by Jody, Adam and Abby Shriver
Well, I would start from the very beginning, but we all know how pregnancy starts, so I will start mid-way through the pregnancy
I was very fortunate to have a very healthy pregnancy, and very loving and supportive family and very good quality healthcare.
I live about 45 minutes to an hour away from any hospital or OB/GYN office so I had to make a decision based on where I live, where I work, where my husband works, where he may be at the time of labor as well as places that I feel are where I would like to deliver my child. After weighing in all those measures, we decided to see Dr. Cooper, Galupo and Myers at Marietta Gynecologic Associates in Marietta, OH. This also means that I would go to Marietta Memorial Hospital if I got there in time. Throughout pregnancy, I really, really, really, really wanted to be that easy birth experience. I know the odds were against me, but hoped I would have my baby in route to the hospital or only 10 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Not the case.
As I mentioned, a very easy pregnancy, I participated in aerobics class 3 days a week until about 35 weeks. My due date was June 9, I knew this, but tried to tell everyone mid-June. Nobody liked that answer, but I am late for everything and reminded friends and family of that and to expect me to be late. One week late, 10 days late and 12 days late. No signs of contractions, no decrease in movement, no “baby dropping”, nothing. I even tried everything, bumpy roads, sex, spicy foods, stripping my membranes. I tried everything but castor oil. Not really into castor oil. It was one of those threats your parents made when you got in trouble or if you were sick and felt that castor oil would help the toxins leave your body faster and make you better. Needless to say, I was not going to voluntarily take castor oil. So after 2 weeks of my physician asking about induction and repeatedly turning down their gracious offer, I finally gave in, or really, I decided to be induced.
My physicians knew this was not part of my normal birth plan. So, I went into the hospital on a Wednesday evening to have my cervix softened. So nothing happened. I was having contractions, but they were pretty light and irregular. They broke my water Thursday morning and finally some action. The contractions seemed to be pretty regular to me, but not what is expected. They were really pretty spaced out. I labored in the pool, laying down, on a ball. I even walked around some. By late Thursday afternoon, I was started on pitocin. I really never progressed. After 30 hours in the hospital, I was still only opened to 6cm and very irregular contractions. After consulting with my physician and the anesthesiologist, we decided to get an epidural. They both knew I did not want a C-section, so the anesthesiologist suggested an epidural over a spinal to buy more time and avoid surgery. Immediately after the epidural, I made it to 10cm. It was Friday morning about 3:30am. I started pushing and pushed for 3 hours and delivered a big, beautiful, healthy baby girl at 6:38am. I held Abby right away and was able hold her through most of the assessment and until after the placenta was “born” (for lack of a better word), and after the cord was cut. They were curious about her weight so they weighed (10lbs 1.6oz) her and measured her length and returned her to me. She nursed right away and has been a champ ever since. She is now 15 months old and still nursing.
I have to rave about the care that I received in the hospital. My physician actually spent the night in the hospital. She gave me perineal massage for 2 hours while I was pushing. The nursing staff was all really open and considerate of what I wanted. I must thank my mother and husband for putting up with me and being so patient and supportive.