If you’ve missed part one and part two, go read them first.
Oh and a side note: Carter and I just woke up… it’s 10am.
On with the finale.
So, since I had laboured so long, the doctor began preparing for me to deliver via C-section for which I was scared to death and adamant that I did not want one simply because I have a HUGE fear of surgery, post-op and then throw a baby on top of that? Not my cup of tea.
I was given notice that had I not had the baby by 8:00am – 27 hours after labour initially started – I was going to be delivering via C-section.
That was more then incentive to get me working even harder to have this baby.
6am arrived and I was prepared to begin pushing. Up until this point I was really concerned about what kinda help Mike was going to be during delivery; he surpassed anything I had ever thought he would do. He was beyond fantastic. Encouraging pushing, holding my legs and even watching. Watching. Watching everything.
2 hours of pushing and no baby.
I was crushed and exhausted. I began crying, thinking I’d been defeated and this C-section was imminent, though still didn’t give up.
8 o’clock was close to arriving and Carter still wasn’t here; the doctor arrived in my room and said, “Let’s get this baby out.”
I thought for sure this was it. There was no way out of this C-section.
Then she stated, “I’m going to give you a little help.”
Forceps.
Carter’s arrival was 8:01am: they placed him on my chest. I had yet to hear a cry or scream.
He was limp.
Lifeless.
The most terrifying moment being when the nurse grabbed him up quickly and moved to the table yelling.
“We need help!”
I don’t remember must after that.
I do remember Mike stating the time, 8:05am, when we heard his first wail.
A good four minutes before he began breathing.
I held him for about 5 minutes before he was whisked away to the nursery to be checked.
He didn’t come back to me for at least three hours.
When we fit the pieces together later on, we realized that Carter had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck two times, therefore pushing him out just wasn’t happening.
I don’t think I’ll ever know how close, if even at all, we may have been to losing him. All I know is he’s here and one of the most important men in my life.
As this new chapter begins, Mike and I have both expressed our fear of a similar delivery this time around, and though everything turned up roses, I worry that I may have pushed too far by rejecting a C-section – which been weighing heavily on my mind this time around.
I am still suer that I will have an epidural this time and at this point I am sure I don’t want a C-section, but not as sure I will be so stubborn.
Natalie says:
Oh gosh, Sam, how terrifying that must have been! Don’t question your decisions, Carter is here and that is all that matters. When it comes time for the new baby, tackle that bridge when you get to it. Worrying is only going to stress you out.
I know, easy for me to say because I’M NOT PREGNANT.
I pushed with Alexander for two hours, the nurses had the vaccum ready to go and my OB came in and said Oh nononono, we are not using that. She then proceeded to stick what I perceived as both of her arms all the way up my hoo-hoo and helped my baby along.
February 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Michelle says:
Scary. I know, I’ve been there. Mine ended in a c-section. That girl was not coming out. I was terrified of it too, but in the end the recovery and everything wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. The second c-section was easier than the first. And in the end, for me it wasn’t so important HOW they got here, but that they got here safe and sound.
I’ll bet this one glides right out. Don’t stress about it.
Michelle’s last blog post..Thankfulness
February 18th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Karly says:
Oh my gosh, that would be so scary! Thank goodness everything turned out okay.
Karly’s last blog post..Oh, bartender?
February 18th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
FENICLE says:
I love birth stories. I had to go back & catch up. I am glad all turned out well and can totally understand your fears. I am positive this will go more smooth!!! Positive thoughts!!!
FENICLE’s last blog post..Slumber Parties for 30 Year Olds
February 18th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Dawn says:
I hear you on the c/s fear.
the good thing is your body learned about labor last time, muscle memory and all that. It’s gonna be okay.
Dawn’s last blog post..NaNoWriMonday Chapter Three
February 18th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
kellypea says:
Okay, I skipped this so I could go back and read the other two, but just wanted to say CONGRATS! and OMG it goes so much faster when someone is preggers in Bloggsville. Well, for me it did. I’ve been wondering if you were ready to sprout! And love, love, love the new blog wrap. And that bambino? Soooooooooooooooo sweet. Mwah!
February 18th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Redneck Mommy says:
Very scary. But I’m glad it all worked out in the end.
Good luck with the next one. May it be wayyyyy less dramatic.
Redneck Mommy’s last blog post..Don’t Blink
February 19th, 2008 at 12:03 am
LD says:
Wow. See I had a forceps birth and that left me BEGGING my ob for a c-section this time around. I don’t even want to consider a forceps birth again.
But, you’ll be happy to know that everyone says it is easier the second time round.
Love the new layout!
LD’s last blog post..Ready for a Princess
February 19th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Worker Mommy says:
Wow, that is incredibly scary. My wish wasn’t a c-section either but I always knew it was a possibility since I’d had such a difficult pregnancy.
Part of me felt like I wasn’t having the “true” birth experience if I didn’t deliver vaginally.
But in the end…I’m just glad my little ones got here safely!
May you have much less drama and a pain free (ha) birth this time round!
Worker Mommy’s last blog post..Hi! …or should I say “High”
February 19th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Amy says:
That is terrifying!
But, I have to admit that I forgot how terrifying the post was when I got to that picture. *sigh* Nothing as cute as a newborn. He was a gorgeous, gorgeous newborn… those lips!
Good luck with the next one.
I have to go now my ovaries are aching and I already have three and hubs says NO!!!! to any more! LOL
Amy’s last blog post..Weekend Bliss
February 19th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
kellypea says:
Bwahahaha! I thought you had your baby. What a dunce I am. I was worried you wouldn’t be able to tell I’ve been perfecting the art of being a complete dork so went all out on your behalf. Duh. Heart you, Sam. *sigh*
kellypea’s last blog post..Funny how things work out…
February 19th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Devilish Southern Belle says:
What a frightening ordeal! I am so glad everything turned out well and that your wonderful baby boy is so healthy and happy today. I hope this next birth is nothing but smooth sailing all the way!
Devilish Southern Belle’s last blog post..Another day, another wordpress issue
February 19th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
mamatulip says:
I just caught up on all three parts.
Wow. That’s quite the story, girl.
mamatulip’s last blog post..Weekend revelations
February 19th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Mrs. Mustard says:
This is quite a birth story, and I’m glad that things turned out ok. Odds are this won’t happen the second time around…so don’t worry too much!
Mrs. Mustard’s last blog post..Caution: Wii Pregnant
February 24th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Leslie says:
Wow, Sam. What a story!
Julia’s delivery ended in a c-section. The physical recovery wasn’t nearly as hard for me as the emotional recovery – it took me a long time to get over feeling like a failure for not going all the way naturally. Now, I realize that was ridiculous expectation to have. But then? I felt like the worst mom ever.
I’m glad your boy arrived safe and sound. I hope this time goes much smoother!
Leslie’s last blog post..Who Needs American Idol When I’ve Got This?!
February 28th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
justmylife says:
I am so glad that things worked out! I know that was the scariest thing that could happen to anyone. The worst I had was Little Miss’ shoulder hung on my pelvic bone and the doc *went in* and got her loose. She was a natural birth, that was painful, but not scary!
justmylife’s last blog post..It’s raining, It’s pouring….
February 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm