On January 6th, my life changed completely.
I had gestational diabetes. My baby was measuring at 8 1/2 lbs. After much prayer and research, we decided to induce labor. It was only 4 days early, but carrying her to full term was too risky for us.
I went to the hospital on Sunday January 7th at 7pm, and was given half a dose of cytotec (sp?) to help start the process. The cytotec was placed on my cervix. At this point, my body wasn't even thinking labor. The baby wasn't dropped, I wasn't dilated at all, and I had braced myself for the worst. At about 10pm that night, the cramping started. Oh I was so uncomfortable! I didn't get to sleep a wink. I was sure they were contractions but not sure how to handle it. I woke Derrick up a few times who didn't seem concerned. We went back to the hospital at 7am. By the time they checked me, the contractions were 3mins apart, but I had only dilated to a 2 and she still hadn't dropped. I was certain that this was going to take DAYS! I wasn't prepared for days, and I was TERRIFIED.. not to mention tired. Well I was given a second half dose of cytotec and I was alone again for hours. By noon, I was in soo much pain, there was no relief for the discomfort. When I was checked I was only at a 3. I asked for the epidural. My Contractions were coming so quickly there was little time for rest in between and I was exhausted! After hearing I was only at a 3, I was so disappointed and wondered if I would even see my baby that day. The OB, told me I couldn't have til I was at a 4, but then took pity when he saw how much I was suffering after he broke my water. I got the epidural, and soon after, was able to take a nap. That was all my body needed. By 4:30 I was telling the nurse I needed the bathroom now. She politely went to get a catheter, as she was trying to place it, she felt the baby's head. She ran and grabbed the OB, who announced I was at an 8 with a bit a lip left. He said in about a half hour I could push. Everyone hurried to ready the room and equipment for baby. Dr. L left the room and reappeared 5 minutes later to explain what the need to push would feel like. I promptly indicated that I needed to push right then! He was shocked, and checked me again to find that I indeed was ready. I pushed for 5minutes, through 3 contractions a total of 9 times and she was here! My sweet little red headed miracle was so tiny weighing only 7lbs and 6oz! Boy they got that one wrong.. But, her sugar was very low, and had to be watched closely for a few days.
My grandmother was Mary Catherine, but was always called Catherine. So it seemed natural to use her middle name. Naturally there was some adjustment, at the moment it seemed so overwhelming and hard. But looking back, those first few months were magic. There is something about building a bond, learning about being a mother and building trust with Belen that enriched my life in ways I never dreamed. I learned a lot about relying on the Lord. ( I'll go into greater detail about that later. )
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| 4 days old |
