Birth Story: She’s Finally Here

Click to Share!

Baby number 4 birth story

When you’ve had 3 previous births that were similar, it’s hard when #4 throws you for a loop. Our oldest daughter was born two days after her due date. Our oldest son was born 2 days before his due date. Our youngest son was born on his due date. We just assumed that baby #4 would be born around her due date, or earlier based on the preterm labor I was having.

So when her due date came and went, I was left feeling a little discouraged.

And very much like a watched pot that wouldn’t boil, nothing was happening. For the first time ever, the Doctor was talking about induction, and I wasn’t comfortable with that.

I found peace knowing that God was in control and even though we didn’t know when she would be born, He did. He ordained that day before He even created the world. I just wished He would give me a little clue as to what that date would be.

I am so very thankful that my in-laws were able to visit to watch the older kids. The only problem was that we all thought they would be here for a week and then be on their way. In reality, it was almost two weeks. LOVE them!

Thursday, after her due date, I was for sure I was in labor. We sent the kids off with their grandparents for a day of fun, and dealt with contractions. But then they stalled out that evening. Instead of ending the day and holding our baby girl, I just had a pounding headache.

I ate spicy food, walked a lot, evening primrose in unmentionable places, but nothing started labor.

Every day was met with the question, “Will today be the day?”.

We were coming down to the wire. Apparently 35 is ancient in the childbearing world, and waiting until 42 weeks was out of the question. They were talking induction, and that was not how I wanted to write my birth story.

PreBaby Collage

We tried to make the most of the waiting.

Big Sister and Big Brother t-shirts came in. We ate Ice (affiliate link) Cream Frogs. A stomach bug went through the house.

Yes. A stomach bug right before we were supposed to bring home a newborn. Thankfully, I didn’t get it! God heard our prayers.

I went to my doctor appointment on Monday, and the doctor said I needed to plan on being induced on Wednesday if nothing happened. I wasn’t sure what else I could try.

I had already tried:

  • eating spicy food
  • walking
  • rocking
  • Evening Prime Rose
  • Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
  • bouncing
  • pineapple
  • acupressure points
  • pedicure.

Nothing. I was scared. I knew that she wouldn’t stay in there forever. I also knew that induction sometimes leads to c-section. I clung to Scripture to remind me that God is faithful.

He already had a plan.

His timing is perfect.

After my appointment, I was in tears as my husband and I ate breakfast. I was desperate. It was time to call in the big guns. I called a local Wellness Center and asked if they could fit in an acupuncture session for that day so that I could avoid an induction. She said yes, so we headed that way.

Acupuncture is not one of those things that I would normally do, but I was desperate. When I got home, I put one drop of Clary Sage on the inside of each ankle and used Evening Primrose. Then I took a nap.

And it worked.

Contractions started around midnight. I was relieved, but unsure. Would it go as quickly as my labor with # 3? He was almost born in the hospital lobby. I really didn’t want to deliver my baby girl on the side of the road or as we were pulling up to the front doors of the hospital.

We texted our doula and let her know what was going on. If you’re on the fence about having a doula, do it. You won’t be disappointed. You do have to make sure your personalties work together well, so meet first and get to know each other. Interview several doulas and see which one you hit it off with the most. It’s always great to have another support person on your team. I ALWAYS forget to ask them to take pictures for me. ALWAYS. Maybe I’ll remember next time, if the Lord blesses us with a next time.

I think we headed to the hospital around 4 am.

I was only 6 cm. But at least that was far enough along to not be sent home!

We busted out the Valor blend for my lower back. I had meant to bring my diffuser for Peace & Calming or Jasmine, but it didn’t get packed.

All the rooms with tubs were taken. I was so sad. The funny thing is, the nurse said that most of those rooms with tubs had people who weren’t using them because they had gotten epidurals. At that point, I would have gladly used one of their tubs regardless of other people in the room. I didn’t care.

At 8:30 am, I delivered an 8 lb 15 oz baby girl. She was 21.75 inches long.

Baby Four Collage

I was SO glad to get her out. Ha!

She started nursing almost immediately. I held our little baby girl and was filled with love for this sweet baby and awe that God would bless me with another child.

Totally worth all the crazy stares and rude comments.

Big Brother Sister Collage

Click to Share!

Similar Posts

2 Comments

  1. Congratulations on your new blessing! My son was albs 14oz and was born at 41 weeks exactly. I totally understand how you felt, but it was all worth it in the end. Enjoy your new baby and I wish you and your family many blessings. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *