It’s taken me six months to write this post and now that I’m finally typing it out, it reminds me why timing is everything. If you’re new here, my fertility journey was a long one that spanned five years. So, you’d think that I would have read all the books and truly prepared myself for the birthing experience. But, it’s only now that I understand that nothing can really prepare you to have your first baby because things don’t always go according to plan.
I couldn’t have told you that I’d stop to get Smoothie King on the way to the hospital or that we’d find out that even though my contractions were five minutes apart I was barely even dilated. That my epidural may or may not have worked (I’m still not sure). But, I keep looking back on my son’s birth and despite the pain, if you asked me now I would tell you I’d do it all again. That was not the case several months ago! Everett’s birth story is beautiful and I’m sharing the full story below.
Everett’s Birth Story
Our Birth Plan
When I was 32 weeks we took a birthing class and they suggested we create a simple birth plan that we could provide to our doctors when I went into labor. I never got around to officially filling one out. But, I did review the outline and knew I wanted to try for a natural birth, waiting to get the epidural as long as possible… and neither of those things happened. So, I share that to say that you should know what your preferences are, but be flexible, trusting your doctors and your support system (husband, partner) to know what’s best in the moment.
Going into Labor
The day I went into labor was just like any other. Since I was 39 weeks and five days, it was just a matter of time before Everett made his debut. I’d already taken that week off of work. So, Matt and I were out walking Jackson in the morning when I suddenly felt a tightening in my belly as we were coming up the driveway back into the house. Now, I never had Braxton hicks. So, it was my first time having a contraction. I’m sure I said, “I think I just had a contraction.” And, in that moment I downloaded a contraction timer app (above is a screenshot of my timed contractions!). Sure enough, nearly 11 minutes later I had another. As a first time mom, it was in that moment that things got real. We’re having a baby!
Laboring at Home
Our birthing class had taught us that we should try to labor at home for as long as possible. So, I knew we had some time. And, in true fashion I wanted to get ready. I enjoyed a long, hot shower at home and did my hair and makeup. Since my bags were already packed, I just laid on the bed watching some TV as my contractions passed. I wore my most comfortable maternity dress so I’d be cozy.
Around noon they were anywhere from 4 to 8 minutes apart, so I called my OB. They said to head to the hospital and they’d call ahead for us so they’d know to expect us.
My Water Breaking
Another fun fact we learned in our birthing class is that you should try to avoid eating heavy protein before you give birth (if you can). So, on our way to the hospital I asked Matt to stop at Smoothie King. I’d been on a smoothie kick the last month or so and it sounded like a good idea at the time.
We also learned that around 10% of women have their water break when they’re in labor. Why the movies hype up that moment, I would love to know. Anyway, I wasn’t expecting it would happen to me. But, wouldn’t you know it – as I got out of the car at the hospital entrance, my water broke right there! You should have seen my face. I was so excited! My hope was that it meant that I was progressing nicely and Everett’s birth story would be a quick one! Not quite.
Since my water broke, we were admitted to an L&D room immediately. I was eager to know how far along I was, so once we were settled I asked the midwife on call do a check. That’s when I got the news that I was barely 1 cm dilated. On the bright side, I was 80% effaced (which I guess is the more challenging part?). So, we made the call to put me on Pitocin to speed things up.
Active Labor
So, here’s where I want to remind you that there are so many factors at play when it comes to having a baby. In the weeks leading up to my pregnancy, my OB said Everett was in position, heads down. But, he really hadn’t dropped at all. That meant that all the pressure some ladies feel in the few weeks or days leading up to delivery was all happening at once for me. It was so painful! The contractions were now two minutes apart and I was feeling it all.
At 6 p.m. I was sure I’d progressed nicely, so I asked for another check. More bad news. I was only 1.5 cm dilated. That’s when the midwife saw me bear through a contraction or two and suggested I get the epidural. At that point I’d been laboring for 8 hours. In my perfect birth plan, I thought I’d be 7 cm potentially when that happened. It wasn’t in the cards for me. I needed some relief. The only way to describe how I felt was that I was in a fog. Everything seemed hazy. The pain was excruciating, flipping from side to side regularly with one of the peanut balls between my legs. I’d meant to bring my own exercise ball but forgot it at home.
