Vivian Kate | birth story

If birth stories aren't your thing, I totally get it! Don't even bother reading this post :) If they are your thing, bear with me, this is a long one!

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Friday, February 17th, 2017

I left work and headed to my OB for my 37 week appointment. My mom met me there because Garrett couldn't leave work. They had been monitoring me and baby with weekly NST's and ultrasounds since 31 weeks because my blood pressure had been borderline elevated. At my 37 week appointment it was again slightly high. I don't remember the exact numbers but somewhere around 135/80. Due to the fact that IVF patients can go from healthy to preeclampsia much quicker than the average patient, they were worried.

That weekend I was signed up for a continuing education conference 2 hours from home. My doctor didn't want me to go but being the stubborn, non-compliant patient that I am (providers are the worst patients!), I knew I had to go because I already paid and needed those continuing ed hours!! Priorities, people! They gave me strict instructions to rest and they wanted to see me back on Tuesday (in 4 days). I survived the conference without going into labor, whew!

Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

I woke up with a gut feeling that we would be headed to the hospital that day. So I did what any girl would do, went and got a manicure and pedicure. Priorities, right? Then I headed to my OB and my mom and Garrett both met me there, as we all had a feeling what was going to happen. We had an ultrasound which measured baby at 8lb 5oz, the 91st percentile for 37.5 weeks. Then they checked my blood pressure which was 140/80, and I knew today was the day. My doctor came in and said, "Well, your blood pressure keeps creeping up and due to the fact that you're an IVF patient, today is the day." We were told to be at the hospital at 7pm to start induction. Holy crap. Slight panic set in. I called work and let them know they needed to cancel my patients, Garrett headed back to work to tie up loose ends, and I went home to frantically get ready. I cleaned our entire house like a mad woman and finished packing our bags. For my "last supper" all I wanted was a bagel so Garrett and I sat at Panera and talked about how our lives were about to change.

We arrived at the hospital, got checked in, and I changed into my stylish hospital gown. The nurse started my IV and the OB on call inserted the Cervidil, which is supposed to soften the cervix and kickstart labor. We then attempted to get some sleep, knowing that we wouldn't be getting much for the next few days. Sleep was nearly impossible because they were coming in every hour to check vitals, move the monitor on my belly, etc. At that point I was not allowed to eat or drink anything except ice chips.

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017

I had very mild cramping from the Cervidil throughout the night but nothing too painful. At 7am the new doctor on call came in to check me... still 0 cm dilated. He started the Pitocin and it was game on. Contractions began and they turned the Pitocin dosage up about every 20 minutes throughout the day. Garrett, my mom and sister stayed in the room with me and I bounced on a ball, watched tv, napped, and tried to pass the time as the contractions got worse. After contracting all day the doctor checked me around 7pm and I was only 1 cm dilated... I was super disappointed. He decided that my body was exhausted and we should stop the Pitocin, put in another Cervidil, try to get some rest and re-start the Pitocin in the morning. I showered and they allowed me to have a small dinner which was amazing since I hadn't eaten in 24 hours. The doctor put the Cervidil in and I tried to get some sleep (which was impossible).

Thursday, February 23rd, 2017

I barely slept any because the Cervidil made my contractions continue through the night. They were hoping that it was going to help me dilate more but around 6am the new doctor on call checked me and again, only 1cm. I was super upset and begged for a C-section. I told them I did not want to labor another whole day and end up with a C section late that night (which is exactly what ended up happening). My doctor felt confident that another day of Pitocin would do the trick and I would have her vaginally some time that day. So, they re-started the Pitocin and the contractions began again with a vengeance. Around 9am I was crying with every contraction and asked for an epidural. It was quick, painless and the best thing ever! It took away all the pain for the time being and I could let my body relax some, as I was plain exhausted at that point. I will say that it is super weird not being able to move your legs. It made me somewhat claustrophobic and gave me anxiety but I eventually got used to it. Around 12pm the doctor checked me and I was 3cm, hallelujah! I was finally making progress. The next 8 hours were spent laboring. The epidural was wearing off every few hours so they kept flipping me from side to side. The anesthesiologist (who happened to be a family friend) had to come in and adjust it a few times. The doctor checked me around 4pm and I was 7cm. The doctor reassured me that she would come back in a few hours and I would be ready to push.

Around 7:30pm I was in so much pain, I was throwing up and crying and just so over it. It was miserable. I hadn't eaten or had anything to drink in 48 hours and I was beyond hungry and tired. The doctor came in to check me and I was still only 7cm. Cue to water works. She agreed that I was not going to progress any further and we needed to go straight to the OR for a C section at that time. This is what I had been dreading for 2 days but at that point I was just ready to get her out.

The next few hours are a huge blur. I signed my surgery consents, they stopped the Pitocin (thank God), I hugged my family and husband, and they wheeled me into the OR. They decided that since my epidural wasn't really working anymore, I needed a spinal for the surgery. They sat me on the side of the bed and the anesthesiologist did the spinal, which was painless and took effect immediately. At that point I couldn't even open my eyes; I had zero energy and was throwing up constantly. Garrett was finally able to come in and I was so relieved he was there with me. I didn't have the energy to talk to him but just knowing he was there put me at ease. And he held the basin while I had my head turned to the side vomiting, nothing more glamorous than that right?! After some pretty extreme pressure and tugging, I heard Garrett say, "She's here!" At 8:45pm I opened my eyes for a split second and saw my miracle baby for the first time. Her cries were like music to my ears! I told him to go be with her and take pictures. I was so out of it that I don't even remember him bringing her to my face but right when they were done stitching me up I immediately stopped throwing up and I felt so much better. It's like God gave me a second wind so I could meet and hold my baby girl. They put her on my chest and oh my gosh it was Heaven. By far the best moment of my life.

They wheeled us into the PACU for recovery where we had to spend 2 hours. That time was a blessing in disguise because Garrett and I got alone time together and with our new baby. I will never forget that time, looking at her and snuggling her without having to share! :) Around 1am we were wheeled back to our room where our families were waiting. They all got to hold and love on her for a little while before leaving for the night.

The first night with her was like a dream. I hadn't really slept in 3 days but adrenaline had taken over and I didn't even want to sleep that night, I just wanted to stare at her! We spent the next 3 days recovering from surgery (which is NO JOKE people, ouch), getting my pain under control, and getting to know our baby girl. We were finally discharged on Sunday, February 26th and headed home to start our new lives as a family of 3.

Overall, Vivian's birth was far from ideal. It was completely exhausting and miserable but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Laboring for 48 hours and ending up with a C section is not what I imagined but she is worth all the pain I endured. We are just so thankful that she is healthy and there were no complications!

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