Elijah Bentley's Birthday!

Elijah Bentley's Birthday

Our sweet angel, Elijah Bentley, was born June 8, 2012 at 10:38am.  He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.  Here is the story of my labor and delivery experience.

We arrived at the hospital around 8pm on Thursday June 7th.  I had a doctor's appointment the day before and my Blood Pressure was still elevated and I had protein in my urine (this means that my kidneys were not tolerating the high blood pressure).  I was very nervous about an induction.  I was VERY unfavorable for an induction- my cervix was still very high and thick.  We ultimately had to make the decision based on what was best for Eli and myself.  We decided to go through with the induction and very high risk of a c-section.  My doctor was awesome and very supportive.  He gave me hope that I could have a normal vaginal delivery. 

Our families were beyond thrilled to head west for Eli's birthday!  They arrived on Thursday and stayed in a hotel not far from the hospital.  We made a quick visit with them before going to the hospital. 

Looking at these pictures today, I cannot believe my belly was that big!  It's amazing what your body can go through and the changes you don't really even notice until you see pictures of yourself!

Josh and I went to the hospital Thursday night by ourselves.  Our families were exhausted from the long drive and they stayed at the hotel and got rested up for the big day!  We stopped by McDonald's on the way to the hospital for my "last meal" of chicken nuggets...YUM!  We were so excited and nervous!  I have worked in labor and delivery in the past and let me tell you that when it is YOU coming in for the induction, all that you know goes out the window :) well... almost! 

Nervous daddy :)

We got settled into our labor room and all the fun started around 8:30.  I endured 2 IV sticks and one lab stick- I forgot that they like to use the biggest angiocath possible- in my case an 18 gauge.  Pretty much felt like a water hose being inserted into my vein (okay, I'm stretching it a little :) but needless to say, it was NOT comfortable!  I received my first dose of Cytotec (medication to help ripen the cervix) at 9:30pm.  I was nervous about the upcoming contractions.  Well guess what??  NOTHING happened!!  The nurse said my cervix was still VERY high. I tried to rest after the first dose of medication but found myself staring at the computer monitor watching Eli's heartrate and my lack of contractions.  (Sometimes it's a bad thing to have knowledge on a subject).  My nurse came back in at 1:30am on Friday for my second dose of Cytotec.  Again, she said my cervix was still very high and I had not had one contraction during the night.  I was starting to get worried.  I was SO unfavorable to have a normal vaginal delivery.  I prayed and prayed and prayed.

At 4am, I got up and got in the shower.  I knew that they would begin IV Pitocin around 5 so I wanted to have my shower for the day.  I started feeling very crampy in the shower but nothing too bad.  I got dressed in my adorable posh pusher gown and I was ready for Eli's Birthday!  At 4:30am  I started having horrible contractions.  Now, I have asked people what contractions feel like.  Most people said "the worst diarrhea cramps EVER".  I remember always thinking "I'm sure I could handle that".  OMG!!!  Worst pain EVER.  Bless the people who desire the "natural birth experience".  I can honestly say that I am not woman enough for that!  At 6am, I was still hurting and the contractions were getting closer together.  My nurse checked me and I was 2cm and 90% thin.  I was so glad to have finally made a change! 

My contractions are at the bottom of the screen.  PAIN!  That's all I can say!

Here is a timeline of my delivery day:

4:30 am- started contracting every 3 minutes.  Cervix is closed and high.

6:50 am- Dilated to 2cm.  Eli was still very high.

7:15 am- Dilated to 3cm. 

7:30 am- Dilated 5-6cm- got my epidural (thank you Jesus!)

8:30 am- Dilated 8-9cm.

9:00 am- Dilated 9-10cm. 

So, I could have stated pushing at this time...BUT my family had not arrived yet!  They were supposed to be there at around 7:30am.  Since it was my first baby, and everyone knows that it's usually an all day affair, they decided to linger at the hotel and take advantage of the breakfast buffet!  Josh called them and told them they needed to get there ASAP!!! 

I started pushing at 9:30 am.  Our sweet angel was born at 10:38 am!  I cannot begin to explain the joy that filled our souls when we finally laid eyes on our "miracle baby"!  We had waited so long for this!  I had such a wonderful experience!  I delivered at the hospital that I work at- St. Francis in Tulsa.  Love my doctor and love the nurses that took care of us!  

I always knew that I loved Josh.  Seeing him with Eli makes me love him even more than I ever imagined I could.  I  am so totally in love with two guys :)  Eli has made our life complete.  Can't wait for him to grow and learn new things!