Callan Jacob's Birth Story

Was induced for polyhydramnios starting in the morning of 4/11/19. I was 1cm and long when I checked in, so we started with cytotec in the morning. 30 minutes later I had a 9 minute contraction and they had to flip me back and forth to get baby's heartrate up. I continued having near-constant contractions until noon, but NO further dilation. They broke my water then, in a controlled manner, which did intensify the contractions. I was at 3cm by early evening but contractions spaced out a bit (3-6 mins), so they started pitocin. I managed the pain with nitrous for many hours after that (it was my first time trying nitrous and I highly recommend trying it if you're curious. It helped a ton), until about 6cm, when I requested an epi. My contractions got really bad while the epi was being placed, and things were fast and furious from there on out. I went from 6-10cm in about 30 minutes. Because of this I wish I had gotten the epi earlier; it couldn't keep up with how fast I progressed. I was still having to breath through contractions, my teeth were chattering, and my cervix/perineum felt like it was being stabbed with a hot poker. Pushing took about 20 minutes and I had 1 small tear. NICU doctors were in the room to check out baby Callan due to the antidepressant I take sometimes making babies sleepy, but he was fine (apgars were 8 and 9). Callan nursed for almost a full hour after some skin to skin time. He's my best breastfeeder by far and we're still doing great. My first non-NICU baby :) ... stayed with me the whole time and came home after only 1.5 days in hospital.

	Comment from sonata85 » Posted 8 weeks ago Wow what a birth story! I’m so happy you’re both doing well, no NICU, and breastfeeding is great. Congrats!
	Comment from Libelula264 » Posted 8 weeks ago Thanks Calvingirl! He was smaller than predicted but still an awesome size. We're doing great and starting to get into a good routine where I get enough sleep to feel human. Babies are so wonderful. :)
	Comment from calvingirl » Posted 9 weeks ago Big boy too! Phoebe was born at 37+2 and was only 5 lbs, 13oz. What an awesome name too. You must be so happy! Get some rest and enjoy your new little prince!
	Comment from calvingirl » Posted 9 weeks ago YAY! Congratulations!! He's beautiful!!
	Comment from Libelula264 » Posted 20 weeks ago Hey Erica... That's right. :( The meds are already working - ctx's are only 15 mins apart or so - but I do expect them to get bad again as soon as I stop the Indocin. And you can only be on Indocin for 48 hours without risk to the baby, and only until 32 weeks. They are doing an ultrasound on Friday and we will take it from there. This sucks so bad but day by day seems like the only way to handle it.
	Comment from ericalee2 » Posted 20 weeks ago Read your recent comment on your bump photo. I hope the meds give you a break. So unless you start dilating there is nothing else they really do for this? :(