There were 2 nurses there helping us get set-up and it was brought up that I really wanted a VBAC but we had not gone into labor yet. Normal conversation continued as I was hooked up to the heart rate and contraction monitors. All of a sudden, both nurses got quiet...this gave me a moment of panic until I realized they were talking about the contractions and not the heart rate. One of them asked if I was feeling the contractions and I stated the same as the day before, "yes, but nothing painful" as I was talking through one at that moment. One of the nurses then said, "well these are some pretty big contractions are you sure you aren't in labor?" I said that I didn't think I was but she asked if she could check me anyways to see if we had made progress from the day before. On Thursday, I had been at almost a 3 but the baby was still very high. After the nurse checked, I was already at a 4 and she could feel the baby's head... She asked if I wanted her to call the doctor to see if I could try to VBAC and of course, I said, "YES!"
When she left the room, I asked Matt if he was ok with this decision and he said that if it was what I wanted then he would support me through it (tears!). She came back and the doctor was all for me going for it so that's how the day began... I had to roll around on this egg-shaped ball to get Cameron to drop some more but I don't think I stopped smiling...until the contractions started coming pretty regular!!!
At around 10am, the doctor came by and she was excited that all was rolling along. She had me move rooms so that we could be closer to the operating room in case anything happened during labor and/or delivery with my previous c/s scar. I would then be able to move back to this room once delivery and recovery were over.
Around lunch, I decided to get an epidural though I had much hesitation because of the issues I had before with Alex's labor. I knew I wasn't going to try to be hero woman so once I reached 5cm, Matt and I felt it would be a good time to get it and then I could rest a little while. And I did though I could still feel the pressure of the contractions and how strong they were getting. I can't lie...I actually enjoyed these moments because they were painfree and I felt my body was doing what it was supposed to do. I had gone into labor naturally...GOD is amazing!!!
At approximately 3pm, we were fully dilated but she needed to drop a little bit more before pushing so I got up on my knees in the bed and did lots of pelvic rocking (this is quite interesting when you can barely feel your lower half). She made her way down and at 3:32, the nurse had me push through 1 contraction...she quickly yelled to stop and that she was calling the doctor to come on. I sat through a couple of contractions until the doctor showed up. The doctor told me to go for it so in about 4 pushes, I felt the head come through...my eyes started filling up with tears. After Alex, I never thought I was going to get to experience this feeling. She then suctioned Cameron and 3 pushes later I felt the shoulders slide out. I cannot say enough about the amazing coach Matt was for me. He kept watch on me the whole time and encouraged me through the entire thing. I can't put into words the emotions I felt immediately following as Matt and I just looked at each other and he said to me, "you did it and I'm so proud of you." And the feeling was mutual as I then watched him cut the cord...emotion just overtook me. I don't know how long it was but I just remember praying to God and thanking Him for being in control of the situation. The doctor checked my incision and there were no issues as Matt was with Cameron in the warmer table as she was weighed and measured. I remember asking him if she had all her fingers and toes and he said yes!
As I have now written all this down, I know there are moments I couldn't put into words, moments that I didn't explain very well, and moments that will never be forgotten. I can't express in words all the emotions I felt leading up to the delivery and during the delivery; all the conversations that Matt and I had, all of the doubts, all of the prayers, and all of the tears. So many people deserve the credit of encouraging me to go for what I wanted and I will forever be grateful to all of you!
Mostly, I am forever grateful to our one amazing true GOD...He deserves all of the credit as Cameron is here, safe and sound, and was delivered according to His plan. I told myself that His plan is always perfect...and she is living proof!!!
Cameron immediately after delivery
Mommy and Daddy snuggled with Cameron...
Big brother checking in on little sister!
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