Incredible VBA2C Birth Hospital + Epidural
This story is written by an client who had had two previous cesarean deliveries and was determined to have her third vaginally!
Baby Roman was born on July 20th. (37 weeks, 4 days gestation). I had been having contractions for a few weeks but on the 19th by 7pm, they were timeable and increasing in intensity. I could tell it was early labor.
I had been checked earlier that day and was a 4.5 cm dilated and I had a membrane sweep. (My doctor was heading out of town in 5 days and I wanted to have him there. Finding a provider who was comfortable and supportive of my birthing wishes after 2 c sections was hard, so having him there was important to me.) I also had had my chiropractor do the 4 forbidden points to induce labor.
My goal was to go natural for as long as I could but if I needed an epidural, I was open to it. I called my doula and she came around 3am. I was feeling like they were really strong and coming close together. She was wonderful to support me and make me feel validated that the baby was really coming.
We went to the hospital around 4am and were admitted. I was dilated to a 5 at the time, which was a little discouraging because I truly feel the baby was coming SOON based on my pain and the frequency of contractions.
I labored for a few hours and the contractions got pretty unbearable for me. I got the epidural at 6cm, again discouraged at the slow progress, but grateful to have the option of an epidural. (I may or may not have screamed at my husband who was trying to help me relax… haha) I was definitely in transition at that point. The epidural was really light and I was still able to move my legs, feel contractions without the pain, and try different positions.
A few hours later, my doctor called in and had the attending doctor there break my water with my consent. I was a 10! I started pushing by 9:30 ish am.
I pushed for 2 hours total. It was exhausting and at times, I felt scared that I’d end up in a c section again because it was taking so long. (My first son was stuck and I pushed him for 3 hours without any real progress) thankfully I had an AMAZING nurse and doula who helped keep me encouraged that I was definitely progressing and he was descending. With it being my first vaginal delivery, the time frame was normal. I was able to look in a mirror while I pushed. It helped so much to be able to see his head. My nurse had me do “tug of war” pushing and that was the best for my progression. When he finally got passed my pubic bone, they called my doctor in and I started to feel so excited!
I watched the whole time as my baby’s head got closer and closer. I reached down and felt him and was SO encouraged!
When his head came out, I was so overcome, I started sobbing. I couldn’t believe it was actually real. I was so grateful my doula was there taking these photos and a video so I can remember the feelings and emotions. Honestly one of the most incredible moments of my life.
What I’ve taken from this experience is:
• Advocate for yourself. Find a team that will be on your side and don’t settle. (I switched to my provider around 32 weeks because my previous provider was fear-mongering my choices)
•Being kind goes a long way. I made and brought homemade cookies for any staff who we interacted with because I wanted it to be positive for everyone.
• Do what feels best and right for you. An epidural was the right thing for me. I know I couldn’t have done what I did without my epidural.
• Hire a doula! Just do it, trust me.
