I know some women like to hear birth stories, and I like to blog about it, so I can keep it for my Journal.
Benson's due date was October 29th.
I really hoped to not to be induced. I prefer to take things the natural rout and let the baby come, when they and my body are ready to come. My doctor said he would let me go 9 days past my due date. I wasn't worried about that, because I haven't ever been pregnant that long before. Eliza was 5 days past my due date, and she was the latest out of the 4.
I have been having off and on contractions for a couple weeks. On Monday November 3rd at 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant, I had my doctor strip my membranes, hoping something would come of it. I was dilated at a 4 on that day. The only thing that came of membrane stripping that day, was irregular contractions. Although they weren't the real deal, I knew they were doing something productive. 3 days later on November 6th (the day before Induction day) I asked to have my membranes stripped again. I really didn't want to be induced the next day. At that appointment as was dilated to a 5. I had more irregular contractions that day. A little stronger then before. I had hoped something would come of them. But bedtime came, and they had stopped. No luck. I went to bed bummed. But luckily I had a good nights sleep.
Friday November 7th (induction day. It was scheduled for 4:30 pm)
I woke up at 7:00 am to contractions. I laid in bed for a bit, and then realized I think this is the real deal! I was ecstatic!
Robby and the older kids were up getting ready for work and school. I told Robby, not to go to work, that I am in labor.
I helped get the kids ready for school, ate breakfast and got myself and my stuff ready for the hospital.
My plan was to labor at home for as long as possible, and head to the hospital when contractions were closer together, stronger and longer. I didn't want to be at the hospital too long in labor, because being at home is way more comfortable for me.
But being dilated to a 5 and it being my 5th child, I wasn't sure what to expect and how long I would actually be at home. So I had babysitters lined up and ready to go, when I decided to head in.
At the beginning contractions were anywhere from 4-6 min apart. I had called my Doula and my family to let them know. My mom, and Sister Lindsey came up, and they all met at my house.
At about this time, my contractions went backwards with time. Now being 10 to even 12 min apart. I didn't know why, or what was going on, although my knew my body knew what it was doing and there must be a reason.
We all went out for a walk around the neighborhood for about 30 min. It brought the contractions closer together. Back to 5-6 min apart.
We got back home and after a bit, my contractions slowed down again! 10-12 min apart. I did all sorts of things. pressure points, sitting on the birth ball, swaying while standing. I ate some lunch, and then laid down for a bit. Contractions were still 10 min apart.
It was now almost 2:00 pm and I thought I need to get walking, I need to get these going again. Robby, my Doula and I walked to my kids school to pick them up. It was a slow walk. Stopping every 4-6 min for contractions. This time around these contractions picked up with intensity and length. I was glad. yay!
We were out walking for an hour. My contractions were in a good rhythm now, but not to the point where I would say, it's hospital time.
I got in from the walk and needed to go to the bathroom.(it was now 3:00pm) while in the bathroom a very strong contraction hit! It was like wow! that is a good one. about 2-3 min later another one, and then another and they were coming fast and hard!
I was at that point that I knew baby is coming and we got to go now!!
It hit out of the blue.
We gathered our stuff and headed out to the car. I stopped in the front yard and could barely stand. I wanted to lay down. I knew he was coming and I might not make it. Robby said "no, don't lay down, we are getting you to the hospital, we will make it"
The 15 minute car ride to the hospital was hard. Really hard. Sitting in a car while in transition, is not a place I wanted to be.
I called my doctor on his cell phone, and told him to get there fast. (which he did. record time)
I prayed and I prayed real hard for me to make it to the hospital.
When I got to the hospital and into the wheel chair, I was almost certain I wouldn't make it to the room. I was panicked. I didn't want to be giving birth naked in the hall of the hospital.
As Soon as I got to the bed in Labor and delivery, I was pushing.
I pushed, what seemed like eternity to me, but according to everyone else it was really fast.
Benson was born in a caul. Meaning, my water never broke, and he was born with the sac, completely intact. Which is really rare! I thought that was really cool.
Benson came out crying for just a second, and then stopped. He had swallowed quite a bit of meconium. It went into his lungs and he couldn't breath. They rushed him off to do a deep suctioning, and to give him oxygen. I wasn't able to see or hold him for about an hour and half. It was a little scary, but he did really well and bounced back fast.
Labor was 9 hrs long. He was born at 4:02pm. Benson weighed 8 lbs and 11 oz. 19.5 inches long. Benson John Wyatt is his full name.
My mom, sister, Robby, Doula, and Abbey were in the delivery room.
Robby was an amazing coach, and support. He has been well trained and knew exactly what to do to help me. He did pressure points, double hip squeeze, counter pressure on my back, cold wet cloths, helped me stay focused and breath. He was there every second for the 9 hours. I could not have done it without him.
I can not believe Benson will be one week old tomorrow! holy cow, it went fast. He is so adorable. I can't get enough of him. I want to hold him all the time. The kids adore him!
