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Monday, August 26, 2013

Ford's birth story

I wasn't sure if I wanted to share his birth story and contemplated writing it but I am constantly reminded that when I share certain things about my life, I could be blessing someone else with my story. It was emotional, intense, and not what we would have ever imagined but our Ford is here, beautiful, and worth everything.

Being overdue was hard. The week after my due date we went to the doctor 4 times, had my membranes stripped 4 times, and waited. We spent lots of time with my family to take our minds off of waiting for baby and it was such a great time. Honestly if laughing could put you into labor, I would have had Ford long before! Friday morning we had an appointment and I still hadn't progressed from 3cm and 75% effaced but was having some good contractions on the NST. The nurses told me to go walk for an hour or two and come back to be checked that afternoon. Operation walk the baby out started and we walked the neighborhood and every square inch of Costco. No progress. My doctor could sense how uncomfortable and ready I was and told me that she was on call all weekend and that I could come up at anytime for a "secret date" and she would break my water. The hospital was so busy and didn't have any induction dates until the 15th but there was no way I wanted to wait that long. We spent Saturday with family and prayed for direction on what to do. I didn't want to be in the position to choose when I had my son, I wanted it to happen on it's own but it just wasn't happening. Sunday morning we woke up and walked for an hour in our hilly neighborhood and timed contractions 4 minutes apart for an hour! This is when they tell you to go into the hospital so we did! I was able to shower, pack and relax before we left and I was incredibly excited. I was hooked up to the NST and unfortunately I wasn't in  active labor. We met with the doctor who said we could go ahead and admit me, start me on pitocin and get the show on the road. We were game! 








We settled into our L&D room I think about 2pm and started a low dose of pitocin (2). The doctor wanted to wait to see if Ford would drop a bit before breaking my water because he was still at a -2 station. I could feel the contractions a bit stronger but totally managed. My family came to hang out and I labored on the yoga ball pretty much the whole time. I wasn't progressing so they broke my water which was the weirdest sensation! They upped my pitocin and things got real. I think this was around 7pm because my family left to go get dinner. Contractions were coming on stronger and more frequent and I started to feel tons of pain. I held on as long as I could before asking for an epidural. I had labored for 5 hours on pitocin on my own which was enough for me. I went into labor knowing I wanted to have an epidural but wanted to experience some labor beforehand. I was ready to relax, possibly get some rest, and get some relief. I was 4cm dilated and 95% effaced. Before you are given an epidural, they pump you with 800ml of fluids so as I was being pumped full of the cold liquids, the anesthesiologist came in with the bad news. My blood platelet count was too low and I couldn't receive an epidural. I lost it. I remember shrieking, "so you're saying I am going to feel my son rip through my vagina? Like I am going to feel it all?!" Less than 2% of women have this gestational condition, Thrombocytopenia, and I was a part of that 2%. Pitocin contractions are so much more intense than naturally occurring contractions and I was devastated knowing there wasn't a way to alleviate the pain. I was hysterical for a few minutes and finally calmed down knowing crying and questioning wouldn't fix the situation. I had been healthy my entire pregnancy and never showed signs of high blood counts (doctor said it was gestational and my counts are down so nothing to worry about now). Getting an epidural increased my chances of a blood clot which is deadly and dangerous. There was no way we would risk it. Jon and I were alone and he prayed over me, asking God for guidance in this scary situation and for us to stay calm and embrace the incredible thing that was about to happen. I was given stadol through an IV to attempt to take some pain away and honestly it did nothing but mess with my mind (I do NOT recommend that drug at all but I was willing to try anything at that point). I've never been on drugs but I imagine this is what it would be like. My physical pain was intensified but my mind was far far away. Contractions were coming a minute apart and my whole body would shake in pain. I honestly felt like I was about to lose the battle of life and cried out in pain. I start crying thinking about the pain and looking through pictures, I am so glad we documented it but it just kills me to see everyone around me watching me in pain. The doctor checked me around 11pm and I had made no progress. 9 hours of intense pitocin and I was still stuck at 4 cm dilated. This is when I looked at Jon and said I needed to get the baby out, I needed a C-section. It was such an out of body experience. With tear filled eyes Jon told me he had been waiting for me to ask. And within 20 minutes, my son was born.









Unfortunately I couldn't be put under "normal" C section anesthesia (spinal block) because of my low blood platelets and had to have a full on surgery meaning Jon couldn't be in the room with me. We knew this would be the case if we went for a C section so I had already cried those tears but it was such a blessing. I remember being moved from the hospital bed to the surgical table in the bright, cold, OR, having a contraction, being tied down and crying out in pain clinging to the anesthesiologists' arm. And then I went to sleep. They held off on anesthesia until right before the cut as to not pass on drugs to the baby. Of course I was sad Jon wasn't able to see our son being born but this is our story and there was nothing we could do about it. 

Jon and my family waited anxiously outside the OR and met Ford at just minutes old. We got the whole meeting on film, another thing that wouldn't have normally happened so it was a God thing. The nurses came out and told Jon he was pink, crying, and already peed on 2 nurses! Ford was even opening up his eyes within his first minutes. Proud daddy got to wheel him to the nursery for a bath and my family watched through the glass. I am so lucky they documented it for me!






I got to meet Ford about a few hours after he was born and I was able to wake up from the drugs. I was still woozy from the surgery but got to breastfeed him right away. Jon was with me the whole time and my family took turns coming in as I recovered. They told me I kept asking, "do you think he's cute? Does Dr. Wang thing he's cute? Does Ernie think he's cute?". Well that's a no brainer!






We settled in to our postpartum room and the rest of the night was a blur. I remember the doctor coming in and telling me what a great job I did and also that she highly doubted I would have been able to birth Ford vaginally since he was so large. Again, God redeems. I think how hard it would have been to have gotten the epidural, labored another 24 hours then to have a C section. Was it the birth I always dreamed of? No. It was the most emotional, painful, thrilling, amazing day of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat for sweet Ford Nehemiah.

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68 comments:

P!nky said...

WOW! What a story! Beautiful pictures of your husband and baby!

Congrats again!

Garren and Larissa Allred said...

Oh you sweet girl! I am glad everyone e is safe, happy and healthy. You are a truly beautiful family inside and out. Thank you for being willing to share this story!

Danielle said...

Your birth story is still beautiful! As long as baby and momma are healthy than it's a huge success! I love the look on Jon's face looking at baby Ford! So stinkin' cute! And I'm amazing with how beautiful you look in all these photos! I'm hoping mine turn our similar ;)

Thank you for sharing your story! It's so good to hear that things don't have to go as planned yet can still work out perfectly. God is in control and I'm sure Ford's birth story is exactly how it was meant to be.

Congrats, Momma!

Sarah said...

crying mama over here!!! the pitocin contractions are so horrible :( yowza. I hope you are recovering well! the c section kicked my butt. so so happy for you ruthie! he is beautiful as ever!

Susan said...

So sweet Ruthie, and I loved the video......thank you for sharing that with us!! You know when I was born my mom had to be put out like you were for a c-section and it was always special for my dad that he got to be the first one to hold me and have that special time with me. I was actually Ford's exact weight and height too, I was a big girl....lol!

Amanda said...

What a beautiful birth story, brought me to tears. God is so good and Ford is perfect! Can't wait to hug you and Ford this week hopefully! Even w the pain of labor, you sure did look gorgeous, little mama! :)

Candice Williams said...

You do what you have to do right?! Everyone has a birth plan and the best thing I was ever told was not to expect things to go according to your plan. I am so happy for you and happy that y'all are safe and sound now! Way to go mommy!

Christelle said...

Wow what a birth story! So glad you and baby Ford came through the process safely and that you and Jon are now enjoying that precious blessing!

Brandi Barrera said...

I couldn't help but cry when I read your story! It is wonderful and you are SO brave!! Ford is so lucky to have a strong mom like you :-)

Perfectly Jenn said...

