my birth story

Pregnancy for me was not anything like I imagined it. I puked every day, was beyond tired, and felt like the life was being sucked out of me. One day, at work, before my regular 31-week prenatal appointment, my office manager looked at me and said, "I don't think you'll be coming back to work, girl—you look like hell." I laughed and replied, “No, I’ll be here tomorrow.”

Little did I know, she was right.

At my appointment, my blood pressure was alarmingly high, and I was immediately sent to labor and delivery at the hospital. I was admitted for a whole week, during which the medical staff tried to level out my blood pressure and correct my low potassium levels. I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and hypokalemia.

After a week in the hospital, I begged to go home. The doctor agreed but placed me on strict bed rest, with instructions for twice-weekly lab tests and non-stress tests, and regular blood pressure monitoring. The goal was to keep baby girl in as long as possible.

We drove back and forth to the hospital twice a week, and each time my blood pressure worsened. On November 7th, at 35 weeks, I knew something was not right. I went in with a horrible headache, and my at-home blood pressure was 150/110. After my usual labs and stress test, the doctor admitted me.

I got to my room and slept. When I woke up, the nurse told me I was staying the night and should order some dinner. We took my blood pressure again, and it was even higher than that morning. Not even ten minutes later, the nurse returned and informed me they were going to do an emergency C-section.

I called my mom and Colt, telling them to get to the hospital right away. They started me on magnesium to prevent a stroke. Colt and my mom arrived just as they were ready to wheel me down to the operating room.

In the operating room, I received my epidural, and they began to prep me. Suddenly, I started feeling awful, like I was about to pass out. I told the anesthesiologist, who discovered that my blood pressure had dropped to 60/25. The doctor was instructing the anesthesiologists to fix it. I felt like my brain was in a fog, and then suddenly, it went away. Thank goodness!

Colt was then allowed in, and at 7:14 pm, our little girl was born, weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces. Everyone was in shock, but I wasn't, because she was always in the 98th percentile in weight in the womb. I knew I was having a big baby, even if she was early!

We got some pictures, but due to the magnesium, she needed some extra help breathing, so she had to go to the special care unit. I was wheeled up to my room without my baby, and I couldn't see her until the next day. When I finally got to hold her, my whole world changed. It all made sense—I was meant to be her mommy!

She stayed in the special care unit for a few days and progressed so well! I would pump the little bit of milk I could and walk every three hours to the unit to hold my baby. Each time, she was progressing, slowly getting off her sugar water tube, then oxygen, then IV. The day they told me she could come to my room, I cried the whole way, walking her through the hallway in her isolette.

Recovery for me was a breeze. I think it was because I was sick for so long with preeclampsia that it gave me thick skin. I also HAD to get out of my room and feed my baby eight times a day, so it became my goal. I did not want the nurses to raise her and feed her when I was very capable.

Finally, after navigating through so many unexpected twists and turns, and five long days in the hospital we were ready to go home. Our departure was delayed by a case of jaundice, and, on the morning, we were finally allowed to leave, our dogs were sprayed by skunks! It was just another bump in the road that made our story unique.

When we finally arrived home, it was a surreal moment. Despite all the challenges and the rollercoaster of emotions, we were home, and I was holding my beautiful baby girl. All the pain and fear melted away. Every struggle had led us to this precious moment.

My journey was nothing like I imagined, but it was our story, and I wouldn't change a thing. From the hardships of preeclampsia to the joy of seeing my daughter thrive, every moment was worth it. I am stronger because of it, and my love for my little girl grows deeper every day.

Hospital Bag Must-Haves for C-Section

Preparing for a C-section requires a bit more planning due to the longer hospital stay and specific needs. Here are some essentials to pack:

1. Medical Documents:

   • Birth plan

   • Insurance card

   • List of current medications

   • Essential medical paperwork

2. Comfort Items:

   • Comfortable nightgown and robe

   • Nursing bras or tanks and nursing pads (if breastfeeding)

   • Non-slip socks and slippers

   • Pillow with a non-white pillowcase to distinguish it from hospital pillows

3. Personal Care:

   • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap)

   • Dry shampoo

   • Hairbrush and hair ties

   • Lip balm and moisturizer

   • Eyeglasses (if you wear contacts, as some anesthesiologists require removal before surgery)

4. Entertainment and Electronics:

   • Cell phone and charger (consider an extra-long charger)

   • Book or other activities

   • Music playlist

5. Post-Surgery Essentials:

   • High-waisted underwear (to avoid irritating the incision)

   • Loose, comfortable clothing for the trip home

   • Abdominal binder (if recommended by your doctor)

For a detailed checklist, you can refer to Parents and Healthline.

Hospital Bag Must-Haves for Labor

Packing for a natural labor focuses on comfort and support during the birthing process. Here are some must-haves:

1. Medical Documents:

   • Birth plan

   • Insurance card

   • ID and important documents

2. Comfort Items:

   • Comfortable outfit for labor (loose-fitting dress, nightgown, or tank top and shorts)

   • Birthing ball (to help with comfort and positioning)

   • Rebozo (for relaxation and support)

   • Pillows with colored pillowcases

   • Massage oil and aromatherapy supplies

3. Personal Care:

   • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes)

   • Lip balm

   • Hairbrush and clips or headbands

   • Water bottle

4. Entertainment and Electronics:

   • Music (bring your own playlist)

   • Snacks (both savory and sweet options)

5. Post-Birth Essentials:

   • Comfortable outfit for after delivery

   • Nursing bras or tanks and nursing pads (if breastfeeding)

   • Loose, comfortable clothing for the trip home

These lists should help you prepare for your hospital stay, whether you're planning for a C-section or natural labor. Happy packing!