From the very beginning of my pregnancy, I always had the same attitude about the birth of our daughter—as long as we are both safe and healthy at the end of it all, that would be my ideal birth experience. I didn’t have any kind of “plan” going in, and this is a story about the day our lives changed forever.
On Saturday, May 25th, Candice and I went to the spa at Hotel ZaZa to enjoy pedicures and some relaxing pool time. Since we were just a few days out from my 30th birthday, I figured it would be the perfect day to just sit back, relax and get in my last pedicure before our little girl arrived. I felt completely fine that day, save the normal discomforts of being 39 weeks and some days pregnant.
The next morning, Sunday May 26th, I woke up to use the bathroom and had some bleeding (sorry, TMI, but anyone who has had a baby knows the deal). I woke up my husband and told him what was up. I wasn’t feeling any pain and maybe had a few dull cramps throughout the day. Nothing intense. My husband and I met a friend for Thai food at lunch time and I continued to eat copious amounts of pineapple hoping to jump-start my labor (totally an old wive’s tale). I had seen my OB on Thursday that week and once again, no progress, so I was convinced our baby would be born the first week of June instead of on or before my May 29th due date.
Sunday night I was experiencing some lower back pain (but it wasn’t constant), cramping down low (again, not constant) and a lot of pressure in my behind area (which I later learned was due to the fact that the baby’s head was SO low). I also had some Braxton Hicks contractions.
Before we went to bed, I told my husband that if I start to have actual contractions, no matter what time of night/early morning it is, that he should tell me to get in the shower and wash my hair. I was rocking some 4th day hair and all I could think was if I went into labor and was in the hospital for a few days it would just be a mess. I wanted to have clean hair if I was going to be in the hospital for several days, haha.
I woke up on Monday, May 27th at 4 a.m. with a little more bleeding and this is when I first started to feel contractions. I woke up my H and he downloaded an app on my iPhone while we were in bed to monitor how far apart the contractions were. In the beginning they were about 10 minutes apart and then quickly progressed to 8 and then 7 minutes apart. Remembering that I really wanted to wash my hair, I got in the shower at around 5 a.m. Thirty minutes later my hair was washed, blow-dried and set in velcro rollers (I just did my normal hair routine, nothing out of the ordinary). My contractions started to get more intense (painful) and closer together as I was blow drying my hair so I had to stop many times to lay on my side in bed and get through each contraction. By the time my hair was done I decided I wanted to put some makeup on and began applying it. This is when the contractions got really bad. There was some cursing, tears and repeated cries “why is this happening to meeeeee” and “it’s hurts SOOOO bad.” Those were my two most used lines throughout early labor.
It was kind of hilarious applying makeup between contractions. Judge all you want, but I wanted to look nice in the photos and didn’t know how long I’d be in labor. At this point, my contractions were a good 3-5 minutes apart, lasting about a minute every time. I applied my makeup pretty quickly, stopping between contractions.
I had called my OB at about 7 a.m. and learned that she was away for the Memorial Day long weekend. The OB on call told me I should come to the hospital and get checked out since my contractions were so intense/close together. My husband and I got into the car with all of our hospital bags and on the way to the hospital I had about 4 contractions so intense that I was just crying through them (and yelling PLEASE DRIVE FASTER…okay maybe I didn’t say “please”). We arrived at the hospital and I got into a wheelchair, still having contractions and my husband took us up to the assessment floor where I was immediately admitted. I was checked when I got there and was already 3-4 cm dilated. The baby’s head was super low and the OB told me that is likely what is causing me to have so much pain/pressure in addition to the contractions.
I’m going to be completely honest—the pain from the contractions was the most horrible, awful pain I have ever experienced in my life. It was so intense I honestly didn’t know how I would make it through each one and I just kept praying and praying that the pain would lessen (um, no.)
After being assessed they immediately admitted me to labor and delivery and we were moved to our room there. I asked for the epidural pretty much as soon as I got to the hospital so they called anesthesiology as soon as I got to L & D. I was checked again and was dilated to 5 c.m. with super close contractions. At this point they were so close together that I felt I hardly got a break from the pain and I just wondered how I would survive it if the anesthesiologist didn’t walk through the door within the next minute.
