Bella's Story- 8 lbs., 14 oz.- Hospital

8 lbs., 14 oz.

20 3/4 inches

Hospital

Mother's Height: 5'5''

How was your pregnancy?

High risk in first trimester due to history of recurrent miscarriages. Otherwise uneventful.

How did you feel about your upcoming birth?

Nervous and excited. They thought she was going to be a lot bigger than what she was due to ultrasound at 37 weeks.

Description of your birth experience:

I was induced at 40.1 weeks because they thought she would be 9 1/2 lbs or so. I was a nervous wreck during labor because her heart rate kept decelerating and I figured I would need a c-section. I had an epidural and then I started progressing quicker. At 4:40 p.m I was complete and started pushing and she was born at 5:10. I ended up with a 3rd degree episiotomy/tear.

How did you feel after the birth (first month)?

I was a mess for the first few months. Had pain and problems with UTI and swollen anal sphincter muscle due to the tear.

How did you feel six months after the birth? One year? Now?

I was pretty much fine by 6 months...finally around that time, sex didnt hurt anymore. I still felt some pressure for about a year after but overall things are back to normal.

What did you learn from this birth?

That babies aren't usually as big as the ultrasounds say and your body can handle more than what you think. I have also learned that I need to try to loosen my perenium before the birth of the baby im carrying now. I do not want to have another 3rd degree.

Any words of wisdom to impart?

Massage your perineum!!!!! and learn how to effectively push before you have to.