I continued having contractions all afternoon and followed the midwife's orders to walk. So walk I did. I walked and walked and walked and after walking around 4 miles total, and having great contractions for 7 hours, my labor stopped.
The next morning I woke up so depressed because NOTHING was happening! I pretty much stayed in our bedroom all morning alternating between sitting on my exercise ball and laying down, jut trying to get Madden to drop and kick start labor. I eventually fell asleep. After I got up, I went on yet another walk and it didn't seem to help. However, around 3:30, things changed.
I began having contractions that were every 3-4 minutes apart, but they were only lasting for 20-30 seconds. I was excited, but still not convinced this was it since they weren't lasting very long. After an hour of this, I decided I needed to tell David and had him call the midwife to ask her opinion about going to the hospital. The decision was made to go on to the hospital and have Melissa, my midwife, break my water. The thought was that doing that would help Madden to drop and get him here quickly...and it did!
As we drove to the hospital, my contractions were lengthening to close to a minute and were becoming more like 2-3 minutes apart. When we finally got up to the labor and delivery room, it was shortly after 6. Melissa came in around 6:15 and broke my water soon after that. When she did, I was 7-8 cm, 90% effaced, and +1 station. As soon as my water was broken, Madden immediately dropped to -1 station. We also realized when my water was broken that Madden had had a bowel movement...so gross!! Because of this, NICU was called to the room. We were told that if he cried upon delivery that he would be fine, but if not that he would be taken to NICU. I was so focused on getting him here that I didn't let myself get upset about the possibility that something might be wrong with him. I knew if I did it would make the labor process that much more difficult.
I came in really wanting a drug free delivery, but didn't know how I would handle it after my water was broken. As soon as it was broken, I stood up by the bed, thinking it would be an easier position in which to labor. It was for a short few minutes...that was until I hit transition. At that point, I felt like I couldn't stand and that I was losing control of my body and I no longer was concerned about trying to keep my gown from falling (it was never tied after my monitors were put in place and ended up slipping off during transition...oops! I did have on a sports bra at least, lol!). I practically collapsed into David's arms and got in the bed, asking for and epidural. All I can remember is that my back was killing me! The nurse was behind me looking at David shaking her head. There was no time to get one because he was coming fast. So, like it or not, I was going to have a drug free birth.
When I got in the bed, I labored for probably 15 or so minutes. I was able to breathe through the contractions while holding onto David's hand, but my back was still killing me! Melissa told me to push when I felt the urge, but honestly I felt like I couldn't even control myself enough push at that point. I was really just concentrating on breathing and not wasting my energy on pushing until I really felt the urge. (Side note: There was also some conversation at this time from the new L&D nurse about where my gown was. Melissa told her, while trying to play it cool and not laugh, that sometimes that happens with natural deliveries, lol)
Melissa was standing at the table with all of her equipment and instruments needed for delivery as I was breathing through these contractions. While she was preparing, the nurses broke the bed down and it was just in time to get me in position because as soon as they did I had the urge to push and he immediately started crowning...as I was saying,"Get him out!" From what I remember, it took about 3 pushes and Madden Harris Cleveland was born at 6:54 p.m. I was so excited and relieved to see my purple baby, with a full head of black hair, turn nice and peachy as he took a deep breath and let out a great cry!! David cut his cord and he was passed off to the warming bed to be checked out before I got him. We were so excited he was here and also excited that I was able to go drug free like I had wanted. Everyone in the room, especially David, kept saying,"You did it! You did it!"
Madden weighed in at 8 lbs 19" and was the largest if our three babies. He nursed for almost 45 minutes after they gave him to me. The whole thing still seems surreal. I am extremely thankful to have not hemorrhaged after delivery this time and also for a great practice if midwives who took great care if me and Madden throughout! This really was my easiest pregnancy and, despite the craziness, the easiest delivery on me physically. We praise God for another miracle and feel so blessed once again by His miracle of life!
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