WE RECOMMEND YOU READ PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, and PART 4 OF WILL’s BIRTH STORY BEFORE READING THIS POST.
The Doc stood up in a hurry clearly agitated by the interuption. He huffed over to the trash can while ripping off his gloves. The snap of the latex and the swish of the trash bag were the only sounds in the room.
“You need to think about how long you are going to let this continue.” He said firmly. He continued talking but I couldn’t continue listening through my frustration. Why wasn’t he apologizing? Why didn’t he explain things before he tried to stab my babies watery bubble? This is wrong. This is very very wrong.
I barely processed the situation as the doctor stormed out of the room. As the door was shutting, Jeremy angrily cursed. His opinion of the doctor was clear to everyone in the room.
“JEREMY!” I couldn’t believe he cursed! What if the doctor heard? What if he held it against us? I looked up at the nurses for an answer. Any answer would be nice. Any explanation. Any support. Faith was the first to speak…
“You are right. He shouldn’t have done that.” Thank goodness another person was on our side with this issue. “I’m going to get my instructor…” I couldn’t be more thankful for this sweet girl. My head was still swirling. Swirling with heat and anger and frustration. It was no more than two minutes till the midwife arrived. Apparently Faith had explained what happened on the way down the hall because as she entered the room, she immediately came over to me and grabbed my hand. My thoughts came spewing out like hot lava from a volcano of emotion…
“I would probably have let him do it if there was any explanation! I just think that if a person is going to do something that they need to talk about the procedure before doing it! Am I wrong? He didn’t tell me anything. Nobody told me anything. I thought I was doing good. Sure things are going slow but things go slow sometimes. Right? Right??!” I was trying to stay calm as I paced around the room breathing through the start of my next contraction still gripping her hand like a vice.
The midwife was able to handle the situation like an experienced cowgirl handles cattle. She grabbed the reins and gently reined me in. “You are doing fine. Let’s get through this contraction and then we can talk.” She massaged my palm and breathed with me as I hung on my Jeremy’s shoulders. “Ok. Are we through that one?” she was so considerate of the labor pains that it instantly made me calm.
“Yes.” I stated as my breathing slowed. “Yes, it’s over.”
“Alright. About the doctor, you are right. This is your labor and you get to choose how to go about it. If you would like your water broken, you should be able to discuss it first.” My head started dreaming of switching to this woman instantly. Either that or adopting her as my long lost aunt. She continued. “If you decide to break your bag of waters, sometimes it helps things progress a little quicker although it will be a little more difficult to handle the contractions.” She went on to explain how breaking the bag would eliminate the cushiony pillow between my babies head and my cervix.
“Well, I would probably have let him do that if he said something first! Do you think he’s gonna be mad at me?” I couldn’t believe that I had to worry about the doctor holding a grudge while I was in labor.
“No. I don’t think you need to worry about that.” This woman was a saint.
Our conversation was interupted by a knock on the door. Crap…it’s Dr. Hood. The door cracked open and in walked a short brunette woman with a confident look in her eyes. She came over and introduced herself as the head of the nurses.
“I wanted to apologize.” She said with a serious face. “Amy told me what happened and I am very sorry you had to experience that. Dr. Hood was in a crabby mood. He had a c-section scheduled and was in a rush to get to the OR. He’s a very good doctor though, I want you to know that.”
“No. I know.” I remembered back to when we first were introduced to him. “I remember that we were told he was an excellent doctor in case of a caesarean. I just think that he should talk to me first before attempting a procedure.” I felt like a broken record.
“Well. We all apologize on his behalf.” She was sweet for saying so. I knew that she was apologizing because he wouldn’t. He was a doctor afterall. He had to keep status quo. He had liabilities. He couldn’t stoop to my level.
“I think Jeremy and I still need to discuss if we are ready to have my water broken yet.”
“You do that. And if you are ready, then you can tell Amy and she will get Dr. Hood.” The head nurse said before heading back to her station.
“I think that is the right decision.” The midwife said encouragingly.
