Baby Sullivan's Birth

My pregnancy was pretty much normal. I had only mild morning sickness, which disappeared by the middle of my 4th month. In fact, although I did have nausea, I threw up only once.

Throughout my entire pregnancy I was determined to do two things. To continue my exercise regimen and to read and study everything about pregnancy and childbirth that I could. I was a frequent visitor of this web-site, which was very informative, I might add. I wanted to be totally prepared for childbirth.

When I was 36 1/2 weeks I was tested for Group B strep. During the procedure I asked my doctor if she would check to see "if anything was going on". I was 1-2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I was so excited. It seemed as though my baby's birth would be sooner than anticipated. Each week I would visit the doctor and be a little more dilated and a little more effaced. When I was past due by 4 days, my doctor agreed to induce labor if that was what I wanted. It was. I must admit though, I was scared because I had read that induced labors are usually harder.

I checked into the hospital Friday morning, October 31st. The nurse checked my "progress" upon entering. I was 100% effaced and dilated 4-5 cm. I had had a few irregular contractions the night before. Apparently, even though they were sporadic they were working. At present I was having no contractions. Therefore, my IV and pitocin drip were started at approximately 9:30 am. By about 10:00 am I was having mild contractions. They continued and around 12:00 my doctor came in to check me. There was no progress. She increased the amount of pitocin I was receiving and said she'd see me a little later.

The contractions got somewhat harder after the increase of pitocin, but were still manageable. Finally about 3:00pm I asked for a shot. I was given Nubane. It was wonderful. About 4:00 my doctor came back. This time she broke my water and increased the pitocin again. This time the contractions really kicked in. I got another shot of Nubane, which did NOTHING! The contractions were hard and right on top of each other. I would have about 15 seconds between the end of one contraction and the beginning of another. It was horrible. Although I didn't know it at the time, the baby was in a posterior position and I was having back labor. All I knew is that I hurt all over. I was moaning and tearful. Everyone, my husband and my nurse, kept asking, "Dont you want the epidural?" Finally at 5:15 pm I gave in and said yes. The anesthesiologist was there by 5:45pm. Before he did the procedure, the nurse checked me one more time. I was between 7-8 cm. He proceeded and the epidural was in place be 6:00pm.

The epidural was a relief, but I still had a hot spot on my right side. I could still move my legs somewhat (not enough to walk or anything). By 7:00pm I was fully dilated and ready to push. After I had pushed for about 1:45 min. the doctor suggested that we try the vacuum thing. It seemed that I wasn't making a whole lot of progress, probably because the baby was posterior and the lack of sensation due to the epidural. Right after that, the baby turned and I was able to push him out on my own. Thank the Good Lord! He was 9 lbs. 3 ozs. I had no episiotomy (the only thing out of my birth plan that went according to schedule. You forfeit alot when you are induced!) I did tear. It took about 15 stitches to repair. I am sooo glad that I did not have an episiotomy.

I wish I could have made it all the way without the epidural. If there is a next time for me, I plan to have a doula by my side all the way. That way, she can carry out my wishes when I won't be in a stable frame of mind. I think my husband and nurse just wanted the easy way out. I do have some back problems now and I'm sure it's due to the epidural I had.

Angie Sullivan
angie@winoco.com