Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Childbirth - EEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!

So if you'll remember back to my birth story with Patrick, you might recall that I was supposed to have a C section.  I was very comfortable with this idea, as it was planned, controlled, and would hopefully entail as little drama as possible.  Well THAT didn't happen.  It was dramatic, unexpected, surprising, and early!!  I showed up to the hospital in super active labor, at 5 cm dilated, and they made me push. 

I soooooooooo didn't read that chapter in the 15 baby books I read while pregnant with Patrick.  I was HAVING a C SECTION - it wasn't necessary!  I didn't talk to friends about giving birth, I didn't read about it, I didn't take classes... nothing.  And then out of nowhere, I had to do it.  2:00 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, 36.5 weeks along, totally unprepared. 

You'd think that after that experience, I'd be prepared to do it again (doc says I'm pushing again this time, since my cervix is proven to work the way it's supposed to during childbirth).  However, I am not.  I do remember that I had to push for 2 hours and had no idea what I was doing.  I was in a lot of pain afterward and feel like maybe if I had been prepared, it wouldn't have seemed so traumatic and hard.

So this time, dangit, I'm going to GET PREPARED!  I've been avoiding the topic for a while now, but since I'm going to be 31 weeks shortly, and baby girl might arrive anytime around 36 weeks, I really need to start preparing myself for this endeavor. This morning I pulled out two baby books from my shelf (from the last pregnancy) and am going to read those chapters on childbirth.

This thing is getting real.  I'm having another baby.  Another Hall baby.  Another Patrick.  OMG.  Am I sure I'm ready?  Well, ready or not, here she comes!  So I better prepare myself.  And the nursery. And my husband.  And our son!

And that does NOT include packing the hospital bag - last time I packed that bag early, Patrick arrived a few hours later.  I don't want to jinx us this time!  Maybe I'll make a list for Sheridan and say "if I go into labor, throw this stuff into the bag sitting on the dog crate and let's boogie".

Anyway, time to get to work. 

Love, Mer

3 comments:

sarah from the suburbs said...

You will do great! I will say, the second go round is much easier. I pushed for an hour and a half with Kate, and pushed 6 times with Collin. It was like night and day!!! AND...if your epidural wears off/doesn't work or whatever, ask for a bolis. It was a LIFE SAVER with Collin. It's basically like a concentrated form of the epidural...a big dose all at once, instead of a little drip here and there...numbs you completely, but you can still push. :) Good luck! Can't wait to see pics of baby girl!!!

Meredith said...

Thanks for the encouragement, girl. I need it! It gives me hope that you didn't had to work so hard the 2nd time - I'm going to cross my fingers for that!! I'll be sure to post pics and share the news soon... Hugs to your two cuties!

Unknown said...

Hang in there, Mer! We want her staying warm in there for as long as she can...Nada is a good thing! Love you!