You are a beautiful inspiration!! Congratulations again Ruthie!

Unknown said...

I got chill bumps reading your lovely story. It's funny how we picture things a certain way and God says actually I planned it out a little differently. Yall both made some incredible hard decisions but came through with a beautiful baby boy. Thanks so much for sharing this story of Ford.

Melissa said...

Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with us. I'm a first time mama-to-be, and I am so thankful that women like you share their stories. I know nothing can prepare you for the actual experience, but it is comforting to see how babies all enter this world in different ways.

Katie F said...

Beautiful story! Congrats mama. C sections are hard and scary. I've had two. One an emergency and one planned. Hope your recovery is going well. I never wanted my
First c section but at the end of the day all that mattered was a safe and healthy baby. Ford is beautiful

Pamela said...

The pictures of you seeing him for the first time are SO sweet!

Ashley @ The Sweet Life said...

Thank you for sharing!! Ford is beautiful, and so is your little family :)

Tara said...

Your pictures and story are incredible. Thank you for sharing, Ruthie! Birth doesn't always go the way we hope but you're right, our little angels are so worth it. I admire your faith in God's plan and will.

Carolyn said...

Ruthie. I'm crying at my desk. Such an amazing story! I'm so glad that Ford is here and is such a big and healthy boy! That video is seriously amazing! It gave me goosebumps! Seriously. BAH. This definitely didn't help my "I want my baby here" feelings! HAHA Congratulations sweet friend!! :) I'm sending so much love from Minnesota!

Kelsey Eaton said...

This is so sweet. I'm sorry it wasn't the ideal birth story but remember a week or so before the birth when we were talking about how important it was to go in having an open mind? You did it! I'm so proud of you!! So happy that you are both well and happy. Oh and I can't help but giggle at the picture of Jon covering you up while you are feeding. What a good husband!

Heather said...

What a beautiful birth story! Thank you for sharing.

And I may not be Ernie, but I think Ford's cute! ;)

Angela W. said...

I'm sitting here at work crying! Such a beautiful story..thanks for sharing with all of us. The video is precious, too. He's definitely got a set of lungs on him. Congrats!

Megan C said...

Such a well written story! The pictures were amazing and that is a great thing you were able to have all that documented.

Amy said...

Thanks for sharing your story. I pictured a very different delivery with my son as well. I ended up having to have a c-section after 20 hours of labor because they finally realized he was sunny side up and I wasn't progressing as I should have been. I did not want to have to have a c-section and was really scared, but it all worked out and we have a very happy and healthy boy! Ford is adorable and you have some wonderful pictures from his birthday!! Congrats!

Jane {In The Pink & Green} said...

Thank you so much for sharing your story Ruthie! I have loved all your updates throughout your pregnancy and I think that your positive attitude and just really acknowledging that God is in control has been such a powerful witness! I know that this was probably not how you envisioned things going but now that your sweet boy is here I know that it's all worth it! Also, I think it's so awesome the photos you got during the experience, they really help capture the day! Congrats again to your little family! :)

Bridget said...

Bring on the waterworks!!! What a beautiful birth story! So glad Ford is here and he is a perfect, healthy baby boy! It's crazy how it all works out...but that's what make each and every person unique and each and every story different. It seems to never go as what you would like..but the most important thing about it all is that he's healthy and you made it through it all. Enjoy your time with your adorable lil' family!!!

Olivia said...

Maybe not what you planned or hoped for, but so beautiful all the same. How awesome of your family to document so well!!! He is so precious, congratulations again!

Anonymous said...

Aw! I'm so sorry you didn't get the birth experience you had expected, but so thankful he's here and safe, and that you all are well! It's also such a joy to hear breastfeeding is going well! Both of my boys were c-sections (but both were scheduled), and the "mistake" I made with Ethan was that I didn't get to nurse him right away. With Gabe, I made SURE I was able to have that alone time with him so we could have this nursing experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Ford is adorable. Congratulations, Harts!

