On May 4, 2018, after four months of trying, I finally tested positive. My husband and I were beyond thrilled — and so were our family, friends, and coworkers. That was the day I truly knew I was going to be a mom. I also felt a deep spiritual peace from God that everything was going to be okay and that I didn’t need to worry.
At eight weeks, I did an at-home blood test to find out the baby’s gender. (I’m not a fan of surprises!)
I worked all the way up until December 21, 2018, when I officially went on maternity leave.
At 40 weeks and 2 days, I went into labor around 4 a.m. — and this time, it was definitely not Braxton Hicks. My husband rushed me to the hospital, and my mom met us there. I was only 3 cm, so they sent us home… but instead of leaving, we went to the cafeteria to grab some food since I hadn’t eaten breakfast.
About fifteen minutes later, I told them I wasn’t going home.
An hour and fifteen minutes after being told to leave, I said we were going back upstairs — and that I needed a wheelchair. Sure enough, I was already at 5.5 cm and officially admitted.
I got an epidural, and wow — what a difference. I was finally able to relax and actually enjoy the rest of labor as I quickly progressed to 10 cm. The nurses broke my water, and we spent about an hour working to open my pelvis before it was time to push.
After three hours of pushing, the nurses asked if I was okay with the OBGYN using suction to help deliver my baby girl.
At that point, I was more than okay with it — I just wanted her out!
Two quick suctions, some more pushing, and about thirty minutes later, my daughter was born at 6:54 p.m.
And just like that, a whole new chapter of my life began.
About fifteen minutes later, I told them I wasn’t going home.
An hour and fifteen minutes after being told to leave, I said we were going back upstairs — and that I needed a wheelchair. Sure enough, I was already at 5.5 cm and officially admitted.
I got an epidural, and wow — what a difference. I was finally able to relax and actually enjoy the rest of labor as I quickly progressed to 10 cm. The nurses broke my water, and we spent about an hour working to open my pelvis before it was time to push.
After three hours of pushing, the nurses asked if I was okay with the OBGYN using suction to help deliver my baby girl.
At that point, I was more than okay with it — I just wanted her out!
Two quick suctions, some more pushing, and about thirty minutes later, my daughter was born at 6:54 p.m.
And just like that, a whole new chapter of my life began.