Emery Lynn Sheldon was born on 07/21/2012 at 21:21; she weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz and was 21 inches long.
When the contractions started:
On Friday (07/20) night I was unable to sleep all night because of 'cramping'. I thought this cramping was because I needed to 'potty'. I got up at least 5 times that night to pee. By 5:30 am after Mike left for work, the cramping had increased so I got up to try to 'potty' since peeing didn't help. I could not go. So I lied back in bed for another hour and finally was able to go 'potty' but it did not relieve the cramping. It finally hit me that MAYBE this could be contractions so I googled 'cramping vs. contractions'. It confirmed that cramping could be contractions. So I decided I better start keeping track of how long they last and how far apart they were. After about an hour of keeping track I sent the log to Mike at work and text him to call me. I then got in the bath and Mike was calling or texting me every 5 min asking when the last contraction was.
This is real:
Throughout my whole pregnancy I was worried I would not know when I was in labor and that I would go to the hospital a thousand times just to be sent home.
So after keeping track of my contractions for an hour I was averaging 5 min apart and they were getting longer and stronger each time. Mike said he was calling the hospital and that triggered something in me that made me think 'this could be real' so I called my Mom and told her I was having contractions since 6:30 am this morning, without me giving all information my mom said 'I’m on my way' and hung up. I love my Mom but I hurried and called her back and told her Mike was calling the hospital then I would let her know what they say...she then said 'If you are 5 min apart I am on my way'. Mike then called and said he was on his way home from work and that the hospital simply said 'we can’t tell you anything over the phone so it's best you head up here'.
Waiting:
During the time my mom got there and then Mike I still had doubt of whether this was real or not? I stayed pretty calm and got everything ready for the hospital, (so thankful we had most the stuff ready before hand.) My mom got to our house first then shortly after Mike got there about 9:00am. He was a little more frantic but excited. He got everything in the car and off we went.
Slow Dilation:
We arrived at the hospital at 9:30am. We checked in and were told I was dilated to 2.5cm. The nurse told us to walk around for about an hour to see if I dilated anymore. My fear raised that we would be sent home. So after walking around the labor and delivery unit of McKay Dee for about 45 min eating popsicles and ice chips I was checked again and was now dilated to a 3.5cm. This was enough to submit me into a delivery room and get me all hooked up, ready to go. The fear was still with me that we would be sent home. So I get my IV going and then the antibiotic started also since I am a carrier of Strep B. I was given the epidural about 2pm. I was terrified!!! The Anesthesiologist Dr. Silvers was GREAT. He put me at ease along with Mike and his dead hand after it was over. At about 3pm I had only dilated to a 4cm. So they started the Pitocin.
Wow:
2 hours after the Pitocin was given (5pm) I was dilated to an 8cm. My water had not broken at this point. When I was told that I was to an 8cm it all hit me that Emery was coming on this day!! I broke down and was frightened of giving birth for the first time in my pregnancy. My dad and Mike gave me a blessing which eased my anxiety tremendously.
What was that?
My final nurse in delivery for the night checked me again at 7pm. I was dilated to 9 3/4 cm and my water had broken. This was an odd feeling..felt like a waterfall. The nurse stated that Emery was still high and she wanted to wait an hour to see if she drops. I had to turn and sit up a few times in the hour. By 8pm I was fully dilated and we did a couple practice pushes. My nurse called Dr. Bier and he was not at the hospital yet so I was told to do a few more turns to help Emery drop even more.
No more waiting:
By 8:40pm the nurse had me start pushing. We had a mirror so we could watch the delivery. I was getting discouraged because I would see Emery and then she would move back up. She was face up instead of down and kept getting caught on my pelvic bone. After a few sets of 3 10sec pushes Dr. Bier and all his crew was in the delivery room. I did a few more pushes and then I hear my sweet baby girl and there she is on my chest. Looking at her for the first time was indescribable. I never felt the spirit so strong. She is an angel sent straight from Heaven!
I was in labor for 19 hours. My mom was there the whole time and then Jennika and my dad came up also. I felt so bad for all of them waiting all this time with us. Truly grateful for their support and love.
My mom and Mike were there during delivery and I could not thank my mom enough for all her support, she even helpo her breath with me during pushing!
Mike was AMAZING! Nothing new:) He truly kept things light and put me at ease throughout the whole thing. He was the best coach. Giving me ice chips in bewteen pushes and giving me encouragment to keep going! While waiting at one point Mike had to leave and go on a 'walk'. I felt so bad that I could not go with him to comfort him. I can never repay him for all his support that day. He continues to amaze me now that we are home. He is a HUGE help and I have never felt so much love from him for myself and Emery!
Emery is now 10 days old. We did hospital pics when she was 1 day old and then newborn pics when she was 9 days old. Thanks to Jennika for the newborn pics we cant thank her enough!!! Will post soon!:)
Being a mom is the greatest feeling in the world. My excitement for this new addition in our family overcomes all my fears I have of being a new mom. I know times will be hard but I know with the help from my Heavenly Father and loved ones moments with this precious baby girl will be memorable and enjoyable!