Getting an Epidural
This is where the midwife became a rock star (for the first time). She said to me, “what are you trying to prove? Why not get the epidural?” I thought that if I got it too early, it would wear off or I wouldn’t have it when I needed it most. She said that wasn’t the case. It wasn’t my plan, but it was the right move. Within 25 minutes, I got the epidural. A few moments later, it was like the fog lifted and I was my normal self again. The look on Matt’s face said it all. I’d been in such pain that I was practically delusional.
To this day, I’m still not sure if it was a good epidural or not. The pain went away, but the pressure was still intense (but from what I understand, that’s totally normal). But, I could completely feel my legs. This worked to my benefit later.
Labor and Delivery
Around 7 p.m. I called my mom and told her to head over. Our hospital still practices a two visitor policy. So, it was just her and Matt in the room.
I got a little bit of rest and at 11 p.m. the midwife came to check me. Finally some progress! I was 5 c.m. She said to me, “the next time I come in here, you’ll be ready to push.” It was also at that time she said I could get a bolus of the epidural. Unfortunately, the nurse at that time didn’t realize it didn’t work (honestly, she seemed so disinterested). Thankfully, at midnight another nurse was assigned to me and she realized I didn’t get the boost. So, I got a nice hit of epidural and some more relief for the next hour or two.
Everett is Born
At about 1:30 a.m. I was feeling what seemed like “the ring of fire” (it’s appropriately named, I promise you). The OB on call was dealing with an emergency C-section, so the midwife would likely deliver our baby. She came in to check and said, “He’s right there! I can feel his head. It’s time!” I’m not sure who was more relieved, me or Matt!
Things happened quickly and it was a flurry of activity. Then, at 2 a.m. the OB on call rushed into the room. I’d had several appointments with her, so it was great to see her face! Side note: I frequently refer people to their office because I had such a good experience. I honestly can’t say enough amazing things about the midwife either. She moved to the head of the bed, on the opposite side of Matt, and she became the best L&D cheerleader I could have asked for.
In the videos we have of Everett’s birth, I hear her saying, “You got this, Amanda! You can do this!” I only pushed for 20 minutes (18 to be exact), but there’s moment where I hear myself say, “I can’t do it,” and she quickly replies, “Yes, YOU CAN!” She gave me strength and she kept me focused. Matt and I were so grateful to have her with us that early morning. And then, he was here. Our healthy baby boy made us a family of three.
My Postpartum Experience
I consider myself a fit person. During pregnancy, I continued to work out, riding the Peloton and walking. So, I thought postpartum recovery would be a breeze. But, right after Everett was born things got weird.
Your body has just completed an amazing feat, but it’s also exhausted. I got a horrible case of the shakes and ended up perforating my eardrum. Then, I started getting tightness in my chest, so we had to call for a cardiologist. But, the worst part is that my blood pressure went through the roof. My whole life I’ve had very low blood pressure. But, the last few weeks of my pregnancy I started showing signs of preeclampsia, gaining just under 20 pounds of water weight in two weeks.
By lunchtime my blood pressure was still super high (between 150-160/90), so the OB said I’d need a magnesium sulfate drip for 24 hours. I had leg compressors to keep from getting any blood clots and I wasn’t able to get out of bed except to use the bathroom. It also meant we’d need to stay an extra night to be monitored.
I’ll spare you every detail, but this certainly wasn’t in my plan. We weren’t thrilled, but Everett was such a good baby! He latched within a few minutes and we started breastfeeding immediately. I’d thankfully taken a breastfeeding class just the weekend before and gotten so many great tips. It was one less thing to have to worry about when we had to pay close attention to my health.
Going Home
Matt became Super dad and changed nearly every dirty diaper those first 48 hours. My BP dropped slowly, enough to a point where they felt comfortable discharging us. So, we packed our bags and drove home for the first time as a family! I was able to enjoy 11 weeks of maternity leave and have Matt home for several. It took a month or so to recover, but I found some amazing postpartum essentials for both myself and Everett. He’s absolutely thriving now and we simply can’t imagine life without him.
I hope you enjoyed reading Everett’s birth story. Be sure to follow along for all my other motherhood moments.