Fortunately, the team soon arrived and they asked me a bunch of questions and explained the epidural to me and I signed the consent forms—I had to have them stop explaining things between contractions because the pain was so intense at that point that I literally couldn’t hold any focus until one was over. Finally just 15 or so minutes later the anesthesiologist had me sitting on the side of the bed and was administering my epidural. In my pain-filled haze I kept telling him how he was my favorite person that day and how thankful I was for him and his profession. The nurses were all cracking up because they said usually patients are just swearing and going crazy and I was actually making them laugh (with me…at me? ha, who knows—but my L&D nurse was awesome—nurse Jackie!).
The epidural did not hurt AT ALL. I felt a little sting when the lidocaine went in and a little pressure with the actual epi but it did not hurt one bit. In fact, I’d argue that getting an IV in your arm or hand is more uncomfortable (but again, not painful). I’m not afraid of needles though so maybe it was just easy for me in that regard. I was in so much pain I wouldn’t have even cared if the epidural did hurt—as long as it worked.
And work it did. Oh my gosh it was the sweetest relief I’ve ever felt in my life. Suddenly, a sense of calm came over me and I was a normal person again. I could have conversations and actually enjoy the anticipation of meeting our baby girl without feeling like I was going to die if I had just one more contraction. Maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but my labor had progressed quite quickly and it was all so intense and painful that it was the best feeling in the entire world to be numb from feeling that pain.
The OB on call came to visit and check on me and at this point (after the epi) I had progressed to 6 c.m. She told me she called my OB and that my OB was in Galveston for the long weekend. I told her that I love my OB and of course I would love for her to deliver our baby but that I totally understood it was a holiday long weekend and I didn’t want to take away from her family time. She came back 30 minutes later and told me my OB was on her way back, driving to the hospital to deliver our baby. I was so taken aback by the fact that she would drive back just for our baby. That is why I love her so much, she’s a wonderful physician.
About an hour or so after I got the epi, my labor had stalled a bit at 6 c.m. They broke my water and waited and then when I hadn’t progressed after that they started me on a very low dose of Pitocin to speed things along and it worked. I kept getting checked and was continuing to make progress. My OB was still on her way to the hospital and the nurse was instructed to try some “practice pushes” with me. I was so shocked at how fast it all went that I couldn’t believe I would be delivering our baby soon. I know I use this word all the time, but it felt surreal.
My OB arrived and the team got ready for me to push. Pushing was intense because once you have the epi you can’t really “feel” where to push so I tried my best to just focus and breathe and listen to my OB and labor nurse (there was also a resident there). I pushed for about an hour or so and the entire time my OB would tell me how low her head was and how close we were. At one point they told me to reach down so I could feel her head and I will admit that it did encourage me to really persevere and motivated my pushing. I had a blanket over my chest/belly area but towards my last few pushing cycles I watched her head progressively coming out and once again, it just felt really surreal that she would come out and be handed to me.
My husband was awesome the entire time too—he was a huge cheerleader for me and really made the experience even better. Now I know why they always say having a baby will make you fall in love with your husband all over again and more intensely than ever before.
During my final push, she came out, crying really loud and HUGE (8 lbs. 3 ounces)! I always imagined myself having an emotional breakdown when she was born but I was just all smiles and kept saying “oh my gosh she’s so cute” and just enjoying those first few moments meeting her for the first time. As soon as they placed her on my chest she immediately grasped my finger with her hand. It was so incredible. I couldn’t believe she came out of me and I couldn’t believe she was ours. After some cuddling, Harper was taken to the warmer to get her vitals checked (she had an Apgar score of 9!) and then Kevin got to hold her as they stitched me up. Without getting too TMI, let’s just say there were some tears…and they still hurt as I write this post.
On May 27th at 6:23 p.m., our lives were changed forever. We became parents to the beautiful, adorable, tiny life that we created. I feel so privileged that God made this plan for us.
Overall, I feel really great about my birth experience—there were some ups and downs when Harper was in the NICU and like any new mom I was full of worry—but all of her tests came back negative and she needed some brief phototherapy like a lot of babies do for jaundice. I’m glad I went in without a birth plan—I feel like I just listened to my body and the doctors and nurses and when my sweet baby girl was placed in my arms nothing else mattered. She was finally here.
I’m going to write a part II to this birth story including details about Harper’s brief NICU stay and recovering at the hospital. I will also be talking about breastfeeding and pumping and how that has been going for us.
Thank you for reading and thank you to all of my readers who have been so incredibly supportive throughout my entire pregnancy. I am blessed to have so many people who I consider to be friends in the blogging community.
aww congrats veronica, you both are going to be great parents, and thank god for epidural, i can not imagine how women did in the past without it!!! that god for technology -…. many blessings to your family !!
