At this point I knew I was on limited time to get somewhere. My contractions were starting to get to the point where I could not longer talk through them. A decision was made for Ross to drive me to the hospital closest to Jacob with hopes he would make it and my mother-in-law would start driving to us and then turn around and follow us in case a car delivery was imminent.
This is where I am so, so proud of my kids. Ross and Zoey got themselves ready, got the dogs fed and let out, secured the house, got a towel in the passenger seat, all of my hospital things into my car, and helped me to get dressed and into the car. At this point, I was crying and couldn’t even get pants on.
We left at 6:47am and Ross was a super star. We have been holding off on getting his license because he hasn’t been ready, but I couldn’t give him any help or instructions, besides please don’t stop, just keep driving. My mother-in-law was able to meet us about half way, and called the hospital ahead to have them bring me out a wheelchair and helped Ross park and get all my things out of my car. She stayed on the phone with us from the time we left until we got to the hospital.
We arrived at the hospital at 7:09am and Jacob called me while we were pulling up and asked where I was. Turns out, he was at the hospital closest to our house and I was at the hospital closest to his job. I couldn’t even talk to him at this point and instructed him to call his mother.
I was crying again and the labor and delivery team sprung into action. One of the wonderful surgical techs helped me get undressed and gave me the biggest hug. Everything after that was smooth, organized chaos.
IV started, blood drawn, TOCO and US on, consents signed.
My kids, mother-in-law, mom, and [my midwife] Kourtney came in the room at some point. My birth photographer had a tough time getting past security- luckily my nurse and the nurse manager were able to get her back.
My nurse then began coaching me through contractions.
I knew I was close because I started questioning my ability to do it without an epidural-this was my sign with Jude too. Kourtney checked me and all was left was my bag of water.
Jacob was still en route so my nurse continued to talk me through every surge.
I breathed. I screamed. I felt out of control. I refocused with my nurse’s guidance.
Finally, Jacob made it and Kourtney broke my water almost simultaneously.
I didn’t feel the urge to push, I resisted, but when I started to push, the pain went away.
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At 7:54am, after a couple “I need something for pain,” “I can’t do this,” and a few f-words, one contraction and three pushes, I got to open my eyes and reach out for my baby that Kourtney was handing to me and say “It’s a boy!”
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I don’t remember much about the hour leading up to Axel’s birth. I had a gown and socks I never got to put on, lights and a banner I never got to hang, a fan and water bottle I never got to use.
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But I do remember feeling heard. Seen. Comforted. Reassured. Empowered.
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But most importantly, I remember feeling safe.
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I had the most beautiful birth experience. I cannot imagine a better way to have brought our newest son into the world.
“All I know since yesterday is everything has changed.”
