Reflections on my labor, one year ago.

A year ago today, I went to the hospital on a Saturday to turn in my 24-hour urine for quick screening. I had been showing signs of developing pre-clampsia my entire 3rd trimester. My doctor was monitoring me closely and I was already scheduled for an induction at 37 weeks. I also had a migraine for two weeks straight that Tylenol wouldn't touch. The results an hour later showed my kidneys were failing with high amounts of protein in my urine.

I was immediately admitted to L&D. Refusing a c-section, the doctor allowed me to try an induction. The magnesium drip for pre-e was the most horrid experience as it basically felt like the flu was being administered. The liquid in the IV burned and never stopped burning. My skin was on fire. With gestational diabetes, my blood sugar dropped too low and I was shaking and vomiting. I wasn't sure how much longer I could endure and I was only dilated to a 2.

*32* hours later,

I was maxed out on Pitocin and dilated to a 9, where I stalled for 2 hours. Nick never left my side and held my hand the entire time. Exhausted and delirious, I cried and begged for them to let me push. The doctor on call that night decided to let me try even though I wasn't fully dilated since I had a previous vaginal delivery. One set of pushes and she was like, "WHOA. You are having this baby right now!" and started putting on her gear.

Less than five minutes later, Matheson was laying on my chest. He was born at exactly 36 weeks at 1:37am on October 1, 2018. Perfect and healthy, Matty required no NICU time which we were grateful for.
There are a ton of emotions I’m feeling right now, but mostly, I’m feeling proud as hell. I beat infertility, survived pre-clampsia and embraced giving up my career to be a stay-at-home mom.