Almost a year ago, In the middle of the night on January 18th, 2013 I was abruptly awaken in the middle of a dream. It took me a little bit to realize it, but it was 2:30 AM and my water had just broken all over my bed. And I mean all over. Once I realized what was happening, I woke up my husband and said “my water broke, we are having our baby!” I call to my mom, who was staying with us at the time and told her too. Mac and I jump out of bed and get in the shower while my mom cleaned up our bed. After calling the hospital, we pack a few last minute things and head off to the hospital at around 4:00 AM.
Since it is too early in the morning the doors to labor and delivery were locked. The three of us were standing outside waiting to get buzzed in. Once we are in from the freezing weather – we walk down the hallway, with my water leaking all over the place, get checked in and head over to triage room #2. At this time, we are waiting for things to get tested while monitoring the baby – still no contractions yet and we head off to our official labor and delivery room. It is now 5:30 AM.
In Labor and Delivery Room #3, we wait patiently while watching FRIENDS, waiting for Jimmy and Carissa, our friends, to arrive (as well as my contractions). I begin having contractions somewhat irregularly around 6:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, labor has officially started.
I had goals coming into my labor experience – whether realistic or not. I had hoped that most importantly, I could do this completely naturally (which many of the nurse seemed very skeptical of, given my age). I had also hoped (more like wished) that the labor and delivery would not last more than 8-12 hours. I did not want to labor in bed and I did not want to push on my back. But most importantly I had hoped that I could deliver him normally and that he would be completely healthy as could be. I will come back to how some of my hopes ended up.
Since my water broke, the midwife wanted to wait to check my cervix until they thought I might be progressing. My husband and I practiced The Bradley Method – Husband Coached Childbirth throughout my pregnancy. This is what got me through my labor. My husband was my rock and my wonderful supporter that I could rely on to keep me focused and encourage me along the way. I absolutely could not have done this without him.
After 4 hours of labor, things seem to be getting more intense, so I ask the midwife to check me. At 12:00 PM the midwife says that I am dilated 8 cm already! Praise Jesus. I could not believe I was that far along already – and the time surprisingly went by fast. Those four hours flew by because I slept the WHOLE time other than when I was having a contraction. I would wake up, breathe through the contraction with my husband and fall back asleep. So, one hope was not accomplished. I spent the entire labor in bed sleeping rather than up walking around like I had wanted – but it worked!
After hearing I was already dilated 8 cm – I was not even thinking about getting an epidural. I had made it this far, so I am doing it natural, just like I had hoped for. And I did.
However, the hour from noon to 1:00 PM was HARD. The pressure was getting more intense because i felt like I needed to push but I knew my body was not ready. Finally after the worst, pain-filled hour, the midwife came in and checked me again – I was practically at 10 cm and I could finally start pushing.
Once I could start pushing, I was on a mission. Finally, the end is in sight and we are SO close to meeting our wonderful baby boy we have been waiting to meet since May! That hour went by so fast – and I have never felt closer to my husband during that time. Him and my mom were holding my legs (yes I was on my back -like I didn’t want either – but it was working MAGICALLY). And the midwife and my best friend Carissa were waiting by my feet. Everyone cheered me on and kept me encouraged. I was even able to get a little laugh in as my hubby quoted from FRIENDS (which I watched throughout my entire labor and delivery.
“Hey hey, ho ho, lets get this baby outta here, hey hey, ho ho” my husband quoted as I laughed while trying to push out our son. My husband is the person who bring laughter into my life (and anyone who knows me, knows I love to laugh. He made that moment -during all the pain and determination – a moment to laugh and take joy in this awesome miracle. It was such a wonderful moment to take a breather and laugh. (Which the nurses took note of never seeing anyone laugh during delivery) HAHA
Finally, with everyone telling me only a few more pushes to go, I gave it all I had and our midwife, Kelly, told me to stop, reach down, and pull my son out on my own. This was the most amazing moment I have ever experienced. (I can hardly hold back the tears as I try to describe it). This was the culmination after months of him growing inside of me, hours of labor bringing him into the world, I literally grabbed him and pulled him into the world. AMAZING.
At exactly 2:00 PM our son, Josiah Samson Oxford was born at 7 pounds 15 ounces and 20 inches long. I pulled him onto my chest all grey and goopy, looking more beautiful than ever! I was able to hold him on me and comfort him as took his first breath and let out his first cry.
So I did it completely natural, with no episiotomy, in only 6 hours, and delivered a healthy baby boy! The moments afterward were so wonderful. My husband wrote about the labor and what he said makes me so proud to have him as my husband and our baby’s father.
“ I’m A Dad!—We are exhausted but we get moved up to Post Partum. Later in the night i get to have a special moment. You know those moments in movies or tv where the dad feels they joy of being the only one awake and being the leader of his family? Well Kim was tired so i told her to sleep and i’ll hold the baby. Within minutes both of them were asleep and I was wide awake basking in the moment.
I love my family and I thank God for every moment I have and will spend with them.”
I am so blessed to have this family and I can’t wait to share the wonderful moments I have with them.
