A week before the delivery, Baby’s movements suddenly became frantic. This was concerning to me because until that point, she had been very calm. My provider scheduled an ultrasound to rule out any complications. Everything looked great, which was reassuring. Her size was estimated to be seven pounds, with a 10% margin of error.
As I did with my second son, I had started eating about five dried dates per day at 36 weeks. Besides containing folate, Vitamin K, and iron, dates are thought to reduce the length of labor and decrease the need for induction. This claim might sound a little hokey, but it is actually backed up by multiple studies and is something that doctors and midwives have started recommending to patients. Also at the suggestion of my provider, I started drinking red raspberry leaf tea just before 38 weeks. And a few days before my scheduled induction, I did quite a bit of exercising (lunges, deep squats, stairs, and walking).
On the morning of the induction, we left the house at 4:30am. The registration process was very quick, and we only waited a few minutes before the nurse came to take us to a room. We have delivered all of our babies at the same hospital, so it felt very familiar.
For the first time, the IV process was not smooth, likely because I wasn’t well hydrated. I was so focused on eating a healthy snack and getting out the door that I hadn’t thought to drink much. The nurses were all very kind and felt terrible that it went so badly. After the first attempt, the nurse told me that it was her first failed IV attempt in three months. Apparently she is known throughout the labor and delivery ward for her IV success streak.
She tried again in the other arm and also didn’t get it, so she brought in a different nurse. On her way out, she said, “I’m so sorry. Feel free to hate me.” I told her that she didn’t need to feel bad–I understand that things like that can happen. They had me chug some water and then brought in another nurse. Thankfully, the IV went in.
The induction process started with a mild drug, with the idea that Pitocin would be started four hours later. Within an hour, I was feeling strong, painful contractions. I ordered breakfast from the kitchen and was very much looking forward to eating bacon, but they were struggling that morning, and it never showed up. The nurse was surprised by the slow service and called the kitchen multiple times to remind them, and she kept me well stocked with high protein snacks. I eventually had Mr. Handsome walk down to the cafeteria to buy bacon, but by that time, the breakfast hours were over, and the kitchen was closed to prepare for lunch.
By the time the first four hours were up, my contractions were coming in waves at a rate of about two minutes apart and were very painful.
Times have really changed. I wasn’t even allowed ice chips to suck on.
That would be rough!
I’m sorry you didn’t get your bacon! I’m also surprised they let you eat! I couldn’t have anything when I was induced and got sooo hungry!
I feel your pain with that. With my first, I had to fast about six hours before the induction. It was terrible! With my second, they had changed the policy. I was able to eat until the epidural. After that it was just broth.
That totally stinks about the IV! I dread those almost as much as labor itself when I go to have a baby that I can’t imagine how uncomfortable that must have been!! 😱
I cannot wait to hear the rest!! 💞
Hi Ellie,
Thank you for sharing. Not sure if you remember but I was also pregnant with a baby girl around the time you posted you were pregnant.
I was due on 3/28 with an elected section as my first was a section. 2/20 I went into a quick and fast labor at 34 weeks. I too had trouble with nurses finding veins for IVs. I got stuck 5 total times for an IV and an additional 4 times for blood draws because the blood kept coagulating before labs could be run. All this while having contractions every 2-3 minutes before I was taken back for the section. I think I was only in labor for about 5 hours but I was very frustrated I couldn’t get the epidural prior to the section or that I had to wait so long for the section.
Baby is in nicu doing well. I’m nervous about losing my milk since I can’t breast feed her yet. The hospital said I could pump but then my heart rate was very low and they needed to figure that out which took a long time.
I just feel very defeated at this point. Baby is in nicu, can’t hold her yet, I’m stuck to a bed and husband is home with our toddler. I know it will get better but very sad about baby being alone.
I’m so sorry to hear that. That would certainly be heart wrenching for a mama! Thank you for sharing your story. I’ll be praying that you’re able to visit and hold your baby very soon. Do they think that will happen in the next couple days?
Hi Internet friend,
My baby came early and had to spend time in the NICU too. It was the hardest time of my life not being able to hold my baby and wondering if they felt lonely or abandoned by their own mother. Just try to remember you will hold your baby one day and they can feel your love even if it’s a little delayed. Also remember you are doing the right thing and helping your baby. I will be praying for you. It hurts so much, but it really will pass. The NICU is a wonderful, yet horrible, place. You are not alone!
Congratulation on your baby girl.
Oh my, how were you ever able to give birth without your bacon??
Why don’t you go troll somewhere else?
Hi Ellie, tried a comment yesterday, but had problems. If it went through, apologies for repeating myself.
I just wanted to say such a sweet pic of you and baby girl and a moment all mommas know.
I hope you are looking after yourself.