Eloise's Birth Story

My name is Miranda. I am 27 years old and  mom to Eloise who is now 3 1/2 years old. The past 3 years have gone by fast. I have this blog. Where I blog about many things but mostly life with Eloise and recipes that I love. I live in New Brunswick Canada where I work in a nursing home. I love being a mom to this amazing spirited little girl who is full of energy and loves life. I am thrilled to get to tell Eloise's birth story

The arrival of Eloise I cant believe it was three years ago, It still feels like yesterday as I sit here and start to type up this memorable life event. Well it all begins on Sunday march 25 2012 at 8 am I had a little bit of cramping that was keeping me from getting comfy. It was a big day ahead of me so I thought it was just nerves as I was going to be modelling for belly beautiful maternity at the baby and toddler expo some of their new clothes  I was going to be doing two runs which meant I had to walk the stage more then once. I was 38 weeks pregnant and feeling it. We had been going to weekly fetal assessments since we found out we were expecting so I was also excited that the next morning id get to see my baby girl one last time in my belly before she was due. I got up early that morning and called my mom who was coming over to do my hair for the show and we went to breakfast while waiting to be served I decided to pace a bit to help calm my nerves. After eating we then went to the salon to braid my bangs and curl my hair I was so excited to get pampered that day I did not notice my contractions were getting stronger.

   Well it all begins now when I arrived at the baby show I was shown a room to slip into my first outfit I met 3 other moms who were expecting one was a month after me and then rest were a few months later but I was happy I still had two more weeks little did I know she had other plans. I was so nervous to model I've never done modeling in front of a huge crowd before especially when I was as huge as I was, Sure I know what your thinking your a cheerleader you flip around in front of huge crowds but I have a team I am not alone with all eyes on me and being a whole 165 lbs I was scared to be judge on my size the way the outfits made my belly look huge or small and biggest fear was outfits might not fit right now that I had gained over 20 lbs from when I was fitted. It all worked out it was time to walk as I approached the door I felt a strong cramp that lasted a little bit then a few minutes later another when I was on my second walk as I reached the stage,  I was about to stop and do a turn  when I realized I was having actual labor contractions I finished modelling then politely told her I had to leave and that I was sorry I had to go but I need to go to the hospital as I was in labor.

We went home and I got changed into comfy clothes then went to hospital we checked in and then it was time to get checked I was in labor I was 3 cm dilated they were going to let me go home as there were so many moms in labor that night my friend was in room beside us in labor with her son.  my blood pressure so high that we had to be monitored and then Eloise's heart rate was dropping then going high finally at 1 am they released us to go home the nurse said ill see you soon  your in active labor but its going to be awhile. We went home to bed I was happy to get into my own bed even with my contractions I was happy to not be in the hospital as it was freaking me out knowing that I was going to be delivering my baby girl any time. Thankfully I got to sleep with my contractions as they gave me some Tylenol before I left hospital and Travis gave me a my heating pad. I had a fetal assessment at noon.

 On the 26 we got up I had a half a watermelon and went to our appointment . When we got there my favorite Dr was on shift so she came in we listened to her heart beat. I was 38 weeks pregnant to the day, the morning of my prenatal appointment. I had told the doctor I was having light contractions through out the night  and had gone to hospital the night before but was sent home as I was only 3 cm dilated and water had not broken yet. Then they had stopped at a hour apart. She measured my belly then weighted me. I was surprised my weight was 165, one pound more then Travis. She started to ask about my birth plan if anything changed then asked if I wanted to be checked since my membrane sweep was the Thursday that just passed. I agreed to be checked but I said "you know I still have two weeks" while she was checking me her face changed to surprised. Then she started to tell me that I was 6 cm dilated and should be on way to hospital. I was shocked but then said "I am not ready, I still need to pack my hospital bag".  So she advised me to go do that and go right up to labor and delivery. Unfortunately my prenatal appointment was at the hospital that did not accommodate deliveries so I had to go home and pack and head right up to our other hospital.

