Scarlett Jean was born at 1:08 PM on Monday, October 17.
On Sunday at church I started getting contractions about 6 minutes apart. They quickly went to 2-3 minutes apart after lunch at the Mexican restaurant and a non-successful attempt at a nap. I wasn't in pain, but they were definitely different than my normal Braxton Hicks contractions.
We headed to the hospital, not knowing if I would be sent home or what. I had hoped to labor at home until I was a good 6 or 7 centimeters, but we were nervous to stay any longer because they were so close together!
I used my Hypnobabies techniques to get through the pain - and swaying was my favorite position. I didn't have to be monitored the entire time and no IV, so I was free to move around. I had a WONDERFUL nurse that is training to be a midwife and was familiar with HB and she knew I wanted a VBAC and was trying to help us get that. Unfortunately, in spite of the super strong contractions, my cervix was stuck at 1!
After an aggressive cervical check I finally made it to a 3 and asked for some pain relief. We tried Demerol and it did nothing to help the pain. I was BEGGING for help - throwing all our natural childbirth plans out the window! I really think if I was having more progress with each check and knowing that the contractions were getting me nearer to birth I might have remained more positive. However, every time they told me I was the same I felt like the last hour was in vain and I was losing ability to focus and stay relaxed.
I ended up getting the epidural around 1:30 AM and it was HEAVEN. The man that did it was so gentle and understanding and I loved having relief!
I progressed slowly, but ended up around 9-10 cm around lunch. This entire time the baby's heart-rate was showing some signs of distress, and they were monitoring me closely since I was a VBAC patient. I had several interventions to help, but after a big drop and the nurse finding dark blood after a check, we decided baby needed to come out. Apparently dark blood can signify a problem with the placenta, and this was concerning. After a period of hysterical crying by me (just being honest!) and prayer by Jason, we prepped for the c-section and the delivery of our baby!
The staff in the OR knew that Jason would be revealing the gender once baby was out - it was something we had been looking forward to hearing for 9 months! I was so shocked when Jason, after making a gasping sound, said "It's a GIRL!"
She weighed 8 pounds 9.5 ounces (wow!) and was 19.75 inches long. For comparison, Lilli was 7lb 11oz and 19.25 inches long.
Jason was able to tell the news to my parents and Lilli who were waiting. Lilli was a CHAMP waiting all day, I am so proud of her!!
After being able to nurse in recovery (again, the best medicine!) I was taken to my room and able to see Lilli - something I was so ready for!
She was excited to see her baby sister, but exhausted from the day. She actually fell asleep in mom's lap which was incredibly rare for her!
Recovery in the hospital went well - better than last time. Scarlett did great - nursed like a champ from the beginning and rarely cried! Even the nurse said she loved having her in the nursery (we sent her at night) because she was so sweet!
We were released after just 2 days, such a pleasant surprise!
I joke that Scarlett is already a good listener - all I wanted at the end of pregnancy was for the baby to wait to be born until we were able to go to Lilli's preschool field trip to the pumpkin patch on Friday -
And a Halloween party on Saturday -
I hope to come back soon with another update from the first week...things have been going so well with the baby! I have had some issues/scares from swelling but I am finally feeling better and on my way to recovery.