I'm just so happy for you, Veronika, and I wish you and your family all the best! Thanks for sharing the beautiful birth story of your baby girl!
~ Maria ~
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! It was so sweet your doctor drove back into town to deliver Harper! I am so happy for you guys!
What a beautiful story! So happy for you and your family. Thank you for sharing!
Congratulations Veronika : ) Thanks for sharing your birth story…I love that you were putting make -up on between contractions (I've had 3 babies myself and I'm totally not judging wanting to look good…there's so much picture taking that happens afterwards). Hopefully you're getting some sleep.
Wow V! Your L&D seems like a really great experience!! I'm so happy it went so well for you (despite the pain and tearing). Thanks for sharing with us! Harper is beautiful'
Veronika! I'm laughing so hard about your makeup!! But I applied mine with 2 min contractions too, haha. Hearing how painful it was makes me soooo glad I was in the hospital long before my contractions started, ouch! I never really had any bad ones. Who is your OB? I have one at your hospital now.
Thanks for sharing your story with us V! I teared up a little just getting through each paragraph. So happy for your little family. Can't wait to read more about this new chapter for you 🙂 xo, tasha
Congratulations and well done! She is absolutely gorgeous!
Omg she is so precious, Veronika!! I'm so happy for the both of you! Congrats!
This brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for you and your little family.
Reading your story makes me excited for August when my little guy is due to arrive.
Congratulations Veronika! She is so perfect and beautiful… does she have reddish hair? I think it's so cute! I laughed out loud during some parts of your story (although I bet it wasn't funny to you at the time!)… so funny that you were doing your hair and makeup – but girl, you look GORGEOUS in those photos so I guess it was worth it! 🙂
What a beautiful story. I'm not judging at all- I took a shower, curled my hair (it wasn't a wash day) and applied makeup in between contractions too! I'd have to agree, the most pain I've ever felt and hope to ever experience in my life. What's most important is that you're both happy, healthy and doing well. Can't wait for part II.
I have been following your journey since you were about 20 weeks or so! Thanks for sharing your story. I'm 26 weeks right now and I totally feel the way you did about the birth plan or lack of. Can't wait to read Part II.
Congratulations!
She's so adorable! I can't wait until I have my first baby
XO Alex
https://www.bronzedsundaze.blogspot.com
What a beautiful birth story. Glad to hear you all did very well.
Oh and you're definitely not the only mum-to-be who did her hair and make-up between contractions.
Such a beautiful story!! Brought me to tears reading about the whole process and reminded me of my own {the pain really is that intense!}. So wonderful that your doc came home to deliver you…that's awesome! Harper is just beyond precious…love all the baby snuggles! Congrats to you and your hubby!! xo
Congratulations Veronika. She is absolutely beautiful. Your birth story is great too. So glad it all went well.
I must agree that getting an IV put in hurts more than the epidural.
Congratulations, she is beautiful! She will make you wonder what your purpose in life was before her. Enjoy every second, it goes so fast. My second grandson will be here any day….. 🙂
Sometimes no plan is the best plan…I feel like I have read tons of moms to be blogs who have this huge "Plan" of how to give birth to their baby when really we have to admit that it is not up to us, only up to God and the doctors! 🙂 I'm glad you were honest and real about everything, so often people sugar coat about the pain and such. How are you feeling now?
Thank you for sharing. I am due with my first in 3.5 weeks and I am terrified of the contractions, tearing, and that the epidural wont work. I don't have a plan other than I want my epi ASAP so it was nice reading it works out without a plan.
Yay! Thank you for sharing; I love reading birth stories. And I agree with the other commentators… you are definitely not the only one who does her hair and makeup while in labor! I only got in a shower (no makeup) before I had to get in the car, and I looked like a deathly-tired 16yr old in all the photos. I will apply makeup in the car next time if I have to!
Oh, and TMI, but I also tore a lot, and even had more stitches about 8 weeks pp, but 15 months later and everything is 100% kosher in the nethers, so no worries. 🙂
She is so besutiful and perfect! Congratulations to your new family, I hope you are having a wonderful time with your little muffin
Xo Bri
brizziestyles.com
Congratulations! Such a beautiful baby girl!
I've so been looking forward to this post! She is just gorgeous Veronika. Seriously. I just showed Cooper her photo and he smiled 🙂 Future girlfriend? haha!
