Robert's Birth Story

It was a week and half before my due date and my first day of maternity leave. We had just gone to bed after talking to everyone in the family. "Yes, I'm still pregnant", and "Yes, I'm feeling OK."

I woke up at midnight uncomfortable. Nothing unusual. I went out to the living room and laid on the couch. By 12:30 I woke up my husband. I thought my water might have broke and I was really uncomfortable, so I called the hospital.

Since this was my first baby and I couldn't time my contractions (I was just in constant pain), they thought I was a long way away from having my baby. They told me to take a shower.

I took a shower and called them back at 1:00. I told the nurse I really thought I needed to come in. They said the person I spoke to earlier was delivering a baby and she would call me back later. I then called back at 1:30 and told them again I thought I really needed to come in. They said go ahead since it was a slow night. They would check me and send me home if I was not ready. My husband asked if we should call anyone. I didn't want to just in case I was in false labor.

So we got into the car and flew to the hospital. In the beginning I wanted natural childbirth, but I was in so much pain that I thought would go on for over 12 hours. So, I told my husband I wanted an epidural when we got there.

We pulled into the hospital at 2:00 and made our way to labor and delivery. We seemed to be a the desk forever. They couldn't find my chart and were taking forever to check me in. I finally got to my room and put on the gown and waited to be checked. By this time it was about 2:30. My husband again asked if I wanted to call anyone. Again, I said no.

The nurse came in to check me and I reminded her that I think I want an epidural. She reached down and checked me and told me, "Wow, you're 10cm dilated already...you don't get an epidural or any phone calls...it's time to push!"

Robert arrived about an hour later at 3:43am. He weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. Then we got to call everyone with the good news!