Kim's Story- 10 Pounds- Birth Center

10 lbs

23 inches

14 1/2 inches

Birth Center

Mother's Height: 5'9"

How was your pregnancy?
Well, I loved the thought of being pregnant and being all aglow, but I had morning sickness the first three months.  I didn't like the feeling of anything touching my belly so clothing was always difficult.  I didn't do so well pregnant.  I definitely was not "all aglow".

How did you feel about your upcoming birth?
It was my second birth so I had pretty normal feelings.  I didn't know how I was going to get through the experience of giving birth again, but I couldn't wait to hold my baby.

Description of your birth experience:

I awoke at 6 am with pangs, my husband drove me to the hospital which was an hour away.  They told me I had time and to relax.  My doctor was jogging and would come asap.  I took a shower and the nurse came in to check me.  She became extremely shocked when she realized I was dialated to 10 and ready.  At this point my pains were strong and I was inconsolably crying for my mom, who was on her way.  The doctor came in and then I went blind with all of my senses becoming increased.  I could hear the door open again and cried out if it was my mom.  Nobody answered me because they didn't realize I couldn't see.  I called again for my mom and she was by my side.  I felt like I was giving birth to a brick...one of those blocks you use for the foundation of a house. 

And then my son was born at 8am exactly.  My doctor said he was absolutely perfect, and he was.

I was losing a lot of blood and almost fainted.  I was white as a ghost, but my doctor took care of everything and I didn't need any intervention.  My doctor thought he was a good 8 lbs but the nurse argued he was bigger as he was put on the scale.  Wow!  10 lbs!  We had no idea he was so big since I never let my doctor give me an ultrasound.  I guess it could be a good way of not letting the doctor know how big your baby might be:)  I was a healthy mom so he didn't push me into to doing it.

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

I rested a lot.  I tried not to leave the house for the first three months with each of my children.  I would tell people this rule of mine and they were less likely to bother me about venturing out with my baby.  I still needed to head to town once a week and that was hard because it was an hour away.  Those days were stressful and long.

I also remember the nurses telling me before I left the hospital that if I had a blood clot larger than a golf ball to call the hospital.  Well, while in the shower, I delivered a tennis ball size clot.  I called and they said it was okay.

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

I had actually retained placenta and my doctor didn't catch it for 7 months.  Everytime I ran up the stairs with a laundry basket I would bleed a little.  I had a D&C and was fine.  Other than that I was fine. 

What did you learn from this birth?

I was worried about having another large baby.  My grandfather was 13 lbs and my brother was 10lbs 10oz.  While in the market, pregnant with my next child, the produce man told me a secret.  He and his wife always had intercourse when she was wanting to go into labor. 

 So, upon the due date of this next pregnancy my husband and I had intercourse and I went into labor at midnight that night.  It worked but it was my longest labor, lasting until after 4pm that day.  But she was only 8lbs 6 oz.  Yeah!   And perfect of course...my doctor told me so.

Any words of wisdom to impart?
I can't say my 8 lb 6oz  birth was that much easier than my 10 lb birth.  Actually, my 8 lb 9oz birth was my hardest.