Charlotte was induced Dec. 29, 2009. Since things were progressing nicely with pregnancy, my doctor allowed me to be induced, this way Mike could be around for a bit to help out with the baby before another demanding rotation begins. One of the perks/drawbacks to be married to a resident. I know a lot of people aren't fans of being induced but I have to say I'm so glad I did it. The day could not have gone better, and it's been heaven to have Mike home to help. He's been incredible. I don't know what I would have done without him.
Here's how the day played out....
6:15 a.m. arrived at the hospital and checked in
6:45 a.m. started an IV, felt sick and light headed, almost passed out. Mike came to the rescue, wiped my sweaty brow, talked me through it and took off my socks. I don't do well with needles, blood and have foreign objects in my body. Pitocin begins!
7:45 a.m. Having contractions and my doctor comes in to check me. I'm dilated to 2 cm and 80% effaced.
MAJOR CONTRACTIONS COME ON. BREATHING THROUGH THEM AND TRYING TO BE TOUGH
9:00 a.m. Anesthesiologist comes in to talk to me about an epidural. Feeling terrified but I know I'm going to want one.
9:45 a.m. Having major contractions, trying to be tough, ask for the anesthesiologist to come back and give me the epidural.
10:00 a.m. Get my epidural. Wasn't as bad as I thought. Mike and the nurses did a great job distracting me.
My epidural started to work right away. My anesthesiologist did an incredible job. I didn't feel a lot of pain, and I was able to feel pressure of contractions. I could still move my legs and felt like I had good strength.
11:30 a.m. My doctor came in and checked me again. Dilated to 8 cm and 100% effaced. Things have progressed fast and we might be ready to push earlier than expected.
12:30 p.m. Feeling more and more pressure. I think I'm ready to push soon. Ask to be checked again. Feeling a little sick. Mike got a big bowl and I threw up a couple of times. Yum.
12:45 p.m. Nurses check me I'm at a 10 and ready to push!!!!
1:00 p.m. Doctor comes and the pushing begins.
I loved the pushing part. I felt totally empowered and tons of adrenaline. My doctor, nurses and Mike were incredible. They gave great support and encouragement.
1:49 p.m. Charlotte made her debut!
The whole process was amazing. I loved giving birth! I can honestly say it was the best day of my life. It's been quite an adjustment to having her home. I'm more tired than I ever imagined. I'm not going to pretend that everything has gone perfectly, there are times when I feel very overwhelmed, and I'm not sure I can be a mom. But it's amazing how much both Mike and I love her. We would do anything for her and we gladly welcome this challenge. We love Charlotte so much and feel incredibly blessed to be her parents.
Mike and Charlotte. He's the best dad, so hands on and helpful.
Our little bird all cleaned up.
Coming home! Doesn't she look so tiny in her car seat?
I love her wild, crazy hair. When she sleeps I think she looks like a little rabbit.
Four generations. Great Grandma Wynn, Grandma Kris, Me and Charlotte
Love this girl.
23 comments:
You did an awesome job! You get a giant gold star. I threw up a lot, too. I guess it's pretty common, but I didn't know it. I'm so happy for you, big hugs to you and a huge congratulations. What a gorgeous girl, and I so love the picture of you, your mom, your grandma and your baby. That is so special.
I love you Laura Walker. You and your family are so beautiful.
Yeah! Great synopsis! It will save you having to tell the story a million times. I did not mind at all being induced with Jordan...at least you have your baby now! How exciting! It can be hard at first, but you just keep going and it gets easier! The advice to sleep when the baby sleeps is probably the best advice. I remember after Chad went back to work and I was home alone with Jordan I felt bad sleeping all day but it was almost all I could do to stay sane. I love the pictures, too! So precious!!!!
oh my gosh lar! way to go, your labor and delivery sound like they couldn't have gone any better! She is absolutely adorable! seriously her and miller will have to love each other someday! :) i can't believe we had our babies a day apart, so fun! I love all of your pics, she is seriously so cute!can't wait to see her in person. i know it is overwhelming right now, but you are doing an amazing job and you are the mom and know best. just rest as much as you can even if you don't fall asleep, laying down and closing your eyes will help you. anyway it sounds like everything went well and you guys are doing great, sorry for the novel, i love you and am praying for you!
Sounds like everything went so smoothly! yay. Thanks for posting the details. Hope you're recovering ok and getting LOTS of rest. I'll call you soon!
Congratulations! She's adorable!
You are a trooper! It sounds like you had a fantastic labor & delivery, without any complications (minus the throwing up part). I'm so proud of you! It is an amazing experience - and I agree about feeling empowered by it. That might be why we ladies choose to do this more than once! I hope you are enjoying every second you can...sleep as much as possible, I know it's hard to when she's asleep but it's worth a messy house & tons of laundry in the long run. Can't wait to hear some more soon!
she's so cute! i scary for the epidural...
you are so lucky that all went so well! not even one little hiccup your whole pregnancy and labor! seriously, that is rare, and you are so lucky!
we love you so much! she is simply breathtaking, such a beautiful, perfect little girl - with long feet and maybe an outtie!!
and Grace just can't stop talking about her new cousin! awesome!
What is it about new babies that make us think of animals? I did the same thing with every one of mine. Especially Erika, She had this fine yellow hair that stuck straight up all over and we immediately started calling her "puddle duck".
I'm so glad it all went well. You're going to be a great mommy because you love her.
oops...you know that wasn't braden, right?
Yea!! CONGRATS! She is so beautiful and her hair is awesome! I love her name too, that is a fav of mine!:) Gald everything went so well!
oh congrats laura... she is precious and is so blessed to born to such wonderful and adoring parents. Can't wait to meet her someday
Laura, you look great and Charlotte is so beautiful. I think she has my hair! :) I love the generation picture. Priceless!
Isnt it amazing? She's beautiful and they only get better....Congratulations. I love the play by play and am totally jealous that you are not pregnant anymore. I am so ready. I read people giving advice and the sleep one is good...but the best is don't listen to anybody and let your own motherly instincts take over. You have them, I promise! Can't wait to meet her and I love that name,
oh i want to hold her and snuggle her and eat her little cheeks. thanks for sharing your story. i had no idea you were thinking of inducing. caroline was induced and i was in labor for thirteen hours... and they told me she came fast... so i am super impressed with you. i was telling nick it is because you are in such awesome shape. :) love you, hope you are loving this time (i did not love as much as i should've... i was too freaked out and me and nursing were not friends. :))
So glad it went so smoothly. I love her hair!!!!
Congratulations Mike and Laura from Stephen and Tara! Sounds like everything went well, that's wonderful. Charlotte is such a great name! We are using it if we ever have another girl : ) -it's my grandma's name. Love the hair, she's a doll.
Can't wait to see her! Good job and hang in there! It's only really hard for the first year:)
Oh, she is beautiful! We just love her and love you!
Laura she is gorgeous!! I am so happy for you! You are going to be a s great mommy!! Love you!
oh, lar - she is just precious! i can't believe she is here! her hair is the cutest thing ever and you look amazing in every picture - can't even tell you just gave birth! love you and can't wait to meet baby charlotte. congrats to you and mike!
Congratulations Laura and Mike! She is a doll and I love all her hair!!!! I remember feeling that overwhelming feeling of "can I really be a mom" - it gets better!! Congrats and we can't wait to meet her!
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