Ryan's Birth Story

My pregnancy was considered moderate high-risk because I was 36. We had all the tests done, including an amniocentesis, and everything came back normal. Ryan was growing and doing quite well.

One week before my due date, my doctor told me I was one centimeter and she doubted I would make it to my due date. I left my appointment and went to the department store to finish my baby shopping. Four days later, I went to work and walked over a half-mile to and from the parking lot. I felt fine all day long except for a mild backache I had had for weeks.

At 6:30 that evening, my water broke when I was outside helping my husband with some chores. By 7:30 I started having some mild contractions and we left for the hospital soon after that. Ten minutes into the 40-mile trip, my contractions started to get more intense and were less than 15 minutes apart. My husband still wanted to stop at a drive-through for dinner since he thought it was going to be a long night. I was not happy about that but reluctantly agreed.

By the time we made it to the hospital, my contractions were less than five minutes apart. The nurses met me at the door with a wheelchair and I rode up to labor and delivery with another first-time pregnant couple who were going to be induced. Even though I tried to control my emotions, I think I scared them because I was in so much pain.

In the triage area they asked me if I wanted anything for the pain. I agreed wholeheartedly but it was determined I was too far along by then. They got me into a room and things proceeded along very quickly. My doctor tried to convince me to not push yet, and to relax, but I couldn’t. A wonderful nurse watched the monitors very closely and she guided me when it was time to push.

At 10:24 PM, Ryan was born weighing seven pounds, 13 ounces. No medication, no episiotomy. I didn’t tear much at all which really surprised the doctor. In spite of how short my labor was, it was still a very painful experience. Going so fast means you have no time to rest and mentally or physically prepare.

Nothing in the world compares to holding a sleeping newborn baby just after you give birth. That experience alone makes it all worth every bit of pain.