Lillian’s Birth Story: Part 2

(Disclaimer: This is a birth story and as such, it will contain details of a personal nature. If you’re offended by TMI or get queasy at the mention on bodily fluids or functions you may want to bypass today’s post :))

Read Part 1 here. I know I said we’d be meeting Lillian in this part of the story, but it turned out to be longer than I thought…you’ll have to bear with me for at least another week.

Arriving at the Hospital: Detours Abounding

As we neared the hospital my contractions were still around 3 minutes apart but gaining in intensity. We reached the intersection where we needed to turn only to discover that there was road construction and a detour. There we were, in a town we don’t know our way around and the only route we knew to the hospital was closed!

I have to admit, I had a brief moment of panic.Thankfully, after just a few minutes we were able to get around the road work…but where was the hospital? We turned left and saw an older couple loading some things into their car. I’m blessed that my husband is not the stereotyped refuses-to-ask-for-directions male.

“Just two blocks back that way.”

We quickly turned around in a parking lot and headed back towards the hospital. As we passed the same couple they were directing us with their arms 🙂

Within a minute we had pulled into the parking lot and Tim had parked the van. It was now 4:30 PM and I had been in active labor for 2 hours.

I quickly got out as Tim started grabbing everything we had packed. As we walked toward the entrance we saw someone else discover that particular entrance was locked. Maybe it was because it was a Saturday. I thought, “great…another detour.”

As we walked to another entrance (at this point I was definitely waddling) I kept going slower as contraction came closer together and got even stronger.

When we entered the hospital Tim spoken briefly to the attendant at the door then we walked straight to the elevators. We started making our way to the 5th floor when another woman got on. She looked right at me leaning against the wall rail in the middle of a contraction and said, “three, please.” When I didn’t respond she pressed the button herself. Yet, another detour! (I do not have very good luck with elevators when I’m in labor.)

Note to anyone who ever finds themselves in an elevator with someone is labor. Do not detain them from getting to the floor they’re going to! Just wait for them to get off the elevator, then press your button…thanks 🙂

When we finally arrived at the Birthing Center it seemed rather sleepy. The waiting room was empty and the nurse’s window was closed. Tim had to buzz through for someone to unlock the door.

Once into the triage hallway, a nurse handed me  cup and asked if I could, “go pee.” I know why a urine sample is important, but I almost wanted to say no. Having to pee in a cup, in a public bathroom, while having three very strong contractions is no fun!

As I exited the bathroom, one nurse took the cup from me while another led me to a triage room. Quietly (and slowly) she started hooking me up to monitors and asking me information about my contractions. At the same time, someone else came in to get me checked into the hospital.

Thankfully, Tim was able to answer most of these questions (correctly this time) while I concentrated on breathing through my contractions while being stuck lying down in bed (my least favorite labor position).

Part 3 Coming Soon!

We’d love to hear your birth stories. Feel free to leave links in your comments. Have you had a C-section or a vaginal birth? How long were in active labor? Did you have to push for 3 minutes or 3 hours?