On Monday, August 3rd 2009, I had my 39th week doctor's appointment. I was only 1 cm dilated, so we decided to schedule a day to be induced (Tatum was due on August 8). We decided that we would come in on Wednesday, August 12th for me to be induced. I was very disappointed because I was really ready for our baby to be here... I had to wait more than a week (I don't think any pregnant women ever wants to have their baby later than their due date)!!
The following morning (at around 7:30am), I woke up to my water breaking. We called Dr. Barr and she told me to take a shower, get packed (ha, like I wasn't packed yet! I was packed at around 34 weeks!), make phone calls, and drive to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, I started to feel some very faint contractions. I remember thinking, "Wow, these aren't bad. I can totally do this!". Little did I know that these were NOTHING compared to "real" contractions! We checked into the hospital at around 10am. Our room was awesome! It was a huge corner room with a big bathroom and windows everywhere.
A few hours later (at around 3 or 4), the nurses came in and told me that the anesthesiologist was about to go into surgery.... I could either get an epidural then or after the surgery (hours later). I decided to get the epidural right away. I was only 4 cm, but the contractions were getting more painful. An hour later, I got my epidural. I couldn't believe the difference it made!
Around dinner time, the doctor decided to give me Pitocin (sp?) to move things along because I wasn't progressing. However, every time they gave me some, Tatum's heart rate would drop. They gave me oxygen to help.
As the evening progressed, I started to notice that the epidural was wearing off. They gave me more, but I didn't notice a difference, at all. At that time, as well, the weirdest thing happened. My left hand started to cramp up and hurt like crazy! For about an hour, I was in the most excruciating pain... not because of the contractions, but because of my hand! I was literally screaming. It was so weird! Benjamin was AMAZING during the whole time.... but specifically during this time. The birthing classes and books never prepared us to deal with a hurting hand during labor! Benjamin was so encouraging and helpful! I couldn't have done it without him.
My hand started to feel better, but the contractions were becoming unbearable for me. When I was around 9 cm, I asked the nurses and doctors if I could push (I was so done!). I pushed three times. The first two times, Tatum's heart rate dropped. The third time, it dropped and they couldn't get it to go back up. Dr. Barr decided it was time to "get her out". This next part was the scariest thing I have ever been through... it felt like hours, but it no more than a hour.
They wheeled me into the operating room and transferred me to the smallest table I had ever seen. I had to wait there (contractions and all) until with anesthesiologist came. One of the worst parts of this whole experience was being there without Benjamin. I did not picture going through this experience without him. Finally (again, it felt like hours later), the anesthesiologist came in and started to give me a spinal (I think that's what it's called). The first time, I felt a sharp, piercing pain down my right leg. He kept asking, "Are your legs numb, yet?" They definitely weren't. Finally, after the third try, my feet went numb, then my legs, then my arms, and everything else! Everything was so numb that I couldn't even swallow (or talk). I could only blink my eyes. I don't even know how to describe that feeling, except to say that I would NEVER want that to happen again! It was so scary.
Just seconds later, I heard a little cry. Dr. Barr announced, "It's a girl!" They brought our sweet baby to my side, however, I couldn't see her because I couldn't turn my head (and I didn't have my glasses on or contacts in). I just saw some pink. :) They brought her directly to Benjamin. Unfortunately, he wasn't allowed in the operating room because of everything that happened with the spinal. :(
They finished with me and prepared me to be wheeled into our room. When I approached the room, I saw the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.... my incredible husband, Benjamin, was sitting in a rocking chair holding our precious baby girl! He had the biggest smile on his face! When I finally got to hold our baby girl, Tatum Sophia, I feel in love, instantly. :)
This was one of the most amazing, awesome, scary, and incredible experiences of my whole life. I am so thankful for God's protection, grace, and peace. We have been so blessed by our precious girl, and we are so thankful!
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