Jeremy and I turned toward each other and we both knew that it was time. The length of anticipation had us worn down. Jeremy looked exhausted. And my adreneline was only good for me. I knew that breaking my water would be jumping in with both feet. There would be no going back now.
Amy retrieved Dr. Hood and he entered the room coldly. There was no apology but I didn’t expect one. He did talk about how he thought that this decision was the best one and that it probably would help things progress along faster. I really didn’t pay much attention though as he spoke. I knew why he was there. Just in case of a c-section. I didn’t want to discuss labor with him. He barely saw me labor. What would he know afterall?
As the hook punctured my bag, the warmth of the water indicated only one thing: we are having a baby in the next day. I knew that as soon as the water gushed out, the hospital would only allow you 24 hours to deliver before retriving the baby via caesarean. This was it.
Or so I thought.
At 2 pm I was at 7/8. Dr. Hood broke my water at 3 pm. Then at 4, Amy checked me for progress. 8 to 9. Only 1 cm.
I had hoped for more dialation than that…but my mind was battling back and forth between hope and reality. The hope was that I would be true to the algarythm…but reality clearly stated that my baby should have been here by now. I should be pushing. I should be getting this baby out. Then hope would fight back…people have long labors. I can do anything for two days. The Jews were tortured for years by the Nazis, slaves were whipped, women are mutilated, if these people are strong enough to survive and thrive…I can labor for a mere 48 hours! I clung to the thought of strength. Hope. Strength. and breathing.
The next thing I knew there was a phone in my hand.
“Dr. Hood wants to talk to you.” Amy told me.
“Hello?” Why the heck is he calling me on the phone? Is this normal?
My brain didn’t really process what he was saying. Something Pitocin. Blah blah blah not dialating enough. Something about average labor charts. Blah blah blah epidural. Something about still at a nine. Blah blah blah probably a caesarean. What was he saying?! Doesn’t he know that I am in labor? Right now? Like the contractions turn my brain off? Why is he telling me this on the phone?
My contraction ended at around the same moment that he hung up the phone.
“What did he say?” Jeremy asked.
“I don’t know.” I started freaking out. My heart was racing and my skin started sweating. Drops of sweat were forming on every surface of my skin. “He said I wasn’t doing it. That it wasn’t working. He said that I would need a csection!”
“What?!” Jeremy look confused.
“I don’t know. Why would he talk to me on the phone? Why didn’t he come in here and explain it?” I was starting to breath crazy. My head was spinning from the news. I did everything in my power from hyperventilating as I told Jeremy everything I could recall from the phone conversation. When I finished, I felt like I was a kid who just walked into my playroom to find every toy was smashed to bits. I needed an explanation. I needed help. Faith was already out the door retrieving the midwife before I had a chance to say ask for it.
Fifteen minutes later the midwife had fully explained the situation. My labor was taking too long. I wasn’t progressing. She outlined my options more clearly than the doctor…or maybe I was just more willing to listen to her because I trusted her. I trusted her explicitly. I trusted her with my life. I trusted her with my babies life.
When we got done with our conversation, I blamed myself. I was too relaxed. That had to be the problem. The next hour I was determined to do whatever it took to kickstart this labor. Changing positions. Changing activities. Leaking was a part of walking now. Especially since I was walking while trying to do a combination of a jumpy-waddle hoping that gravity would be on my side. I didn’t think it was working until I had the urge to go to the bathroom.
“Faith, can I go to the bathroom?” I asked innocently.
“Number one or number two?”
“I feel like I gotta poo.”
A smile lit up the midwife’s face…”That could mean that the baby is ready.” She said it calmly. “Let’s check you.”
Amy got me ready on the table and both Jeremy and I were hopeful. “Hmm.” She said. “I think you are about a 6-7.”
“A SIX OR SEVEN?!?” At this point there was no controlling my volume. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN? A SIX OR SEVEN?!?”
My heart was racing.
“YOU MEAN I WENT BACKWARDS?! WHO GOES BACKWARDS?
