My last post was about the possibility of me having a C section with her. The follow up doctor's appointment that next Monday went so much better and I left there with a sense of relief. Dr. Skinner had no reason to think I wouldn't be able to have her naturally and that was the best news I could have received. At that point I was 39 weeks and 5 days so she left it up to me to have an elective induction or to wait it out. We discussed our options and the pros and cons, and decided for the induction only because I didn't want her to get any bigger, she was already measuring 8 pounds 1 ounce. The bigger she gets the less likely I would be able to have her naturally. So everything was set up for Tuesday, July 23 at 7:30 am. I was filled with mixed emotions and scared to death knowing labor was coming. I went home and just enjoyed Bennett as much as possible, for that was the last night with just him, and I knew his life was changing forever in less than a day. We also finished up a few last minute things around the house and made sure we were ready to go.
I woke up around 5:15, showered (because I knew it might be a while before I got another one) and tried to stay as calm as possible. Bennett woke up early (around 6:00) but I was happy because I got to see him and spend some time with him before we left. It was very hard leaving him that morning- excited to meet my new baby but sad to leave my other baby behind. We met my mom, dad and brother at the hospital at 7:00 and walked up to Labor and Delivery. At this point I was still scared and nervous about what was to come. The 2 nurses, Maggie and Meghan, took us to room 22, a big and very nice room. I changed into the hospital gown and they immediately got started on everything. Started my IV and drew some blood. At first they just gave me fluids and then around 8:00 they started the pitocin. The contractions weren't too bad and everyone enjoyed watching them on the monitor. At this point I could handle them and enjoyed the company and distraction by their conversations. At 10:30, Dr. Gallery came in to check on me and to check my cervix. I was 5 cm, half way there!!!! He then decided to break my water. That's when the contractions picked up and started to become more painful. Right after he broke my water, the nurse asked me if I wanted an epidural. I asked her if it was too soon to get one and she said no, so I decided to go ahead and get one. Boy am I glad I decided then! The anesthesiologist was pretty quick to respond and was there in probably 15 minutes. I was very glad to have such sweet nurses and Meghan helped me through the epidural process- if you've never experienced that, it's tough to be getting a needle put in your back, going through contractions, and trying to stay still. But we did it and about 15 minutes later I felt relief from the contractions but told the nurse I was having a lot of pressure, I could still feel the pressure. So she decided to check me and all I heard was you're ready to have a baby!! I was shocked and wasn't sure if I was completely ready for this- I wanted a nap and some rest. :) She had to call the doctor twice and tell him to come but I was already pushing with the nurses. I felt like I wasn't pushing hard enough but did the best I could. I had a lot of reassurance from Jason and Meghan that I was doing great, which helped me along. The doctor arrived just in time for her birth and at 12:33 pm, Miss Leah Renee Hamm was born! It was the most amazing thing and all I could think of was how much I loved my 2 children. I got to hold her and Jason and I were just in awe. She was so beautiful and we instantly loved her! She weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces and was 20.5 inches long- she was perfect!!!
Our hospital stay was wonderful- all the nurses and doctors were so nice and helpful. I was less emotional than Bennett's stay only because Leah wasn't in the NICU like he was. I had a lot less stress to deal with this time around, and I'm thankful for that. We stayed 2 nights and are now home adjusting to our new life. It's still emotional, as I hope Bennett is ok and I'm able to spend time with him. Most of my time is taken up with Leah and nursing, so guilt is starting to settle in. Hopefully each day will get easier. We are so blessed to have 2 healthy, beautiful children!!
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