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

8 lbs., 14 oz.

20 1/2 inches

14 inch head (?)

Hospital

Mother's Height: 5' 9"

How was your pregnancy?

High risk at times.  I was on heart medication and I had to see my cardiologist and have frequent ultrasounds to monitor his growth.  I had huge amounts of emotional stress.  My marriage was failing, I didn't have a good enough job.  It was a scary time for me.

How did you feel about your upcoming birth?

Scared.  He was my first and I had no idea what to expect.  I was also excited because I wanted to see him so badly!

Description of your birth experience:
I was 41 weeks and 6 days and scheduled for an induction.  I went into the hospital and they gave me Cervidil.  About 10 hours later, I was sent home because the contractions had petered out.  Yet no one checked my cervix to see how it had progressed.  So 2 hours later (at home) my water broke.  This was at 11pm.  At 2am I finally asked to go to the hospital.  I was having 2 contractions back to back and they were about 5 minutes apart.  I got to the hospital at 3:30am.  Got into the bed at about 3:50am.  I was at 6cm.  About 10 minutes later I asked to go to the bathroom.  The nurse told me that wasn't possible since when she checked me my bowels were empty.  Checked me I was 9cm.  She told me to try pushing and see how that was then promptly yelled at me to stop and got the doctor.  The doctor made it to the hospital and to my room at about 4:30am.  I remember he was in shorts and a t-shirt and I'd never met him before.  I had one dose of Stadol (I don't think it did anything, I could've just gone without).  I pushed and my son was born at 4:55am.  I stopped at the head because it felt like a ring of fire but I kept pushing (as I was directed) and tore.  I only got 3 stitches.

How did you feel after the birth (first month)?
It hurt to stand for very long.  Other than that I was tired from taking care of a newborn! ;)

How did you feel six months after the birth? One year? Now?
Sex was painful for the first year and 1/2.  The pain during sex was on the side where I'd gotten the stiches from tearing.  I have had 2 children since w/ no problems.  Not even when I got stiches with my second (the others were 7lbs even and 6 lbs 14 oz)

What did you learn from this birth?
Not to stress, The baby will come when he's ready.  I learned nurses and doctors don't always know.  They had no idea how big my first was.  I also learned that I have a proven pelvis.

Any words of wisdom to impart?
Everyone has a horror story.  That is why I love telling mine.  Were they hard?  Yes, that's why it's called "labor".  It is all worth it and you will be fine.  Trust your body, trust yourself.  If you don't know, ask!  If you are worried, say something!  Good luck!