Annika Kristine Birth Story
Tuesday, July 13th
The day was pretty average with mild contractions all day. I had figured on Monday that I may have the baby on Tuesday or Wednesday, but by Tuesday I was convinced I would go past my Friday due date. Tuesday afternoon after work, I went to the chiropractor for which I hoped would be the last time before baby. She did some acupressure on my ankles to help get labor going. After that, Patrick and I met Anne and Miles out at the mall. Mom and Dad also arrived in Rochester that evening.
Around 10:45, I leaned over to turn out the light for the night when my first contraction hit. I knew it was different this time. I told Ryan I would see him in an hour, he laughed and said he’d see me in the morning. By 11:15, I woke him up and said we were going in. I called mom and told her to meet us at the house so she could watch Patrick. We went about the house getting everything ready. Contractions were around 6-7min apart at this point. We also called the hospital and our birth photographer to let them know we were coming.
Wednesday, July 14th
We arrived around 1am to the hospital. The ride to Wabasha (where we delivered) was a short 45min, but not terribly fun with contractions. They were still coming around 6-7min apart the whole way there. Upon arrival, I was met by the midwife, monitored and checked. I was only 4cm dilated and not very effaced, so I knew it was early. We did check in and got to our room. They monitored me on and off all night and my contractions continued at 6-7min but on the mild side. Ryan actually slept through most of the night and I rested in between when I could.
By the next morning the contractions hadn’t gotten any worse, and were even beginning to spread themselves out. Later in the morning the midwife stripped my membranes as a first start to get things going more. We also decided to get up and walk around the hospital a bit.
We went outside to walk around. The heat and humidity were ridiculous that day. After a lap around the hospital grounds, I was super hungry. Breakfast wasn’t that great in the hospital, so we decided to get in the car and head to Lake City to pick up some greasy food at Burger King. It was about a 15min drive or so. The egg biscuit was worth it though.
Once we arrived back at the hospital, contractions were actually slowing down. I was becoming increasingly frustrated and just not sure if today was the day for baby. We decided to continue waiting it out though. Ryan and the photographer went out to lunch while I rested. I figured I best get sleep while I could. While they were gone the midwife checked me again. I hadn’t made much progress yet. This was around 12:30. We talked about going home or starting interventions at that point. I really didn’t want to have to go all the way home, but I was thinking that may be our only choice.
At 1:30 or so, the midwife stripped my membranes again. This finally got things going more and I began to have some signs that more active labor was going to happen. I decided it was time for me to really chill out and just let my body do it’s thing. I spent the next hour completely quiet and contractions began to finally increase in frequency and intensity.
At around 3:00, things really picked up and some major contractions hit. I knew this was it and I was in active labor. Unfortunately this was also a nurse shift change and a new, very annoying nurse started. Ryan had a little talking to her though, so hopefully she got the hint! By 3:15, I was ready to head over to the water birthing room and was also asking for the midwife. A storm also began moving into the area. Because of the severe weather, all the other patients were moved to a space right outside the delivery room. I bet they had quite a show as I walked by.
Once in the room, I was checked again and was only 5-6cm dilated. I was really surprised, but new that labor was super intense now. I agreed with Sharon our midwife that she should break my water. Once she did, I was ready to get in the tub, as contractions were hardly bearable. I got in the water about 4:00 and I was ready to push. When I got in the tub the hail that had been pelting the windows earlier began to clear.
Pushing was tough, but luckily wasn’t long. At one point I was told to feel the babies head. I reached down and felt her hair flowing in the water. It was truly beautiful. Soon after the midwife told me to reach down and pull out my baby. I pulled her out through the water and onto my chest. I asked Ryan right away what she was. It took a little looking, but he said girl! I really couldn’t believe it.
She was a little purple when she got out and barely cried out at all. She just opened her little eyes and looked right at me and all around. It was really a very calm and beautiful experience. I got out of the water shortly after, delivered the placenta, and then got Annika back to my chest. I did have to have a 2nd degree tear repaired.
I was actually able to walk out of bed to the wheelchair to be moved to our room. When there we just spent a lot of time breastfeeding, snuggling and waiting for my parents to arrive.
Annika Kristine was named shortly after birth, although we had to see her a bit to see if that was what she was to be called. She is such a joy in our lives and we are so happy she is finally here!
For some actual birth photos, click here.
