Pregnancy & Prepping for Labor —
I was very active during my pregnancy. I worked around 50 weddings with photography and flowers, so I was on my feet a lot. I walked as much as I could when I had the energy and tried to eat as healthy as I could — that being said, I consumed a lot of ice cream... I started seeing a chiropractor in my third trimester which helped a lot. I also did the occasional prenatal massage and tried acupuncture once (that was enough lol). I really enjoyed my 2nd and 3rd trimester and liked being pregnant for the most part :) I luckily didn’t have any swelling, or discomfort, and while I was in bed for most of my first trimester - I never actually threw up, although it probably would have made me feel better if I did!
Labor —
So this being my first baby I had no idea what to expect. People can only tell you so much. Most of labor and birth you just have to figure out for yourself. I went into labor with an open mind and plan to “be flexible”. I knew I didn’t want a medicated birth and wanted to avoid the epidural as long as I could. Our birth plan was as follows –
Labor at home for as long as we can
Try to avoid being induced
Try to avoid the epidural.
So I can be walk around and move as desired
Labor in water for pain relief
Open to nitrous oxide for pain relief
Have a supportive and open environment
Laboring at home –
My labor started slowly on Wednesday night (December 8th) watching Survivor at our friends house. I wasn’t sure if I was having contractions or not. It really just felt like weak cramps, but I timed them just because I was curious. They lasted about a minute or so and were about 10 minutes apart. Nothing to go to the hospital for though! I was able to go to bed and sleep until 5am without much pain. From like 4-5am I was just laying in bed thinking about my pain and contractions so I decided to get up and distract myself. I made banana bread muffins (highly recommended!!). I’m not sure where it came from, but whenever I had a contraction I sang “Fight Song” to myself during them and that helped me a lot. I also used a visualization of breathing in and smelling a mug of hot chocolate and then blowing out to “cool it off”. I timed my contractions all day at home but they seemed to be staying around 1 minute long every 10-15 minutes. They were super manageable and I was able to breath through them just fine. We watched movies and shows all day and just hung out and rested. Around dinner time they started to get more intense, but still 10 minutes apart. We called our friends to come get the dogs and planned to leave for the hospital (Methodist) from there. We had a 1 mile drive so we weren’t worried about making it to the hospital in time, but I do not suggest having a contraction in a roundabout… not fun.
At the hospital –
Once we got to the hospital I was checked in and told I was at 5cm. Apparently my water broke that morning but was a slow leak so I didn’t notice. Baby’s vitals and mine were good as well so we were able to do intermittent monitoring during labor. They admitted me and things seemed to slow down a bit. I put on a movie – Beauty & the Beast – to pass the time and distract myself. I got to the wolf scene when I asked for the nitrous oxide. I was pretty nervous about doing it, but it was actually super helpful. It did make me pretty sleepy, but overall I would recommend it as a first coping strategy to dealing with pain if you’re trying to avoid the epidural. I was in bed this whole time because I was tired, even though I rested all day. I eventually got up and labored on the toilet (lol.. sounds weird I know) for like 3 contractions with nitrous oxide and I needed to get into the tub. I didn’t really plan on doing anything during labor, but I knew I wanted to labor in the water as a last resort before getting an epidural. I was at 7cm at this point and it took all my effort to walk 15ft to the tub - which was really just a deep bathtub. Things really escalated once I got into the water. I wasn’t planning on delivering in the water, but after I got it, I wasn’t getting back out again. I didn’t want to move!
Time was not something I was keeping track of at all so I have no clue how long I was in there for before I felt the need to push, but I’m guessing it was maybe an hour or so. It is such a surreal feeling… It was painful, but I was able to get through it. The whole time, Peter was being soo amazing. Super supportive and caring. I remember I found comfort in holding his hand and rubbing my face on either his body or hand. Couldn’t tell you why that was comforting to me, but it helped! I kept trying to remember to not tense up and keep my face muscles relaxed. The only time I even thought about asking for the epidural was in the middle of laboring in the tub. I asked the nurse how much longer she thought I had. I asked this while she was getting things ready in the room – which I now know means you’re close. Without getting into too much detail – I started to feel like I should start pushing and wow.. I was scared, in pain, and unsure. I didn’t know what to or what to expect, and for those who know me… you know I like to have control and know what’s going to happen. Maybe an hour later I was crowing (sounds so gross lol). At this point I was doubting myself and still scared. I just wanted to be done. I was so tired and exhausted. I told Peter I didn’t think I could do it anymore and he said “you’re so close Hannah, you have like one more push” – to which the nurses all made a face and were like ehh might be a few more than one, but that actually really helped me. Knowing how close I was, even if it wasn’t just one more push.
Delivery –
Then it all happened so fast. Around 1:30am it was over, I made one last effort and there she was – on my chest. My daughter. I was in such awe and shock. My baby was here and healthy and I was done (almost)! I did it! I was so proud of myself. I remember looking up at Peter and we just shared such an incredible moment. All this work and waiting was all worth seeing our little girl. Peter cut the cord and did some skin to skin while they stitched me up, and then we shared our first night together with our little girl. We didn’t actually name her until the morning – Miss Daphne Mae. She was 7lbs 3oz and 18.5 inches long.
I am getting emotional just writing this. Overall, as crazy as it is to say… I had an amazing labor and delivery. The nurses and midwives at Methodist were amazing, Peter was the best support person anyone could ask for & we had a healthy and beautiful baby girl.
Feel free to ask any questions, I’m happy to answer them! & thank you for reading :)