Poor you – that doctor sounds like a jerk! I don’t blame Jeremy for swearing. I’m sure I would have! Thank goodness there were other, nicer people there to help you make an informed decision. It’s a shame that those people don’t make the big bucks that the doctor does!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who undialated! haha! I thought I was a weirdo!
Okay missy, we’ve been patiently waiting. We’ve read the posts about your maternity photo shoot & whatnot.
And you give us “backwards”….
I think I speak for your blog readers when I say ……wahhhhhhhhhhh
You are a terrific writer, can’t wait for what I hope is “the end”
Michele
Oh no – Dr. Hood (others had warned me too)! He delivered my 2nd child via c-section. He had some remarks that I wasn’t too happy about. I am done having children and I am currently looking for a new Gyn group.
NO! I really thought that would be the last one. That doctor sounds like a major jerk, sorry you had that experience. PLEASE post next one soon : )
Oh man, you’re really making us work for this whole story, huh? I guess it’s only fair seeing how long Will’s actual birth seems to have taken for you! Looking forward to the rest – in however many parts it ends up being 🙂
Katie, I so admire and respect you for honestly sharing your birth story and the different things you felt. I hope that doctor gets a piping hot slice of some divine justice served to him pretty soon.
Thank you so much for sharing such an intimate story. I’m so glad that midwife was there for you, it’s like she was an angel sent for you. I hate how the Dr. treated you. I love your writing, you really need to write books…. 🙂
i love ya katie i truly do…but you are driving me nuts with the cliff hangers! in fact it probably could be considered torture in some countries..why are you torturing your readers katie?!?!?!?!?! 🙂
Ok, this is getting ridiculous. A 5+ part birth story!? I’m sure this is boosting your stats because people come back every day to see if you posted the next one but enough is enough. I’m about to take you out of my reader and stop visiting your blog.
REALLY!! You’re gonna keep us hanging like that, LOL. I’m sorry you had such an ignoramus for a doctor. Any woman in labor deserves to be treated with dignity and respect during her labor.
I really love your writing style, but for the love of all thats good in this world, we need more than that!!!!
Can’t wait for the next installment!!!
I live in Atlanta too and I had a Dr. Hood at my hospital too. All I can say is that is sounds like the had the same doctor. Horrible bed side manner, but is an excellent doctor. I had complications and he was quick on his feet when I needed an experienced doctor. It was rough, but in the end I came home with a healthy baby (NICU for a week).
Wow…. What a way to leave us hanging….
You’re a great writer. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story. =)
Hi Ann,
You’re telling me! It was ridiculous. And so is 6 part birth stories…but I did warn you guys. I know it’s hard to be patient but since I am writing this birth story only for me to remember and since labor took around 36 hours, it’s a lot to write down and takes a little time. Oh and in regards to your “boosting stats” comment, actually no but I wish 🙂 Don’t worry…there is only two more parts – 1 is delivery & 1 is post delivery till we get home.
XO – Katie
p.s. If you have to take me outta your reader, I really will miss ya!
Really, this is insane! Way too many installments, let’s be done with birth stories and get back to home improvement etc.
Oh my gosh Katie! Seriously, this could be a NOVEL. I’m clinging to every entry wishing for more of the story!!
Ann, that was harsh. Katie doesn’t owe us anything and if she wants to take a YEAR to tell Will’s birth story, so be it. I am as anxious to hear all the details as any of you, but, really, Ann, lighten up.
On the other hand, Katie, you are making us crazy with anticipation!!!! Can’t wait for part 6!
I can’t believe you stopped right there! GRRRRR! Just kidding, this has to be the best way to read a birth story. I’m officially on the edge of my seat.
Katie,
You are one classy lady!! I felt rather annoyed by Ann’s comment on your behalf but you handled her rudeness very well. Personally, I love these little installments. So fun to read. You really do have a wonderful writing style and I look forward to reading the rest of your birth story.
xoxo
oh katie, i think i might be the only one, but i love how you are spreading the story out. It makes a more lasting impression, and you’re such a good writer i feel like i’m reading a movie script or a TV series. I can’t wait for the next episode! 🙂 this is the reason i read your blog.
also, I’m loving your picture a week of little Will. I think he might be the most handsome baby ever. and he looks so much like both of you. wish i could give him a squish!
