Labor & Delivery

I went into labor on Saturday, February 23rd at 4 am. It started with mild, cramp like contractions every 10 minutes or so. I told Eddie he should probably stay home that day, as I was pretty sure this was labor. I called my doctor and he said to come into the hospital when the contractions were 3 to 4 minutes apart. So, I layed down in bed and tried to rest while watching movies. Eddie took a nap, which was good because I wanted him to be as rested as possible. The contractions steadily increased in intensity and were more frequent. I soon realized that trying to go potty made me have really bad contractions, one lasted almost 10 minutes. I tried to get through them by breathing and/or walking around the house. By about 4 pm they were about 5 minutes apart and more intense than I could handle. I called Dr Dalisky again and told him I really wanted to come in now, and he said ok. I could tell Eddie was really nervous as we loaded the car with the hospital bag and drove to Silverton to the hospital. He drove pretty fast, which was good because just getting into the car made me have a really intense contraction and I had at least 3 more before we arrived at the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at about 4:30 and my Mom was there to meet us. Do you believe they actually make you fill out paperwork? I had to stand there and try to read some papers and sign them while I was still having contractions!! I asked for my epidural while I stood there!! Finally, Dr Dalisky checked me and I was dilated to a 4, which meant I got to stay and I could have my epidural. I was relocated to a labor room and a few short minutes later, the anestesiologist came in to give me the epidural...woo hoo!! I knew I wanted an epidural the whole time I was pregnant, but that didn't mean I wasn't a little scared of having a needle go in my spine...by this time, I forgot about the fear and it was great! There was no pain or discomfort while the catheter was inserted into my back. Funny thing though, when he pushed on my back to find the right spot, my water broke! The medication kicked in really quickly and I became a much happier in-labor Meghan. By this time Tonia and Erica were there too, and Rachel and Sawyer came for a quick visit! I no longer felt any pain, but did panic a little when my left leg started to lose its numbness after an hour, so I got another boost of medication! I was SO hungry, but they don't let you eat until after baby arrives, except popsicles, jello or fluids. I asked for a popsicle and at half of it, then immediately started to feel nauseated. A few minutes later I puked all over myself! I even had a barf bag and tried to throw up in that, but because of the angle I was laying, it just spilled everywhere! YUCK! After that I decided no more food, only water! My Mom, Erica and Tonia were in it for the long haul and left to go get more comfortable clothes. Max even came in at midnight with a book and an energy drink! Eddie never left my side, the while time and was very encouraging. I wanted him to eat because I knew he would get really cranky if he didn't, but he felt so bad after I threw up that he wouldn't do it. The nurses kept checking me and I had to have my water broken again by Dr Dalisky and I wasn't fully dilated until after 3 am. Finally, I got to start pushing. Eddie was such a trooper, still not leaving my side except to use the restroom and giving me sips of water whenever I asked. I caught him snoozing a few times in between pushes, and it brought a smile to my face...he never complained, not once. He just kept telling me what a good job I was doing! After about an hour of pushing I had Eddie bring me my iPod to listen to for a little motivation. I had created a special playlist titled "labor" with songs I thought would be motivating. I couldn't keep the headphones in my ears, so finally I cranked the volume and everyone could hear it. Dr Dalisky finally asked what I was listening to and just laughed when I told him it was Honkytonk Badonkadonk! I got a 102 degree fever during labor and had to have antibiotics to prevent any infection to the baby, but the pharmacy at the hospital didn't cooperate and I didn't receive the antibiotics until after the baby was born. Luckily, he did not receive any infections. By 4 am, still pushing and still no baby, 5, 6, 7, finally at a little after 8, after 5 full hours of pushing, Dr Dalisky offered to help get the baby out with forcepts. I was really scared at first, not knowing if this would hurt the baby, but I was reassured and Eddie and I agreed it was time for our baby to come into this world! Not only that, about an hour prior to this the epidural medication machine had begun to beep loudly because the medication was running out, and they wouldn't give me any more! They began setting up the room to deliver the baby and at 8:55 am on Sunday, February 24th, 2008 our Diego came into this world! He was 8 lbs 11.5 ounces and 20.5 inches long. They immediately put him on my chest and Eddie and I both cried. He was SO BEAUTIFUL! Earlier, Eddie had joked with Tonia, Erica and Mom about telling Dr Dalisky he didn't want to cut the umbilical cord but that he wanted to bite it, but never really intended on telling him that. Well, when it came time to cut the cord, Dr Dalisky said to him, "A real man would bite this cord." We all erupted in laughter! Someone had tipped off the doc! Our baby was just absolutely gorgeous! Eddie then went to the waiting room and gave everyone the good news, Its a boy! It took us a few hours to decide on the name, but we decided on Diego Samuel Diaz and it fits him perfectly!

My first thought after delivery? What can I eat?? And I scarfed down scrambled eggs and toast! I hadn't eaten in over 24 hours and I was STARVING! All things considered, the labor and delivery of our baby was a very pleasant experience for us. The time flew by, the pain is forgotten and we have a beautiful baby boy!