I went into labor without even knowing it. I was 37 weeks pregnant, great by all standards for twins. I did it, kept them inside long enough to thrive on the outside. I thought I was going to miss the now massive movements that reassured me that they were content in their surroundings. It was just a routine visit with my midwife, check my cervix, blood pressure, and send me on my way. My appointment was with Susan, she checked me and said, "You're seven centimeters, you need to get to the hospital now!". I couldn't believe it, how could I possibly be in labor? I hadn't felt one contraction. We had just ordered pizza, and Susan wasn't on call at the hospital. "Couldn't I just wait until tomorrow?" I asked. I promise I'll come right in, first thing in the morning. Susan was on call the next day. Her response a definitive ..."NO". I'll check in to make sure all is well but you are in labor, the sooner you get there the better.
To my complete dismay I went across the street to the hospital. Tom called home to make sure all was well with the kids, and also to make sure we had family coming to watch the kids and relieve the sitter.
Tom once again, now knowing what his role was in all this, called Trevor to let him know the babies were on their way. At the hospital I thought yet again, maybe someday when I'm done with nursing school I will get a job here. Be part of all this excitement but from the other side. A different view point. I quickly set that thought aside and got comfortable in the bed. My nurse Deb put the electronic fetal monitor on, as sure as she put the ultrasound on my rotund belly, the babies said their hello. Still not feeling the contractions, the monitor was picking them up without a problem.
Trevor and his partner were coming from NYC, it was around 5:30pm. Rush hour traffic, I feared they would miss the big event. The plan was to break my water as soon as they arrived. I didn't need to worry. 10:30pm they arrived. Smiles plastered on their face, was it nerves I was picking up, or shear love exploding into their faces.
I was moved into the OR, I had my epidural in place, and was ready to push. Tom on my left side. The guys on my right. Everyone in their hats, booty's and masks in case I needed a cesarean section. The whole team was their, my midwife Sue (who later told me Susan L. called multiple times to check in.) my doctor, the OR team, and anesthesia. I was ready to push.
The sensation was different. I was always uncomfortable when I was pushing, I had my boys natural, the Robert and Eli the epidural didn't work. I was having NO pain. I pushed James out in about a minutes time. He cried instantly, and again I looked over and Trevor had that smile that every new parent has. One that says, I know you, I love you, I'm your Daddy. It was a beautiful moment. It took a bit of time after he was born to start to feel the urge to push again. But, then the urge his and I couldn't hold back. Paige was born 10 minutes later. It was odd to feel her leaving my body. She was a good pound bigger than her little brother, and I could feel that, long before hearing her official weight of 6 lbs. 10 oz. She hollered instantly. Cheers erupted in the delivery room. She was placed on my abdomen He was snuggled up to his Dad. Tom had a quiet smile on his face. All was right with the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment