I was 41 weeks, 2 days. My parents were here visiting, helping with our two and three year old, and hoping that I'd go into labor 'one of these days!' I was really hoping that at my appointment my midwife Terry could strip my membranes, then we could go walking at the gym to get labor going and then bada bang, bada boom!
Well, I wasn't too far off but things didn't go as my mind had prepared. (Of course!)
For months, I thought labor was any day. I had braxton hicks contractions and was 4cm dilated for weeks. I also had expectations that labor would start in the night like it did with the other two! The labor and delivery nurse inside of me laughed at my expectations, but they were still there!
My appointment that morning started as 'planned'. And bonus- I was 6cm, 100% effaced and a +1 station! Terry striped my membranes, but then we needed to monitor baby before we left to go walking since I was over 41 weeks. Baby ended up being 'sleepy' on the monitor for the first 20 minutes. My midwife was a little concerned, used the word 'induction', but then baby 'woke up' as we talked. We decided we would go walking for a bit and then would come back to be monitored after lunch.
Mike and I went to a nearby mini mall, walked back and forth several times, while debating on what to do next. Induction was not my 'plan.' BUT my parents were at home with our kids and a snow storm was imminent. One of my greatest fears with this pregnancy was the ride to the hospital. Living 25 minutes away and having a history of fast labors, I knew that when labor did start that I would need to go in right away! Add a snow storm on top of that and it could be quite the story/ride.
I really didn't know what to do or what the right answer was as I prayed. After a series of calls back and forth with my midwife, she finally said, "My gut says we should have you come in to be induced." While I agreed and felt some relief that the decision was made for me, an induction was still not my original plan and still brought me fear.
We arrived at the hospital and I was quickly greeted by my old co-worker, Lea. After she said that she was going to be my nurse, so many fears released. Lea has been working as a labor and delivery nurse for several years. Her knowledge is incredible, but even more than that, her compassion and care for her patients is noteworthy! Also, the coordinator working was Jaci and she had been at my other two births! I knew that even though this induction wasn't what I was hoping for, that things had fallen into place.
The oncall midwife came in to break my water just before 2pm but she couldn't find a bag to break! She suggested I go walking for a bit and then she would come back and try again. I liked the plan because it gave me more time to prepare for the induction!
We walked the halls for quite a while and starting feeling like I was having real contractions here and there. It surprised me since I really hadn't been induced yet!
I decided to lay down for a bit before the midwife came back. I texted my mom at 3:47pm "Contractions are getting stronger."
Our friend and birth photographer arrived as I was lying down. Mike went to talk to her at the door, telling her that she could probably go to the waiting room for a while. I remember getting sooo frustrated in my head that he was saying such a thing! I yelled and yelled at him (he couldn't hear me for whatever reason). When he came back to me, I told him to get her back in my room now! (The emotions are wild in labor!)
I then got up to sit on a birth ball. I remember that position is where the contractions got serious and it felt like labor began. It was right before 4:00 pm! During each of my labors I don't like touch or talk, so it was at this point that Mike became my water boy and quiet support.
My midwife Terry came in to let me know that she was heading home, as the snowstorm had hit! I was sad to have her go, but also knew it was for the best and I would be in good hands.
I started getting more and more uncomfortable so Lea suggested the tub, reminding me that it worked well for me with my second baby. I don't think I was in the tub too long and starting to moan, when Lea said, "Heidi, you let me know when you need to get out." I replied, "I don't know what I'm feeling." Her next comment was, "Heidi, how about I get the midwife to check you."
Midwife Erin came in to the bathroom and checked me as I sat in the tub! I was 10cm! Time to push! I didn't want to get out but knew that I needed to.
When I finally got out of the tub, I tried to push on the birth ball for a while.
I knew my best pushing was going to be in the bed where I could grab my legs and pull them back so I made my way there about 4:45pm or so.
I pushed a short time and at 5:00 pm our second BOY was born!! Our smallest baby at 7lb 11oz!
After delivery of the placenta, we quickly fell into thanks to God for taking care of both Titus and I during the delivery. You see...I had a low lying placenta during my pregnancy but was cleared for a vaginal birth. The place where my bag of waters broke was RIGHT next to my placenta. My delivery would have been a lot more scary (and bloody and an emergency) had it broke any closer!
After another painful and long repair (my babies always tear me up!), I was able to breastfeed and cuddle my new, fussy but precious BOY!
Titus Robert was named after the Biblical name Titus and his grandpa Robert (my dad). We loved the name Titus when I was pregnant with William, so when I got pregnant again, it quickly became a favorite! Titus means 'pleasing' and 'title of honor.' We love the book of Titus but particularly like these verses and pray Titus would be a man of integrity.
Titus 2: 6-8
6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