-Tina
p.s. i love your new blog header with Will. it cracks me up! thanks for all the good laughs. 🙂
Um…I normally stay out of all blogland drama…but…I couldn’t DISagree with Ann more!
I probably wouldn’t take the time to read the whole birth story all at once. And then I would forget to read it, which means I would miss out on all of this incredible information. And since I hope to be a mommy someday, I really want/need to hear/read this!
Plus, the way you have broken up the story helps me feel like it’s happening to me right along with you, which is SO exciting ~ and terrifying! lol
I think it is WONDERFUL that you are sharing this story with us, piece by piece.
And…I don’t think I would have responded to “Ann” {if that is, in fact, her real name} quite the same way as you did! 😉 Thank you for being an excellent example of Jesus, in the way you turned the other cheek.
So basically…keep on being awesome 🙂
Hey,
I’ve been quietly reading your blog forever and love it! Regardless of what anyone may suggest, your Birth Story is an engaging, exciting, well-written glimpse into one of the most special moments of your life, and as readers, we are lucky to be able to share in it! Good for you for taking the time to write it down and for standing by your decision with dignity and grace! I can’t wait for the next installment and am sad to hear there are only two more!!
Woman this story has me on the edge of my seat! Get to the CUTE baby part!
Sorry your doc was a giant suck. Seriously. I had a horrible experience with the peds resident that checked Finn out after I had him and I remember being an emotional freaking wreck all because this guy was being a jerk. There is no excuse for behaving like an asshole, no matter how busy and important you think you are.
I’m appalled by the Dr, but your storytelling is fantastic! You’re so brave to share your personal story. I can’t wait to hear the rest!
hahaha, a friend and I had a conversation about you this weekend that went like this – we want more labor story!!! Thanks for responding to our pleas 😉 😉
I love love love your blog and I am so excited to read updates about sweet baby Will (whose middle name is my son’s first name – lurve it!). Oh, and your house is ok too. 😉 😉 😉 (haha!)
keep up the good work; really looking forward to part 6!
I get so excited every time I see the next installment. It’s really amazing that you are willing to share your story. I have an 11 week old and can’t believe you are still doing such a great time posting to your blog, let alone writing/processing your birth experience. Thanks so much, Katie! Kisses to Will!
Katie –
Brilliant writing, girlfriend! Lovin’ every minute! I’m nowhere close to having my own, but I am very curious to know what your whole “take” will be on the delivery process when you finish this story. I.e. – are you happy with your experience or unhappy? Judging from your comments, I can only imagine you were less than happy (well, minus the cutie-patootie Will part).
anyway, very curious about your take!!! Great writing!
xoxo,
Lindsay
Katie,
My two kiddos joined us through adoption. So while I know and grow from motherhood, I have NO CLUE what pregnancy and birth are like. My mom had babies, my sisters have had babies, I even got to be in the delivery room when one of my nephews was born, but I HAD NO IDEA! My jaw has hit the floor several times as I have read about your pregnancy and delivery. Thanks for an honest peek at what it’s like to have a baby. Your experience is so open and real, and from a mother who wasn’t blessed (yes, I do mean blessed even after reading about vaginal ultrasounds, mucus plugs, creepy doctors, and a whopping 36 hour delivery) with the experience of having her own, Thank you…you’ve let me walk those steps with you and given me a greater appreciation of what it means to be a woman and a mother.
Way to keep it classy Katie! Even though I got to the end and was like ‘come ON!’, it’s your perogative and you can tell your story in however many installments you choose.
Do you girl!
You might be too good of a story teller – I’m dying to hear what happened next!
Love your birth story! I just had my first child (a boy!) about a week and a half ago, and I love hearing other people’s birth stories! Your doctor sounds crazy, by the way, but you already knew that. Also, you take as long as you want writing it too – it’s your story!
