Unmedicated Labor And Birth Story

MY UNEXPECTED NATURAL DELIVERY WITHOUT EPIDURAL

HOPE BIRTH STORY

FEBRUARY 25, 2022

I was exactly at 39 weeks of my pregnancy, and then…

It was Friday, and around 8 am I woke up peeing in my pants. I didn’t know if it was just pee or my water has broken but the bed was wet. I didn’t notice or feel anything strange. So I just continued my day like it was a normal day.

I made pancakes for breakfast. Rianna had a school break so she was home as so as Rosie. We had breakfast together. Meu went to work. I asked my friend through a text message and told her about the possibility of me breaking my water. She told me to be sure to go to the hospital for a checkup. I really didn’t know what to do at that point, but also I wanted to get ready myself in case it was time. So I took a shower, had my hospital bag ready, and basically just got myself ready to go. Then, I told Meu that I might already be in labor or that the labor will start soon. And that he must go home. Part of me didn’t want to go to the hospital yet unless I will have a strong contraction. But also I was afraid that If I didn’t go early, I might end up giving birth at home or in the car. Also, it was already my plan to go to the hospital early to make sure that I will get an epidural.

Around 11 am, I called the Kotka hospital and told them what happened. They said that I need to wait and see. If I have a blood discharge then it’s possible that my labor will start soon. But if I really want to get checked I can also go to the hospital right away.

I went to pee and there was red spotting in my underwear. But I’m still not quite sure if it was the real thing. Because a week ago, my mucus plug was already broken, but no contraction came.

Before 12 noon, my friend came. She was the one who will look after the kids while I give birth. Meu came a few minutes later.

So we decided to go to the hospital.

We left the house at 1 PM hoping that it was the right time and we won’t be sent back home because it wasn’t the time yet.

On our way to the hospital, I started to feel contractions but it wasn’t that painful yet. Around 2 pm we arrived. The nurse checked me and confirmed that my water broke. I was 3cm at that time.

I was asked if I wanted to go to the delivery room. I refused. I was only 3cm and I don’t want to lie down, wait, or have long labor for hours. So I said I would love to go walking around the hospital to make the labor go faster. And the nurse agreed and told us to let her know whenever we are ready to go to the labor room. It was such a very calming no rush situation.

We walked around while working on contractions. It was getting intense by around 4 pm so we decided we go to the delivery room. When we got there I changed into a hospital gown. The nurse checked me and I was still at 4cm. I then started to sit on a bouncing ball. The nurse went away and told us to call her if we need her. She also asked me if I need a pain reliever and I said no. The nurse came back and checked me again, I said I was in deep pain and I want an epidural. So she went and got the epidural ready.

I continued bouncing on the bouncing ball until the pain was unbearable. I decided it was time to lie down in a hospital bed. It was almost 5 pm. The contraction was so painful by then. And all of a sudden I heard a big sound from down below. And I noticed the blood exploded. We got panicked and called the nurse right away. The blood scattered on my legs and bed. When the nurse came, she checked me and I was 10cm. I think the explosion of blood was when the cervix opened to 10cm. We were all shocked. I went to 10cm from 4cm in 15 minutes. How did it happen?

The nurse did ask sorry telling me it was too late for an epidural. I cried when I heard it. I needed an epidural so badly. I don’t know how I will manage the pain without it. It was past 5 pm. And I started pushing. I had to kneel down while pushing, it was the only comfortable position at that time. I pushed so hard and I thought I could not do it anymore. I lay down on my back and continued pushing. I was checking the clock and wondering when can I get my baby out. I was losing my energy and I was very tired at that point.

It was past 6 PM when the nurse decided maybe I need a vacuum to deliver the baby. She thought I was too tired to push. The doctor came in, to check on me. I was very thankful to the doctor. He was very calm. He checked me and didn’t agree with the vacuum method. Instead, when he saw the tailbone, he hold it up and asked me to push it one more time. And then I heard a cry. My baby finally came out after an hour and a half of pushing. I was grateful the doctor noticed the tailbone, otherwise, I will have a broken tailbone and I know how painful it would be after birth because I had a broken tailbone giving birth to my first child.

I felt so relieved. I can breathe at last. I made it! An unmedicated birth, Who would have thought I can do it? I even doubt myself even though I was thinking of having an epidural. I was very scared. Giving birth is one of my weaknesses. I couldn’t believe I gave birth without an epidural. It was surreal most amazing feeling ever.

I hold my baby for the very first time in my arms. It was the best feeling in the world. My baby “Hope” completes our family, I love her so much!

I am so thankful to our Heavenly Father for allowing me to deliver my baby safely. For giving us another blessing. For letting all these happen upon His own will. Thank God for everything! I couldn’t do this without you!

Also, thank you to my partner in crime! Meu, I love you so much, and thank you for all the support, help, and everything you’ve done for me. You’re such a great father to our kids. We are lucky to have you!