We went in for a scheduled induction (due to maternal and fetal fatigue) at 7AM on Monday, August 10. I had to receive pitocin with my first daughter because my water broke but I never went into labor and I really did not want a c-section and I was extremely fearful to try that again, so she broke my water and had me use a breast pump to stimulate contractions. I tried this for several hours but did not have any progress so decided to go with the pitocin. I was on that for several hours, progressed from a 4-5 the first hour and a 5-6 the second hour, but the baby was still pretty high up. They suggested instead of walking and rolling my hips on the birthing ball between contractions, that I try laying on my left side for a while. Up until this point, the pitocin contractions were somewhat painful but tolerable. When I went onto my side, it was 9:50PM and within 15 minutes I was in excruciating pain. They came in to check me and I was at an 8!! They convinced me that although I wanted it, I could make it without the epidural as I was progressing so fast, so I decided to wait it out. I staid stuck at 8 for almost three hours. I cried and sobbed and BEGGED for any kind of relief!! They gave me staitol (sp?) that helped me to sleep between contractions but did not relieve the pain of the contractions at all. I begged and pleaded for an epidural but the doctor who did them was at home so they called him in, but he lived almost a half an hour away. I ended up giving birth to my little girl before he even made it!! The midwife came in to check me and Idina was beginning to crown on her own, she helped me get onto my back and I pushed twice, once for her head and once for her body and she was out!! It was SUCH a relief to push!! I can`t believe I made it through without an epidural. I feel so ashamed for how I handled the pain but the more I talk to others who have done a birth without an epidural, the more I realize my reaction was completely normal, if still a little embarrassing.... Idina Kyree joined our family at 1:08AM, Tuesday, August 11, 2009 weighing 8 lbs 1 ounce and measuring 21 inches long. I am soooo happy to have my baby girl home now with all of her sisters and her papa!! For now, at least, our family is complete!!