KB – You rock! I’d like to add my support – I think you are an awesome writer and am enjoying the spread of the story. Wishing you Bowers happy times 🙂 Peace out. B
Oh! I just read a not so nice comment above. Just to be clear, although I am dying to hear what’s next, thank you for sharing such a personal story. As someone who hasn’t experienced labor, it’s really eye opening to hear such an honest account. Also, I imagine you’re pretty busy with little Will, so please don’t feel pressured by us to rush anything. : ) That being said, you really are a great writer, and I still can’t wait for the next installments, whenever those happen! Take care!
katie, aren’t midwives the greatest creatures on earth? i had a section with #1 (she was breech) but went for a VBAC with #2. 24 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing later i went backwards, too, and ended up with another csection. (he was posterior. i just can’t seem to get a baby turned the right way.) ANYway. . . after it was all said and done i wanted my midwife and doula to move in next door and be my best friends. in fact, just remembering that day makes me want to have another baby right now.
thanks for telling your story. i’m praying for you and your new family!
I don’t know if I’ll ever even have babies – but if I ever do I think you have just convinced me to go with a mid-wife. What a horrible experience to be treated like that by a doctor when you were already under so much stress.
Thank you for sharing your birth experience with us. We are just starting on our trying to conceive journey so I am constantly trying to find out all the information I can! You’re a fantastic writer and I can’t for Part 6.
Wish you were here to see my excitement when I saw you had a new part of the birth story. I think I peed my pants a little.
I hate the wait, hate hate hate hate it butttttttt you do whatever the heck you want little mama!
Yay! Another installment 🙂 Can’t wait for the rest of it! 36 hours? You’re a woman-beast!
Katie- you’re a wonderful storyteller! You’ve got that “leave-them-wanting-more” thing DOWN! haha 🙂 Can’t wait for the last 2 chapters~ I’m not sure what’s gonna happen, but I’m glad I already know it how it ends- HAPPILY with your healthy new boy!
Katie, you are an amazing writer and I love reading your birth story but I thought this was going to be the last and final chapter. It is a little bit ridiculous… but at the same time I’m a little (just a little) happy there is more. 🙂
Ugh, Katie, I just wanna find this jerk of a Dr and hit him for you…I’ll pop his ‘water bag’.
Katie, I am so impressed that you handle mean comments so gracefully! And, even more impressed that you had such a ridiculously long labor. I can’t wait to read the next installment!
I have been a reader for awhile, but this is my first comment. And I am commenting because I went from being dialated to 6-7 down to 2-3 with my first child! I have told that story to so many people and they look at me like I am crazy. So much so that I sometimes wonder if the pain of that day has made my memory go bad! But you don’t forget something like that, some of the most discouraging words I have ever heard in my life! Looking forward to the rest of the story and glad to know that I am not the only one in the world who has had this experience! Congrats on baby Will!
I really love your openess. The hubster and I are not looking at parenthood anytime soon (i actually just decided to go to law school, so it’ll be awhile), but it is really inspiring to hear such perspective and detail.
Anyways, the real reason I wanted to comment was that I was watching “The Best Thing I’ve Eaten” on the Food Network and it was about bacon. It was awesome! My mouth was watering. If you have some spare time the show is totally worth a watch.
All the best,
Katie, your cliffhangers are brutal! But thanks for sharing your story. I can’t decide whether it makes me want to have a baby or not haha!
PS: I just read little Annie’s lovely comment. I’d pop her bag too. You have a lot more patience than I do. I would’ve went off on her. You’re always a great example of how a good Christian girl should be.
I think it’s great you are taking this time to write the details of your birth story.
So sorry all of that happened with you. My midwife was the exact same way (I gave birth at home). My labor was average, but pushing was almost 4 hours. His heartrate was jolly, so things were okay. But in the hospital, it would have been a c-section. That hospital rule, my midwife told me, was 48 hrs. after water breaks b/c they are constantly checking you. It’s a very small risk of infection, but that risk comes of being in hospitals and being checked. As long as hands stay out, and there is no sex, the body fights that infection.