Bri said...

Ok...totally have happy tears filling my eyes right now...Sorry it was rough there for a bit, but you are so amazing...and you two made one handsome baby boy! This is one beautiful birth story..the pictures are incredible and filled with your joy. :)

Katie said...

Beautiful, Ruthie!So glad you wrote this. You are so strong and Ford is absolutely darling. Love seeing his little pics!!

Mel said...

It never goes the way we imagine it will...we forget that He has a plan for us.

Out of all those pictures, my favourite are those of Jon sitting so close to you while you lay in the bed. Just goes to show you that even though you are the one who carries the baby, and goes through the physical labour, it makes such a difference to have a partner to help you through the emotional part as well.

Thank you for sharing :)

Claire Beeks said...

How beautiful a birth story, my dear Ruthie. Your marriage is such a breath of fresh air for me who hopes to model a Christ-centered marriage when God chooses it to be "my time". I am proud to call you family, proud to call you friend! All of the happiness in the world to you, Jon and Ford <3

Jessica said...

what a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing!

Travis Tank said...

Oh Ruthie, I just about lost it reading your story...that must have been such a hard decision to make! It is such a testament to your faith in letting God be in control! I held back the tears reading but then lost it watching the video...so sweet. Now I will have to hound Travis about putting ours together ;)

Unknown said...

A beautiful story! xo

Eileen said...

Congratulations Jon and Ruthie! Ford is adorable!

Eileen

Lisa @ MMT said...

Thanks for sharing your story! Neither of my births were ideal either, but all that matters in the end is our little ones, so so grateful for them :) congrats again! Ford is so precious!

Sara Hinton said...

Ruthie--I cried watching Jon see him for the first time. If I'm like this watching your video, I can't even imagine how it will be when I watch Luke meet our first baby! What a beautiful story and perfect little family you have. Many blessings to you guys in this precious time! -Sara

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your birth story Ruthie! It is a true testament of faith and bravery.
Ford is beautiful :)

Shio Waline said...

Ruthie, your baby is just perfect!! I was overwhelmed reading his birth story & watching the video! I remember all too well those feelings of pain, and feeling helpless. But in the end, holding your child is what makes it all worth it! I am so happy for you and your beautiful family and that you are all healthy and well!! I do hope you have a speedy recovery!! And thanks so much for sharing your story!! Blessings to you!!

xo,
Shio

Celeste said...

Ruthie, you already know how adorable I think Ford is so I won't gush over that, but I want to say thank you for sharing your story! I had to have a c-section with Grayson, and four months later I am still struggling with feelings of failure and, if I'm being completely honest, anger that I didn't get the beautiful birth I wanted. Somehow, reading Ford's story and seeing how easily you accepted the challenges encourages me and makes me see that I need to let go of that "perfect" birth I didn't get. I hope you're enjoying every moment with that sweet boy :)

aubrey kinch said...

Oh, Ruthie.
Congratulations on your sweet baby boy. I can only imagine the kind of roller coaster it must have been during labor and changing things up but God had you right in His hands making sure all would be okay. What a blessing baby Ford is!

Can't wait to watch his journey growing.

HUGS!

Tausha Wierlo said...

OH MY GOSH RUTHIE!!

Seriously, I joke about how attractive your smoking hot hubby is, but seriously - he has such a beautiful aura around him when he is looking at Ford. I seriously have tears streaming down my face. It is incredible to see the look on his face as a new father.

Your story is BEAUTIFUL & PERFECT. Ford is here and healthy & I am So SO SO proud of you.

You go momma.

Unknown said...

Ruthie, what an amazing birth story! Thank you so much for sharing it!! I'm so happy for you and Jon! You are one tough cookie and Ford is gorgeous!! : ) I loved watching your birth video--Ford's little cries were soooooo cute!! : )

Anonymous said...