Hope you are doing well these first few weeks. xoxo
Marion
Aww. Glad you had a good experience. Your first contractions totally reminded me of how it went for me last year with Mariam. I went into labor on my due date. I had my bloody show around 2:30 am and then I went back to bed wondering if this was it. Sure enought the contractions started 15 minutes later and then they just got worse. I too was trying to fix my hair and apply makeup during contractions lol. I can't believe how big Harper was. Where did you hide her. 😉 congrats again. I look forward to seeing her pictures as she grows.
No judging here – my water broke first thing in the morning, and although I was in too much of a panic to throw myself through the shower, I did wash my face and put on some makeup. When my husband got home (he was just about to get out of his car at a local reservoir and go for a 5 mile run and leave his cell phone in the car when I called to tell him we had to go to the hospital – talk about timing!), he was running around in a panic and looked at me and was like, "What are you doing? Are you seriously doing your makeup?! We have to go!" Oh well – I wanted to at least look and feel somewhat presentable!
My epidural didn't take at all on one side of my body, and the other half it only dulled the pain a little. The (pitocin induced) contractions weren't TERRIBLE, but they did hurt. The pressure when I was ready to push was the absolute worst, though. And like I said, my epi didn't take so I felt EVERYTHING. Very, very unpleasant. I drifted in and out of sleep (consciousness?) right after delivering so I didn't even feel them stitching me up, but for the next week or two if I didn't sit down a certain way the stitches would pull and cause immense pain. Did your doctor give you the foam anesthetic to apply to the area? I was given some and although it didn't work magic it helped to dull the pain from the stitches.
I'm glad you had a positive birth experience. Your daughter is beautiful.
She looks EXACTLY like your husband. I enjoyed reading your birth story, congratulations again! Good call with the fixing hair and applying makeup amidst being in active labor…mission accomplished, you look great in all the pics.
Congratulations. She's so sweet. Glad your birth experience went pretty well, despite the painful contractions. It's always so interesting to hear other's birth stories. It's such a life-changing experience. I had some pretty severe tears and it took a few weeks to feel better, but you will! Those first few weeks were very emotional for me too.
Thanks for sharing – What a wonderful experience! So glad you have a healthy happy baby! And your husband sounds like a wonderful father. 🙂
I had 4th degree tear and some other internal tearing, and the only advice i can give is kegels, kegels, kegels! Your OB sounds really on top of things, but don't hesitate to reach out if you're having trouble healing. I ended up with some "revision" surgeries/physical therapy. It can be a tricky healing process. Hoping it will be easy for you.
Yay for Harper Reese! Congrats!!!
So amazing to read about your experience! It makes me so emotional and brings me back to my L&D 10 1/2 months ago. So wonderful to hear everyone is healthy and happy. Congratulations!
Oh – and I also did my hair and applied makeup but unlike you I was not lucky enough to look nice in my photos haha – I looked like a disaster, would have been so happy if my post-delivery shots looked as nice as yours!! 🙂
Beautiful birthday story! Harper weighed in at just about what my daughter did (8.4). Nothing like a good, healthy baby. Soak up every moment with her in these newborn days. I wished them away b/c my daughter had colic, but sometimes I wish I could snuggle her little newborn self again. Everything's relative I suppose. Can't wait to see her grow!
congratulations!
she is so beautiful
i love that you did your hair and make-up 😛
xx
https://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
Hahahah you are sooo cute Veronika! I can't believe you actually had the STRENGTh to even shower throughout your contractions (they sound deadly 🙁 )
And I enjoyed reading every bit of this post because it really helps me know what I can expect from here on out since I'm only 6 days away~yikes! And I can't believe how cute Harper looks, especially for a newborn. Hehe, no offense to newborns out there…;)
Hahahah you are sooo cute Veronika! I can't believe you actually had the STRENGTh to even shower throughout your contractions (they sound deadly 🙁 )
And I enjoyed reading every bit of this post because it really helps me know what I can expect from here on out since I'm only 6 days away~yikes! And I can't believe how cute Harper looks, especially for a newborn. Hehe, no offense to newborns out there…;)
congratulations.
you are right to have done hair/makeup. my post birth pics are awful!!
I love this story! Partly because I feel like a lot of people sort of 'demonize' hospitals/doctors/etc and that makes me sad because I think they are great people who work very hard and care about patients. I love your attitude about just going with the flow, it's encouraging in an era that I feel like is telling me the total opposite and I completely agree with everything you said here 🙂
Congrats and way to fix your hair and makeup! Couldn't agree about the epidural being the best feeling of relief ever.