After I gave birth, the midwife and I discussed (the next day) about how I felt like I was out of my mind at one point in pushing, and she said that in hospitals, some doctors and nurses really take advantage of that to have their way. Say they have plans, other births, don’t want to wait around for what your baby knows he needs to do. THe World Health Organization says the c-section rate is like 20 percent and should only be 2-3 percent. The midwife did acknowledge that while she doesn’t agree with it, she would probably be that way, too if she had 30 births a month. Plus lawsuits really affect doctors’ decisions to take control of the labor. It’s unfortunate, b/c for me, God really used labor to help me come to the end of myself. It’s helped while caring for the baby. To know what I’m capable of handling. What He made me to do. I am thankful for doctors and hospitals, but we do make birth seem like a medical procedure rather than a natural part of life.
However your birth turned out, the important thing after the fact is that happy smiling face in your last baby Will photo post.
Oh darnit! I didn’t want to know how many installments are left! Not knowing makes the suspense even more torture and more fun. Next time someone whines, just let them know you’re getting to the best part soon, but don’t tell then how soon, okay? 🙂
Great story, and I love the way you’re chronicling it all in detail for posterity. Little Will will love hearing about it when he gets older!
Katie,
Take your time with your birth story! Laboring and delivering your child creates surreal memories. You definitely don’t want to forget one single moment (even the unfortunate ones).
Whether you decide to post the next installment tomorrow or next year, is your decision. You won’t lose me as a reader!
AHHHH!!! You’re killing me with the cliffhangers! Haha! So sorry to hear that you’re doctor was such a jerk! The nurses and midwife sound amazing though! Can’t wait for the next installment!
Katie, I absolutely love each of these installments about the birth story. I’m having my baby in September and I feel so much more prepared because of you. Thanks for sharing your story so honestly. It’s like watching a really intense TV show that you are on the edge of your seat and can’t wait for the next episode! You rock!
Love reading this 🙂 Great writing!
What a strong lady you are to go through all that craziness! Don’t you feel like you can do anything now?
Thanks for sharing and can’t wait for part 6!
BTW – thanks for giving everyone a great example of how to handle nasty comments in a very classy way.
Kim
Just another vote for “love this birth story, thanks for sharing, don’t listen to the haters!”
As someone who is thinking about embarking on this parenthood phase of life, I love reading this stuff. And I’m so sorry to hear about the way the doctor treated you. But please, always know, it is ok to stand up to your doctor and disagree – if they have a problem with it, they aren’t the right doctor for you. Now, I know that hours into your labor is not the time to think about switching docs, but just know it for all future interactions. It is your body, your health, your life and you have a very important say! I’m married to a doc (one of the good ones, I promise) and after seeing his peers in med school and residency (especially some of the less competent ones), I can confidently say docs are just people and they are sometimes wrong. You’d be surprised at some of the yahoos they let into med school 😉
hahaha that last part made me laugh. I mean, I can imagine that in the moment I would have done the same thing. but it’s funny now. I can’t wait for the next installment! And just so you know, number 4 isn’t up on your baby bower page. I was looking earlier and had to scroll through posts. 🙂
AH! I can’t take it anymore! All this excitement is causing me chest pains. I need to breath into a paper bag at this point.
xo can’t wait for more!!!!
Love the birth story installments! I love forward to reading them.
Similar to you I also went “backwards”. I was freaking out like my body is not acting normal! I ended up with an emergency c-section . Come to find out my pelvic area is too small.
Katie- you are doing amazing! You’re keeping up with the blog, writing your birth story, and traveling with a newborn too! I am impressed!!
Take you’re sweet time- you’ve earned it!!
As far as going backwards- have read some of Ina May Gaskins books (she is a midwife) and she said it is actually very common for a woman to “undialate” after a rough exam or an uncomfortable situation, or when someone untrustworthy even comes in the room where she is laboring, which I would say having an unapologetic mean doc who tried to pop your waters without your permission qualifies as such!
So you’re not a weirdo, its actually common, and probably often the doc’s fault!
Can’t wait to read more!
