On August 18th, I thought I had a plan. I was 39 weeks into my pregnancy, and I managed to get approved for induction thanks to being 4 inches dilated for almost a week at that point, and the baby's refusal to drop into place for labor.
I was meant to go into the hospital at 8 pm and go through the process of inducing my labor with Pitocin and let nature take its course. However, that plan was postponed around 3 pm because my OB contacted me notifying me that my procedure will be moved to the following night at 8 pm due to volume. Of course, I was fine with that because it gave us an extra day to get prepared and to complete any last-minute tasks around the house before the baby arrived.
Ros was a little disappointed that he had to wait another day because he was so ready, but that's life. Mom, him and I, decided to enjoy the last evening baby-free by going over to my aunt's house in Lawrence to play some dominoes with the family. However, I think the little baby heard our plans of evicting him from the womb and didn't like the idea, because, by 8 pm, I started having slight discomfort, which started returning every 40 or so minutes. I brushed them off as long as I could and eventually we headed home. 10 pm I laid down in bed and had less than three full-on contractions and I had to get up and move. No way Jose. Can't take this one laying down. This is the real deal.
It didn't take more than an hour after that point before mom and Ros agreed it was time to go to the hospital. Induction or not, this baby was coming tonight. We arrived at the hospital close to 1 am and the pain was already strong enough to distract me from anything else happening around me. I was wheeled into Labor and Delivery hall and placed into a waiting room. I don't think we were in there for even 10 minutes when my water broke. It was the strangest "pop" sensation I've ever had.
The following few hours were a complete blur as I was transferred to the official room where I would finish the rest of my labor journey. I focused on my breathing like my life depended on it, and at one point my face got numb and tingly which meant I wasn't doing it correctly anymore, I was exhausted. Then the pain went into a whole new gear, and I thought I was ripping apart, because my body stopped listening to me, and would contract to push while my mind was screaming for it not to. Not following my instinct was the hardest thing to do; at that moment there was no such thing as mind over body.
All I remember is apologizing to the nurses every time I failed to hold back the pushing impulse, and everyone was so supportive and encouraging. Having my mother beside me was extremely comforting, and the two nurses that were with me felt like angels sent by God. It is true what people say, giving birth is a religious experience, even if you don't consider yourself religious.
At one point I caved in, and when I was offered an epidural, I accepted. The whole pregnancy I had mentally prepared myself with the plan to go as natural as possible and to avoid an epidural due to my spinal issues related to my Multiple Sclerosis illness. I had even instructed Ros to stop me if I ever caved in, but at that moment the pain was so intense that I felt like I was going to faint if I kept fighting my instincts. Due to the delicate nature of a spinal tap, they escorted mom and Ros out of site and they proceeded to attempt to insert the epidural catheter.
However, I believe God had other plans for me, and he forced me to face my original decisions. Due to my MS, they couldn't insert it the traditional way into my spine, and therefore the procedure failed, and the pain medication did not work. As if a joke from above, less than ten minutes after that decision, I was given the green light by my doctor to push, which I didn't argue with. I was finally given the green light to listen and follow the signs of my body, and for the first time all night, the pain was a thousand times reduced. Three solid sessions of pushing later, I felt the head of my baby push past the last line of defense, and at that very moment, I felt no pain.
The rest happened so quickly. The doctor yanked his little body out with the next push and Ros cut the umbilical cord. I barely remember them asking if I wanted the baby on my chest, and all I could do was nod and cry yes. They placed him on my chest and all I could do was hold him close to me as his first cries filled the room. As soon as I held him against my neck and chest, he became quiet. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Every ounce of tiredness drained from my body and I was completely awake and adrenaline ran through my veins. Ros held me and whispered, "You did it!" I felt so accomplished. I never wanted to let go of my son, and thankfully, and hopefully, I never will have to.
Welcome to our world Alekos. You are named in honor of Alexander, meaning "defender of men". You will do great things in your life, and I can't wait to see you flourish in those things that bring you happiness and purpose. I love you, my child.
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