I literally cried in the video when Jon got to meet him. ::pregnancy hormones:: Just thinking about the moment when you finally get to see this little person for the first time is so exciting! Especially when I think of Ryan meeting her. I am so happy for you and am really glad you shared your story. God has a perfect plan for everything and this was exactly the way that Ford was supposed to arrive! Much love mama!

Jessica said...

Beautiful story! & amazing to watch Jon meet his son for the first time!! Glad everyone is healthy & happy now!! & the video was amazing "Hey Ladies" I couldnt help but laugh. Your story was so touching - It made me cry!! Cant wait to watch you grow with motherhood and I know you & Jon will be amazing parents!

Aubrey Heki said...

I stumbled on your blog and have followed it from when you were about 20 weeks-- thank you for posting your story! I also have a birth story I didn't expect...and I agree that it *is* tough to process what happened. But you did a fabulous job with the whole process and I love your attitude throughout the whole pregnancy up through delivery.

Amira said...

Oh.my.gosh. I just watched the video and got so choked up. It is PRICELESS that you have your husband and family's reactions to first meeting Ford. Also, could you be any prettier after waking up from surgery? Seriously. Get out.

And girl, I did labor for 15 hours, and push for 3 hours only to be told I needed a c-section, so I promise you the way it worked out for you was for the best!

I'm so happy for your beautiful family!

Wendi Nunnery said...

Those sweet baby cries made ME cry! But I'm pregnant, too, so I'm just jealous because I can't wait to hear my little girl. Congrats to you! He is such a handsome little boy. And thank you for sharing your birth story!

C Mae said...

Ford had the sweetest little cry I've ever heard a newborn have! Melted my heart! So precious! I am so glad everything worked out as it was supposed to! :) (according to "God's" plan anyway :)

Lindsay @ Pursuit of Pink said...

Oh Ruthie!!! You are so strong lady. Ford is one lucky little guy to have such an amazing mommy. I'm so happy you both are doing great. XOXO

Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats said...

Thank you so much for sharing! He's so perfect! Your story made me tear up, but then giggle when I got to the picture of Jon's covering your boob. Such a gentleman. :)

jessi bridges said...

Oh my gosh Ruthie, I am crying over here. Absolutely heartbroken over your experience, that you weren't even able to see him for an hour! That things when totally unexpected. But so overjoyed that he is here and healthy (and breastfeeding!) and absolutely beautiful!!! God will heal you over time. I can say that from experiencing a birth story I once hated, but not from experiencing a c-section. But I have several friends who were deeply wounded by their c-sections and the Lord has completely redeemed them and their stories. He is faithful. I'm praying for you sweet sister.

Heather Leigh_A beautiful ministry said...

Oh my goodness girl, such a beautiful birth story. My heart just goes out to you here as a mama!

And that last picture of you Kissing sweet ford.. Priceless <3

Dana said...

Babies have a way of changing your plans and doing things their own way. So glad Ford arrived safely and that you both are healthy! May the Lord continue to bless your new family. :)

Debbie Spell said...

I'm so very sorry for all your pain. I had tears welling up thinking about the pain we've all gone through and what you had to experience. My c-section saved Zachary's life and I know that every experience I had was in God's plan. Just as He had your family's plan in His hands. So glad that is in your past and now you can dream of his future with you and Jon. Ford is a blessing and I'm so happy for you both. Congratulations!

keri said...

Congrats Ruthie. Long time reader, infrequent commenter. My 2nd daughter was also born via c-section (Same weight as your son!) b/c she was breech. It was totally not the birth we had planned. If it makes you feel any better, I had "normal" csection anesthesia and I still cant remember most of the day - - I was so nauseous from the drugs and 8 years later often ask my husband "when did I hold her" b/c I really cant remember much..While not what I had planned, we are blessed

Blessings to your family.
Keri

Unknown said...

I am so sorry you had to go through so much pain, you made great decisions and took charge of your labor !! What cute pictures of your family and how proud and in love with your baby you both look !! He is sure a handsome little guy and the best job of your life just started !! Being a parent is the best job there is and so full of reward and joy !!
God bless you all and I am so happy for your sweet family !!!

Krista said...

Neither of my birth stories were what I would have hoped for but alas they do become OUR stories, and it is so worth sharing! I'm sorry to hear of the pain you were in but so glad it all worked out and that the hospital staff was able to care for you. I love that your family made sure to document so much for you, it is such a blessing to be able to go back and relive that most amazing of all days :)

KRISTIN said...

Wow, that video brought tears to my eyes. So special that you have that and those amazing photos. I think it's kind of inevitable that the birth our first baby is not what we planned or expected but you did an incredible job and got him here safe and sound! I'm glad you decided to share. :)

Anonymous said...

Brought a tear to my eye. My August c section baby turned 14 yesterday and started high school today. Enjoy!

Sarah @ The Not Quite Military Wife said...

I totally cried all the way through this, beautiful story!

still being [molly] said...

this is beautiful, ruthie. this is SO similar to my birth story with our Lilly... i'm hoping to write it and share it this week. so amazing how the Lord redeems even in the toughest of situations.

Pandorah's Box said...

Awwww Ruthie....this post (and video) brought tears to my eyes!! So sweet.

And you are so strong!! xoxox

Lauren said...

I just got a chance to read this! I swear births never happen how you imagine them - even the simplest ones. This is a story you will have forever and it is unique and worth the rollercoaster ride to get where you are now. I am so glad everyone is healthy and well, and sometimes modern medicine is part of God's plan :) I labored for 36 hrs to get to 10cm and still had a csection, seriously you just never know and I'm with you on the drugs they made the labor so much worse. Having been through 2 csections now, I am totally at peace with the process, and we laugh and say God just blessed our kids with perfectly round heads from their first moment on Earth. One upside to a csection right? Photo ready! ;)

Alex @ The Munday's said...

What a beautiful story.
It's crazy because before I had my daughter, i watched a thousand birth stories on TLC and thought my own birth plan. I didn't want an epidural, I didn't want a C-section or Pitocin, and I really wanted a water birth. BUT I also decided that if none of that worked out, I wanted her here in the safest way possible. I didn't get to have a water birth, and I did have an epidural and Pitocin(the Pitocin does make the contractions SO much worse)but I got to have her vaginally and I was thankful for that.
I'm not sure I would have held off as long as you did without the epidural, I felt like I was going to combust way before that. You are such a rockstar and Ford will know how much love you have for him by the decisions you made when it came to his safe delivery.
Also, HOW in the world did you manage to look that good?! I didn't allow any pictures, but so wish I would have. Next time I will definitely document the birth story.

Confessions of a Northern Belle said...

Ah I sobbed through this whole story! I am so glad that you wrote this. I know it is something that must have been hard to put into words, but you sharing it with all of us means so much. I am pregnant and have started daydreaming about what Annabelle's birth will be like, so these stories just warm my heart.

Long and Schwartz of it said...

I am glad that it worked out okay for you.... But this is the perfect example of how one intervention leads to another. We try to push God's hand at labor and delivery, then often times have a more traumatic outcome than may have happened had we let things progress at their natural pace.

http://vancouverdoula.blogspot.com/2013/05/cascade-of-interventions-in-first-time.html

Unknown said...

Tears for you. I am so sorry your doctors did all those interventions putting you in that position. As a childbirth educator it makes me so upset some doctors do not practice by the updated evidence for childbirth. You should not have been put in that situation, you are such a strong mama for going thought that! Next time get a new doctor who precut ices evidenced based medicine. Once a c-section fedoras not mean always a c-section. You deserve better and god should be I control of you and your babies birth day not a shotty doctor. There are really great doctors out there you just have to find them!

Katie said...

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Brought tears to my eyes as I remembered my own hope for a vaginal birth but ended up with a c section as well. There's such mixed emotions as I was frustrated we couldn't do it naturally but also so very thankful to have two healthy babies. Just a reminder that Gods plans are not our own all the time but it's his perfect plan for our life

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