Harlow's Birth Story

Harlow Rae

April 7, 2017

21 Inches

7 Pounds 13 Ounces

So, I'm just going to preface this by saying, yes, I am well aware that Harlow is now almost 2 and a half years old, but it is really important to me that her story is written down. What better time to revisit her arrival into the world, then right before her little sister makes her grand entrance!

My due date was at the end of March, perfect timing to wear the "my first Easter" outfit that we had bought for her. However, already showing her independence and strong will, she decided that she was going to hang out for another 10 days. 

Finally, the day before I am set to get induced, I start getting minor contractions, still nothing big though. We went to the hospital for my weekly check up, deciding to walk around for a few hours after, trying to get things moving, instead of having to drive home just to turn around and come back a little bit later. When we went up to labor and delivery, they were having a slow day, and asked if I wanted to be admitted and induced then, instead of the next morning. Being 10 days late, and super over being pregnant, at this point, Matt and I obviously said a huge YES. 

I was admitted a little before 3 in the afternoon, and was 3 centimeters dilated. after filling out all of the paperwork and going over our birth plan, they started the Pitocin. Let me tell you guys, if you've never been induced with this stuff, it is no freaking joke. 

After about an hour and a half of laboring, I decided that it was time to ask for an epidural. Here's where it gets a little tricky...I have a pretty severe case of scoliosis. For those of you that don't know what that is, essentially, instead of being straight, my back is curved. But, like the overachiever that I am, not only do I have one curve (like most people with scoliosis) I have two, making my spine look like a backwards "S". I wore a back brace, for a year, in high school, to prevent it from getting worse, but since then it doesn't bother me at all....until epidural time. 

The anesthesiologist and his resident come in, explain the procedure, and explain that because of my scoliosis it make take a little bit longer to figure out where to insert the needle. At the hospital where we delivered, only the woman in labor and medical personnel can be in the room while the epidural is administered, since it is a sterile procedure. That being said, one of the lovely nurses escorts Matt to the waiting area, telling him that it should only take around 20 minutes tops. 

Fast forward to an hour, 3 numbing shots, and 3 attempts (where they actually stuck me) later, and they finally found the spot where it should work. Keep in mind my poor husband is still in the waiting area, after being told it should only take 20 minutes. Well, it definitely worked...on the left side of my body...the right side, however was definitely still feeling EVERYTHING. Matt comes back into the room, and helps the nurse and anesthesiologist get me to roll around hoping that the epidural will start to disperse to my right side. No luck. So the anesthesiologist goes to mix up a concoction that he is going to stick my other side with, and says he will be back within 15 minutes or so, great, no big deal! Except....

I tell the nurse that I really feel like I have to go poop, to which I am then informed, means that Harlow is ready to come out and it's almost time to push. She pages the doctor, who brings with her a handful of medical students (who were really excited to be there, since apparently most people don't consent to them observing...but at this point, my modesty has already long since gone to shit, so let's make it a party), and after breaking my water and 7 minutes with 3 or 4 pushes, the beautiful Harlow Rae announces with tons of screaming that she is here!! 

Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist came back AFTER I had pushed her out, ready to numb my right side. But as soon as I saw my amazingly gorgeous baby girl, none of that even mattered. 

Matt was a rockstar through the whole thing, doing whatever I needed and offering so much encouragement...especially since I am sure that I was not the nicest to him during some of the worst contractions.

I love my little family!

It's so surreal to think that in a few days we will be doing this crazy ride all over again for Teagan.