Amelia's Birth

I had irregular contractions through the night. I slept in minute increments between contractions. I was keeping track on paper when I was having contractions so I would know when they were at regular intervals and how far apart they were. About 5 am the contractions became regular and were 5 minutes apart. The intensity of the contractions also increased. I woke Jeremy up and we went to the hospital about 6 am.

Side Note: This was all during a snow storm! At the end of April! Alex was also born during a snow storm. AND the heat stopped working downstairs. But it was working fine upstairs.

First things first at the hospital. Change into the gown. I was then hooked up to the monitors. One monitoring the babies heart beat and the other tracking the contractions. Mary was next door delivering a baby and we heard it all. That lady was loud. After that delivery (7:30-ish) Mary came and checked me, I was at 7 centimeters and ready for pain medicine. About the same time the contractions increased in intensity and radiated from my back to the front. The nurse put in an IV and not long after that I had Nubane flowing through my veins (8:00-ish). I got light headed and the table in the corner of the room started growing and shrinking. Nubane is good stuff. For me it was like night and day. I was nervous and anxious then I was calm and relaxed. I was sitting Indian style on the bed and would have Jeremy apply counter pressure on my lower back when I would have contractions. Instead of fighting the pain I was trying to focus on staying relaxed and allowing my body to do what was necessary to have a baby. The room felt very calm and peaceful. Mean while they are preparing the room for delivery. I am not sure what all that entailed as I had my eyes closed most of the time. I am not sure why I closed my eyes but it felt good so I did it. It got to the point where I could no longer breath through the contractions and was ready to push. After the first push, Mary broke my water (8:50). We had thought that maybe it had broke earlier in the morning when I was peeing or something. But I guess not. A couple pushes and lots of pressure later Amelia was born at 8:58 am! What a relief that the delivery went so well. And what a different experience from Alex's birth.

Amelia Teresa Evans

8:58 am

7 lbs 3 oz

19 1/4 inches