came in and after checking me she said I can start pushing in about fifteen minutes. Wait what?! I just got the epidural! In my panic/excitement I started texting my closest friends and family. Baby girl would be here shortly!! All I’m gonna say is an epidural can be an amazing thing J When they started getting me ready to push, I demanded hubs to press play on my IPod. The room filled with the awesome playlist I made for this day. I remember the doctor asking if I wanted to feel her head…um no thanks. I’m sure that motivates some people however I was already fully concentrated on pushing. 

 I felt a lot of pressure but after about 6 pushes (I literally pushed for minutes yeah hate me all you want)…they handed me my baby girl. With tears streaming down my face, I held my baby girl for the first time. “There you are. You are so beautiful. It was you this entire time wasn't it” She started calming at the sound of my voice. 6lbs 6oz and 20.5 inches of love entered our lives that beautiful fall day. I looked up at my husband who just became a new daddy and I simply said “we did it”.  I knew I couldn’t have done it without him. He brushed my hair back looked in my eyes and said “No, you did it”. I did, didn’t I…I made it through everything. She was beautiful and we were both healthy. It was surreal. We were blessed more than I could ever imagine. 

Daddy will tell you she did not want to let go of his hand! We are pretty sure the shutter noise of the camera calmed her as well. 

Completely in love and enjoying the skin to skin time..ahh these moments are what I live for!

Daddy holding his baby girl...I knew you were wondering where his pics were, someone had to be behind the camera. She already has him wrapped around her tiny fingers. 

I have never been more proud of Gabe, than I was the day his sister was born. As soon as I introduced the two of them, he started crying. He assured us they were happy tears. He asked to hold her and wanted to help as much as he possibly could. My heart melted.

Welcome, I hope you enjoyed the first published post in a long time :-) Tell me your labor story, I would love to hear them!