Love the new header (masthead?) with your littlest cutie! And I don’t know how the rest of your birth story turns out, but I do know my own experience. Was at a midwife attended birth (not in the hospital) this week where mom was 8 cm for over a day. Yes, two days, as in over 24 hours (we all got delirious around hour 48). Then she went on to swell to a 6. The result- one exhausted mommy who still went on to deliver at home vaginally. Just sayin’, it can be done. 🙂 Midwives and doulas (yay for advocates who literally know more about normal birth than docs) are so awesome. Glad Mr. Will is here safe- can’t wait to hear the rest of the story of his arrival!
i just have to chime in and say that i don’t mind one bit that you are spreading out this story, katie bower! 🙂 that’s exactly how the pioneer woman shared her “black heels to tractor wheels” love story! 🙂 and what’s good enough for p-dub is surely good enough for any blogger! 😉
I owe you an apology Katie. I’m sorry for what I said in my post yesterday. I was cranky and for some reason took it out on you.
It was frustrating to discover that this wasn’t the final chapter in my birth story but I did not need to word it the way I did. Of course you’re not doing it to boost your blog stats. Sheesh!
You were very classy in your response so thank you. I will continue to read your blog and I cannot wait to see what the next two chapters hold. Congrats again on Will.
Don’t know how many people will read follow-up comments, but as a doula-in-training I just have to chime in on a couple things. First of all, Sherrie quoted some statistics from the World Health Organization that aren’t completely accurate. The WHO recommends a 5-15% c-section rate as normal (not 2-3%). The U.S. rate is now over 30% (not 20%)! Yes, that’s right: double the maximum recommended. You can always check and see what the c-section rate is at local hospitals (they have to keep track of that kind of thing) and for specific doctors you are considering.
Also, Felicita said her pelvic area is too small. While that well may be true (I’m not trying to question you, Felicita!), I would encourage her to seek a second opinion on that if she hasn’t already. You’d be surprised the ways of helping big babies through that small space! Many, many women have been told their pelvis is too small and have birthed large babies vaginally. The pelvis moves and widens in pregnancy and during labor, especially depending on the position you’re in. For instance, squatting opens the pelvis 30% wider than the typical semi-reclined on your back position! Also, babies’ skull bones aren’t fully fused together at birth and can mold to fit through (cone head, anyone?).
Oh, and relaxing too much isn’t something that normally slows down your labor. Usually that helps speed things up! I’m SO glad you had supportive nurses and a midwife nearby. Seems to me that your story is great evidence to the benefit of doulas and midwives! 😉
Sorry for the book and hijacking your comments, Katie! I just think it’s important that all women facing childbirth know all the facts so they can make a truly informed decision.
I’m looking forward to hearing your feelings on the whole situation at the end of this fantastic story. Thanks for posting all of this (and in such detail!) for your readers.
So…I just wanted to clarify that my comment yesterday shouldn’t be confused with impatience or frustration, but rather that intense sitting at the edge of your seat anxiously waiting for the next exciting part feeling that you get from a good book/movie. I hope that was conveyed originally, but if not, I thought I’d clarify.
But I have been wondering are you just now writing this? Because if so I am very impressed with how well you remembered details at such a stressful and emotional time!!!
Christina,
Excellent question – I wrote down all the main events (sort of like labor cliffnotes) that very first week so that I could remember the numbers and such. The rest was fairly easy because I have an excellent ability to quote people days after they said something. It’s like a photographic memory…except with listening. It drives Jeremy crazy 🙂
XO – Katie
Katie, I am new-ish to your blog and just now reading your birth story for the first time. You will not believe the tears streaming down my face right now! I love your honesty, I love how you view your husband (lovingly, admiringly, respectfully), and I love that you allowed a nursing student to attend your labor and birth. I am a nursing student myself, and I have the honor to attending one or more births on Monday, as it will be my assigned day in the Labor & Delivery unit. I am SO glad that I decided to read your birth story, as it helps me understand what it’s like to go through labor (my hubby and I are waiting until I’m done with school), and all the emotions that come with it. You are a strong woman, and I hope you feel more confident and peaceful as you approach the expected date of delivery for your second child. I’m praying for you! –Andrea