The Labor/Delivery

Wow, what a great experience Meredith's delivery was, for both Matt and me. I was able to have a VBAC which I was really hoping would work out. I had been having contractions all weekend and then Monday at 2:45 am my water broke. Matt and I arrived at the hospital right around 4:00 am and were admitted. Meredith was born at 10:12, so it really didn't feel like a long labor. I was only pushing for 12 minutes (although I really wanted to push awhile before they would let me start pushing). I didn't have an epidural or pain meds (although, I was begging for them at times, but because it was a VBAC they didn't want me to have anything so I could feel if the scar tissue was tearing-and I have to say, I'm glad I didn't end up having anything). Matt was an absolutely amazing coach, he really went above and beyond. Meredith scored a 9 on the APGAR scale and was pink and crying. Matt was able to cut the umbilical cord and she was plopped right on my tummy as soon as she came out. We were both doing so well that we were able to go home the very next day. Here is a picture of Matt and I getting ready to leave for the hospital.

At our first spot where they checked to make sure I really was in labor.

The contractions weren't that bad at this point-well, at least compared to how strong they became as labor progressed.

When we first arrived to the birthing suite we both tried to get some rest. We weren't sure if we were going to be there for awhile before things really got started, but it was less than 45 minutes and we were in the full swing of everything.

I tried several different techniques for dealing with the contractions, including sitting in a rocking chair, taking a hot bath, bouncing on a birthing ball and walking around. I found the best thing for me was to just lay in bed, grab on to the side rails and try to breath through the pain.

I was trying to smile through a contraction, I guess it didn't work too well...

The first picture of Meredith with Mommy and Daddy :)

I loved that I was able to watch them do all of the after-birth stuff to her. With my C-section all the action was blocked by the sheet they had up on me.

I had the best nurse with me through the entire labor/birth-I really was so lucky to have had her helping to making the whole experience so wonderful for me.

This was the very first time Matt held his daughter-he was instantly in love.

The breastfeeding is going so well. Meredith is a natural at latching on and is an awesome eater.

I can't say enough how lucky I feel to have been able to have this experience and to have had it be such a positive, rewarding one at that.