My speedy delivery!!! (lots of details!)
GIRL!!! Elena Margaret was born at 38w1d on Monday at 8:34am. She's just the little peanut I hoped for (but certainly didn't expect) - 6lbs 14oz, 21" long!
Here's the whole story:
I had been having random contractions since Thursday - not too many and nothing painful. By Sunday, they started feeling stronger and I would have 3 or 4 at regular intervals, then NOTHING for hours. All this time, baby wasn't moving a whole lot. I figured it was a combination of her being turned inward and preparing for the big day.
On Monday morning, I woke up at 5 with contractions. They were starting to feel a little painful, so I practiced my relaxation techniques, but didn't want to wake up dh just yet. In between contractions, I felt baby make big flopping movements and I knew this was it. After about 3 contractions, I figured it was worth it to wake dh. He started getting dressed and called his mom to come over to watch the boys. Then I got into the tub. The warm water felt so good on my back! Soon, J woke up and came into the bathroom - confused as to why I was taking a bath! But he wanted to join me, so he hopped in and splashed water on my belly.
Eventually, I got out so I could get dressed and eat a little something. The contractions were getting closer together. We were instructed to call the midwife when they were 5 min apart and 1 min long for at least 1 hour. Well, the 5min apart thing only lasted about 40min, then they were like 3-4 min apart, but I still felt great in between them. I called the MW anyway and she said it was up to me when to go to the hospital. About 15 min later, things were getting more intense and I felt nauseated. I called the MW again as we got into the car (with a puke bucket in my lap). It normally takes us 20 min to get to the hospital; the MW said she could be there in 10.
Unfortunately, we hit the road during the school morning rush. It took a LOT longer to get to the hospital than we planned. As we were driving, I could feel the baby's head coming down, but I kept saying to dh, "We're ok. I don't have to push yet." Pulling into the hospital, the contractions were right on top of each other. Another one came as I stepped out the car door. Dh was trying to get me to go inside - out of the cold. But the cold felt good and the contraction nearly paralyzed me. When it was over, we went inside. The people at the front desk took one look at me and immediately had dh get a wheelchair and we sped away to L&D.
We arrived at L&D at 8:25am. We didn't have time to do any of the admission paperwork. They gave me a gown and sent me to the bathroom to change and try to pee. I couldn't. I think the baby was in the way. As I sat on the toilet, the contractions were so intense that I couldn't change - I needed dh to undress me. Everyone wanted me to get in the bed, so in the split second in between contractions, I flew to the bed with the hospital gown dangling from my elbows. I hopped onto the bed and assumed the Child's Pose - face down, butt up! It was the only thing remotely comfortable. I screamed/sang thru about 2 contractions that way. Suddenly, in the middle of the contraction, I felt the baby pushing through! "Don't push!!!" everyone yelled. "I'm not!" But the baby kept trying to come out. No one was ready to catch her - they were still gloving up! I heard dh turn frantic, "Help! The baby's coming!" They turned me over and again, I felt the contraction pushing the baby out, but there was no midwife or doctor around yet. Finally someone came (I was in such a zone, I didn't see anything, but could hear everything). With the next contraction, I was allowed to push. It took a couple pushes, but she was out in that 1 contraction.
Everyone was amazed that this baby was born just 9 minutes after we arrived at the hospital. A whopping 3.5 hour labor. And I'm so happy that I was able to do it completely unmedicated! I didn't tear and I feel great! I was ready to go home right away.
I don't think that's an option, but we were able to leave after 24hrs. So now I'm home and get to spend my 2nd night w/ my baby in my OWN bed. 
DH(30)
Ben 4/29/06 -- FET#2 11/07 BFN 
Ashley 1/2/09
Congrats and welcome to the world Elena Margaret. LOVE the name, beautiful choice. 
(miracle of domestic adoption) 