She is absolutely beautiful. I have enjoyed following along your journey.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Wonderful post to read. Congratulations to you all 🙂
And you shouldn't feel like people would judge you for you wanting to look you best. xx
Congratulations!!! Thank you for your story, I'm 2 wks out from my due date so it is comforting and a wake up call to what is going to happen! So exciting and scary!!
Your daughter is just beautiful, soak in every moment with her!!!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful birth story. Although painful, the reward is so great. I loved reading about your experience with your anesthesiologist. My dad is an anesthesiologist and growing up, I never fully appreciated what he does until I became an adult and especially now that I'm a few weeks away from my due date. Harper is such a sweet little girl and you are such a rock star! Congratulations again!
GIRL I hear you on the epidural… i described it as it felt like angels sang once i got it lol I thought the same thing as you that i wanted my hair done and wanted to put my face on but my contractions started off coming every 2-3 mins!! So I had to skip that! Im glad you were honest about all your details but it is the most horrible physical pain you can imagine ;)))
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your husband! I love reading your blog and I look forward to all the cute pictures and stores you have to share. God Bless the 3 of you. Stay encouraged and please don't let any of the negative comments anyone has to say disturb this beautiful time for you and your family 🙂
She is so beautiful! I love how real you are in your story. As I come closer to my third trimester, I am constantly thinking about delivery and how I have no clue what to expect. It's nice to see such a real perspective. I would be washing my hair and putting on makeup first, too! 🙂
Congratulations!!!! This is such a sweet birth story…with a perfectly happy ending!!! My middle son was also born on May 27th, and we celebrated his 4th birthday this year. May is a fun month to have a birthday! I'm so happy things are going well for you and Harper. There's nothing like having your first baby. The experience is truly a gift from God!!!
Thank you for posting your story!! I loved reading it! Can't wait to hear all the details of your breastfeeding experience, the good and the bad! Having a baby in the NICU is so emotional, I had all 3 of my kids in there. Congrats !!!
Thanks for sharing your story! Harper is a beauty!
I can definitely relate to the hair and makeup thing. I ended up with a c-section but was adamant about looking nice for the pics (especially since I knew our family would be posting unauthorized photos all over Facebook). Your photos are beautiful…totally worth blowdrying through contractions!
Veronika, you are a really good writer ! I enjoyed reading your birth story. Thanks for sharing it and I look forward to part II.
Congratulations, Harper is beautiful. I've been a long time follower of your blog. If you dont mind can you post about how you chose her name (or direct me to the post if you already did). I love hearing how parents decide on thir child's name and Harper Reese is a beautiful strong name!
@amanda— that's a great question! I've kept a list of baby names on my cell phone for years and years now, adding names I loved for both girls and boys as the years went on. Harper was always on that list (I don't remember where I first heard it but it was before Victoria Beckham had her daughter—maybe it was another celebrity or I may have heard the name on TV or something). Reese was just a random name we both liked and we thought it sounded good with Harper as well as our last name.
Wonderful story! You're right about the sweet relief of the epidural. I'm glad yours lasted! Mine wore off after an hour and I was in labor for 12 more hours after that. The tears will take a while to heal from, especially with bigger babies, pushing for a longer period of time, and being a first time mom. I had my baby on April 30, and I still have discomforts. Congratulations again! Enjoy your new little family!
Congratulations!!!! She's adorable!
Congratulations! I know you are going to be a great mom! She is beautiful!
I can't even begin to express how happy I am for you! I've been following you for so long and this is just so amazing! Congratulations! Harper Reese is such a beautiful name. Thank you so much for letting us all be a part of your pregnancy and birth. I really am looking forward to all of your future posts.
she's so adorable! wish all the best to you and your family!
♥ Margherita ♥
Frivolezze Provinciali
FACEBOOK PAGE
Congrats! She is gorgeous and has such beautiful color! Babies are such a joy! My son will be 3 months on Tuesday! Time flies by so fast!
She's beautiful! Congrats!
P.S. I love that you did your hair before you left for hospital… lol
Sounds like a perfect birth story because it is yours and you brought a healthy, beautiful girl into the world! I think you had a great attitude going into L&D, just wanting a healthy baby to happen. I don't even know why I attempted to write a birth plan because honestly, it went nothing like I thought it would (had to have a c-section). Good thing I forgot my birth plan at home when it was time to go to the hospital. LOL. It seems like it was a pretty quick day for you. Glad you guys are doing well. Sorry about the tearing, and I hope that heals soon! Looking forward to reading more about your experience in the hospital and all about how Harper is doing lately!