    Once home I started to pack my bags, and go over hospital list. While doing so I became hungry so got out a mixing bowl a box of rice crispys and 3 bananas with some milk and ate that massive bowl to hold me over since I was not sure if id be fed at hospital. Then we headed to Travis parents house for a bit as my contractions were not that close yet and water still had not broken. His parents live a 5 min drive away so we were close. At about 4 pm we watched a movie and I told his dad I was craving a cheeseburger. He made me 2 and some potatoes on the BBQ then at about 530 we headed up to the hospital to get checked again. They admitted me admittedly.

   The nurses hooked me up to the IV. They tried to at least, after completely missing my vain twice I refused that nurse to do it and they brought in another nurse and used a butterfly. As many friends and family know I'm terrified of needles so I rarely did my blood work but since I had low fluids and was being monitored by the fetal assessment machine, they knew everything was fine and did not bother me for all my blood work. After that the doctor  came in and talked to me about my birth plan and asked if I wanted something for the pain?  I told her I did not want anything at this point because  my contractions were only 12 minutes apart.

   We asked the nurse to check me. She said I was still 6 cm and to try bouncing on the birthing ball.  I got up off the bed and when walking to the birthing ball told them I had to pee. They escorted me to the bathroom. When I got there I said it feels like she was coming. The nurse told me not to push and to try the shower to relax.Then the nurse left the room and said she would be back in a moment. As soon as she left I felt this sharp pain and screamed "Shes coming" So then got on my knees and told Travis to help since the nurse did not think she was coming. Right them my mom ran out to the nurses station and told them to come quick. They got me onto my bed, called doctor in and they checked me and said your 9 cm now it could be hours or minutes.

    Well Travis took that as a Que he still had time. So he said I'm going for pizza and walked out the door. The nurse said your contractions are 7 minutes apart and I said she is coming again, but this time she went to get doctor and as she did that my mom started calling Travis's cell . The doctor came in and said its time to push shes crowning. At that point Travis had just walking back into my room and  him and the nurse grabbed a leg.  My mom was at my head telling me how strong I am and that she couldn't believe how I was doing it all natural and not even making a noise after 15 minutes of pushing she was here my contractions were still 7 minutes apart so I was pushing trough no contractions just to get her out. If I waited she would go back in so I tried with all my might she was taken to be cleaned off, Travis was allowed to cut her cord. Eloise weighted 7 lbs 11 ounces and was only 17 cm long. which was short for me and Travis as we both were 21 cm long when born. After that they gave me her to hold and do skin to skin  but all I really wanted to do was shower so I switched with Travis to do skin on skin and bond while I showered. 

    While in the shower Travis parents came in and his mom had my special caramel squares I had asked for  a double batch while in labor at her house so she surprised me with them. I was so happy when I got out of the shower to those. My best friend showed up to meet Eloise too while I showered . After I got out of the shower I was allowed to go into my private room and have visitors. Which was awesome because Eloise was only a half hour old and I was a natural at giving birth after that workout I was so hungry that I had Travis order Chinese. When my nurses changed shifts  the new nurse was impressed with me on how I was sitting in the bed Indian style eating Chinese only a hour after giving birth all natural and it was my first so its not like I had done all this before. We wanted to breastfeed so I was a little nervous the first time but Eloise was a pro she latched perfect the first time.  she was a latching natural and every time after that but she did favor the left boob for the first week a little more then the right.  We had tons of visitors. which kept us busy while in the hospital the two nights.

 I was excited to see nanny Thomas the next morning she had brought in banana bread she had baked me and some cookies and where it was a week away from Easter a gift for Eloise that was really cute bunny slippers and ears and lots of chocolate for me to enjoy. It was great to have everyone visit where I don't have to clean up after. When we got home we asked that no one visit for first few days except my mom came everyday and cleaned up and helped watch Eloise so that I could relax in the bath or eat. While Travis was at work he only got to spend the two night at hospital and one night home before heading back to work.