Well ladies sorry that it took so long, as I am sure most of you can appreciate, things have been a little busy lately especially with trying to figue out breast feeding, but as promised now that she is feeding like a champ here is the story.

Birth Story for Hannah Elizabeth Grace...

I went into the hospital on the 11th for an NST and BPP since I was 11 days over due and after doing the BPP the doctor determined that the fluid was low around Hannah and that it was now necessary to be induced. SHe looked great otherwise so I agreed, however, not wanting to have a 9/11 baby they agreed to wait till later in the day.

I call my BF he came home from work, and we headed to L&D at around 7:30 that evening. 10:20 I finally got hooked up to an IV and the Oxytocin. By 1 am I was in active labour. The contractions were bearable, I used heat and the birthing ball to get through them, labouring in a standing position with my feet wide apart and leaning over the mountain of pillows on the end of the raised up bed help tremendously.

My Midwife arrived around 1am as well and between her and my BF they took turns massaging my hips and doing hip compressions or pressure point techniquies with tennis balls (this was amazing for pain relief I must add) all of this got me through the labour drug free. I never could have done it without them, they were amazing.

At 6am or so I got checked for the first time, my water had already broken at somepoint, I honestly was oblivious to everything going on around me, just really focusing on getting through each contraction and opening up my pelvis... birth balls rule btw fpr that. So at 6am I was 4-5 and then things took off from there. I tried the tub, lasted 10 minutes... it was terrible, for me. Over the next 1.5 hours I went from 4-5 to delivery and it was truly a blur to me. I remember being put on oxygen because her heartbeat had come down really low and then the next thing I new she was here.

I now understand the ring of fire... 22 mins of pushing and she was here!

Due to the fact that I was induced an OB delivered Hannah but she respected my wishes and waited until the cord stopped pulsating before cutting it and placed her on my chest right away. No tears, no cuts just a beautiful delivery, I would do it all over again in a second.

End result....
Hannah Elizabeth Grace
Sept. 12 2005
7:57am
5lbs 13 oz
19.25 inches long and gorgeous.

We left the hospital the next day after being checked over by a pediatrician because she was so tiny, she got a clean bill of health and her weight leaving the hospital was 5lbs 9 oz. She had her 5 day check up today with the midwife and she is up to 5lbs 12oz So to all of you ladies who are leary of BFing, it really works and it is only the first few days that are tough.

Here are a few pics... I know they are huge but it is bragging...lol
Thanks for letting me share.

She's beautiful!! And you're looking pretty good yourself. Holy crap! You don't look like you just pushed out a baby.

Congrats to you and your BF!

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Oh Leanne, she is beautiful! She looks so alert already!

I'm glad that even though your birth plan didn't go exactly the way you wanted it, you were able to have several of the things that meant a lot to you, like being drug-free and delaying the cutting of the cord.

It's good to hear that you and her are figuring out the nursing thing. It is difficult at times, I know, but you will never regret putting in the effort.

I know you'll be busy for awhile, but I really hope you'll keep popping in an giving us updates and new picture.

I'm so happy for you!!!

Awwww, she's perfect! She's so tiny (my Sam was 5 lbs) and has perfect little features. Glad that you got through it and good luck with the nursing.

BTW, I have heard woman ask not to cut the cord before it stops pulsating. What is the reasoning behind this? I am curious, because we stored Sam's cord blood (in case I needed it for me).

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Marisa
mom to Alex (Sept 2002) and Samantha (Jan 2005)

Thabks Ladies

The reasoning behing holding off cutting the cord is because it allows all the blood to drain back into the baby, when your blood volume is so low(being that tiny) it is important to get all the oxygen carrying blood back into the baby that you can.
You can still save cord blood even after doing it this way.

Here is a pic from today, her 1 week birthday

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She's so beautiful and I love her name ...

Aw, she is too cute! Great birth story. I didn't know about the cord info either, thanks!
Glad the breastfeeding is working out for you!

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Addy(30) and Dale(34) Married Aug 28/99

Lily Rose born Feb 19,2004

Congratulations!!! I the name. Hannah is a cutie

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