Loved this post. I'm looking forward to part 2. Much love to you, dear Veronica. Love to mucho.
She's adorable! I loved hearing about her birth! Can't wait for part 2!
Candace
http://www.theproactiveprofessional.com
Beautiful story had me tearing up!! I totally get you on the -wanting to get your hair washed- thing. I did the same freaking thing between contractions and although I felt like I was going to die I wanted clean hair and shaved legs!!
babybuttonbrown.blogspot.com
Oh and your baby girl is soooo beautiful!!!
I must say your story was beyond touching. As a soon to be mom it was amazing to read your experience & know that bringing a child to this world is a blessing. I'm glad you are your dear baby are doing great and thank you for sharing your story.
What a cute baby!!!
Harper is such a beautiful girl! Thanks for sharing your story. Even though I am no-where near having a baby, it was such a lovely read about your experience and baby. You seriously seem like such a lovely person and Harper is one lucky girl! xo
awwww congrats Veronika, your LO is gorgeous!
Labour pain is pretty intense. I had a very fast labour (4 hours from beginning till she was born) and no time for epi. By the time i got to hospital I was 6cm dialated. Like you I carried small but had a big baby (8lb 8oz). Super painful to do naturally but the best experience of my life nonetheless 🙂
Can you share the name of your OB? Hubby and I just started trying and we're compiling a list of OBs to research. Thanks!
@diana—please email me for that info 🙂
Congrats! I had a similar epidural experience, didn't think it hurt and felt so much better afterwards (I delivered this past week). I unfortunately ended up with a c-section due to labor intolerance. We also have a baby girl and are enjoying every minute of it. Congrats on your little girl, she is beautiful!!
Do you mind sharing which hospital you delivered at? I will be delivering at TWH and am nervous because no one I know has delivered there. I'm hoping its as good as my OB says it is.
Thank u
I completely agree with you on the birth plan- I'm so glad I didn't have one either! What a waste of time that would have been. You can only plan so much for something you have absolutely no control over. All that matters is that you all are both here and healthy. And Harper Reese is beautiful!! I hope you are recovering well.
Congrats again! Thank you for sharing your/Harper's story!
Congratulations! I loved following your journey through pregnancy (and birth!) and know that you are going to be a wonderful mom. Also, I have never seen such a gorgeous newborn!
I loved reading this. Epidurals truly are sweet relief. Hats off to those that push through without, but it's just not for me. I felt I was able to truly enjoy the births of each of my children thanks to that epidural rather than screaming at the top of my lungs. I still felt pressure while pushing, but nothing, I'm sure, like the pain without.
Harper is such a beautiful baby. Congratulations (and I love her name)!!
I can't begin to tell you how much I have looked forward to your story. I've been following your blog for almost a year and a half now. Reading your labor story made me cry of pure happiness. It really does sound like a beautiful story. Congratulations!!
Congrats! You never forget your labor nurse or her name, ha! My first was Nancy and the second was Bianca lol.
She's so cute Veronika! Love the birth story. I love the pic of your hubby kissing baby Harper. So sweet!
I'm so glad your epidural worked for you – your contractions sound awful, much worse than mine when I was 6cm dilated. My epi unfortunately didn't work (neither did my mums when she had me – maybe it's passed down). I think it's wonderful how all labours are totally different, loved reading your story. And Harper is adorable.
This is AMAZING and brought tears to my eyes!! Thank you for sharing, V. HOLY CRAP. I was on the edge of my seat reading this at some points.
… and for the record, your hair looks awesome.
Congratulations!!! She is beautiful. And I'm sure you're happy you did your hair and makeup…you look great! 🙂
Congratulations! She is gorgeous. I really loved your story. It is very similiar to my own experience. When my son Luke was born i also got a shower and applied makeup before going to the hospital haha. I also had a great epidural the first time. When my second son Cole was born i had just got home from a doctors appointment before contractions so i was ready to go and things progressed much faster the second time. My epidural process was ok. It didn't take as well but the pain was manageable and it was easier to push not being completely numb. When my daughter was born everything happened so quickly that i was not even able to get an epidural! ,and i cracked up a your comments because it hurts so bad is all i could manage to yell because I could hardly think straight. Haha I was really in schock I think the pain was extreme and with the boys everything was very calm so I was not prepared for the experience. In the end it was worth it our sweet Emily Kate was born February 8, 2013, and I will say that I felt the best after my 3rd delivery overall.
We just shared our First Birth Story – Not According to Plan and hope it encourages your readers too!