Birth Story: Part Two

To my surprise, we were headed upstairs to labor and delivery.  I had been informed the doctor felt it was best to get the ball rolling.  This meant I would be getting induced.  In order to get labor started I would be given Pitocin.  Pitocin makes the body mimic real labor.  I wasn't sure what to think.  The thought of being induced didn't really cross my mind since the doc had said she didn't think I would need to be induced.  I began to think about my birth plan.  Honestly, I didn't really have a plan other than I wanted to do everything as naturally as possible.  Knowing my body, I do not respond well to needles or narcotics.  I asked about the side-effects of Pitocin.  The mid-wife made a little chuckle and said "Labor."  This was a bit of relief.

At this point, it was about noon and we had been at the hospital for a little over 4 hours.  As we got settled into the labor and delivery room the nurse began asking a TON of questions. Again, I was hooked up to the monitors and continued being assessed.  By now, I was pretty hungry.  Luckily, I was allowed to eat a little before I began receiving Pitocin.

At around 2 PM the nurse started the Pitocin.  Things felt about the same for the first hour.  Contractions were about 10 minutes apart and not very intense.  Chris and I were enjoying watching some Friends re-runs and playing cards.  Around 3 PM true labor contractions had begun.  I asked Chris to turn the TV off, the glare was bothering me.  He then plugged in the iPod and the soothing music began.  My dear friend, Jessica, had put together a few CDs for me.  They were great, calming and soothing.  I was able to breathe through the contractions and things were still progressing.  At this point I also asked if I could get in the shower to help ease the pain.  Little did I know, if you are receiving Pitocin you are required to stay hooked up to the monitors.  The hospital only had one portable machine and it was being used.  Around 4 PM the doctor came in to see how things were going.  She asked if I wanted to be checked.  Honestly, I didn't because it was highly uncomfortable.  However, while we were talking, a contraction began and my waters broke.  The doctors were unsure, but it appeared the baby may have had a bowel movement in the womb (very common for late term babies).  I decided she should probably check me out. I was now 6 cm dilated, only 4 more to go.  Things were moving fast.