Mackenzies journey starts way back in October of 2012 when we miscarried. That sweet baby gave us hope that we could get pregnant but also fear that we would miscarry again. So with Mackenzie everything was planned and prayed over carefully.
After October, mike and I tried to get pregnant on our own for about 8 months until we contacted our doctor again. After talking with her, reviewing family history and having some simple tests - we found out I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Basically *here is the female anatomy part* I have enlarged ovaries with small cysts on them. I do not ovulate regularly (which is kinda important in having a baby!). So, we opted to do clomid which helps the eggs become large enough so I WOULD ovulate. We did this in July of 2013!
Thankfully, we got pregnant on our first round of clomid! Praise God! He worked out all the small details and planning that we had done and took it into his own hands! All the prayers, research, and Dr. advice gave us peace. We of course we're still nervous at times but knew ultimately it was in the Lords hands for us to get pregnant or not. We could do our part but it was really up to Him and His plan!
Once we found out I was pregnant (early August 2013) we were nervous and pray fully considered not telling anyone until 12 weeks because of our first loss. Thankfully Mackenzie had a strong heart and developed just as she should! My journey of pregnancy was during my first year teaching 6th & 7th grade special education at a new school. Overall pregnancy was good! I felt good, had energy at school and rested at home. I started going to he chiropractor because my back was hurting and giving me weird spasms from time to time. Near the end of pregnancy I had some bad pain in my ligaments but thankfully that only happened 2x because it was almost worse than labor!
Fast forward 9 months to April 23rd. We had small group at our house and I remember talking/praying for a smooth delivery and being ready to meet her whenever she was ready to come. Now at 2:00am on April 24th I woke up with some pain. I hadn't had any Braxton hicks at all during pregnancy so I thought it was them!
By 3 I was wide awake and walking upstairs and trying not to wake mike. At 4:45 I told him I was taking a bath to calm the braxton hicks down. I started to realize they were probably contractions! I called my mom around 5:45(ish) and she said to go in :) ha I think I just needed someone to tell me I could so it wasn't a false alarm! We arrived at hospital at 6:45.
I was only dilated 1cm but having contractions every 4-5 minutes. I walked for an hour in circles around the small delivery floor from 7:30-8:30.
They checked and I was a 2.5. They were going to keep me since contractions were staying regular but put me on protosin to keep them coming strong. I went on a level 1. ((I did not want to have too much 'help' or fake contractions)). This is when we told my mom to come since it was "real"!!! However, the contractions started to get stronger.
Dr. Holden came and did a check and I was still a 3 and she broke my water. What a weird experience in and of itself! Probably actually the grossest part?!
I wasn't able to walk anymore because I was on the drip of an IV but I did use the ball which helped a lot. At this point mike went to get food just in case it took a long time :) my mom was left with me alone... She does not do good with pain/blood. So I was having a contraction and she started to feel sick so I told her to leave lol! She was walking to the door and was going to faint so I told her to crawl with her head down lol so she was on the ground crawling until it passed. Then she took a break in the hallway :) This may be embarrassing to her but for me I'm just glad she was there and that it took my mind off of giving birth for a little bit 😆
At that point contractions became heavier. I figured I was in a decent amount of pain, did this for 'long enough' and I asked for an episural around 12, got it at 12:30. The only fear was slowing down the process but as you'll see this did not happen!!!
About 1:30 they checked and I was at an 8. I was told that when I feel pressure (like having to pee) to let them know!
At 2 I felt a lot of pressure and when the nurse checked I was ready to push! She was shocked and thought for sure she would not still be on her shift. So the doctor was called and brought in.
I started at about 2:10 and had 20 contraction pushes! We counted to pass the time. She was born at 2:56pm :) weight was 7 pounds 9 oz and 19.5 inches long! Honestly, when I talk to people about my birth story I tell them it was the best time! I loved the experience of giving birth and it wasn't at all bad. Plus I loved my hospital and just being relaxed after having a baby !
With another birth right around the corner I am curious to see what happens this time! My sister was almost born in a car so I know I will be making my way to the hospital sooner than later :)
Alisha
