Presley's Birth Story

I had my 38 week checkup on the morning of November 22. My doctor said I was 2cm dilated, 80% effaced and had quite a bit of bloody show so she offered to do an stretch and sweep to see if that would speed things along. I agreed and as a result had cramping much of the day but no actual contractions.

At 8pm I had my first real contraction and started timing them. They were around 11-13 minutes apart and fairly regular. At around 10pm I decided they were the real thing and started making some calls so we could have care for Samara while we were at the hospital. Our Uncle Brian's mom lives in Lethbridge and was so sweet to hop in her car in the middle of the night during a blizzard. By 1130 they were around 5-6 minutes apart so we went in to get checked. I was only 3cm at this point so they gave me a shot of Demerol and Gravol and sent me home to try and sleep.

By the time we were leaving the hospital, my contractions were around 3-4 minutes apart and Shawn was wondering if we should even be leaving. I was so groggy from the medication that I just wanted my bed so we went home and I would sleep in between contractions. The pain got too intense for me and I was worried about waking Samara so off we went back to the hospital at around 230am.

I didn't think I'd be much further along as Samara took 45 hours to get out but I hoped I could be admitted and get an epidural so that I could sleep and rest up for active labour. When we got to the hospital, contractions were 2-3 minutes apart. I was checked and was already at 8cm and they quickly got me to the delivery room.

Unfortunately for my plan, it was too late for an epidural. As soon as I heard 8cm, my stomach just dropped because I knew right away my big plan of having an epi as soon as it was offered this time around had just been blasted! My doctor broke my water and soon after I was pushing.

After an hour of pushing (and the most incredible/hideous/horrendous/outstanding/shocking pain ever due to back labour and NO pain medication), Presley was born. She is absolutely amazing and we are over the moon in love with her!

Interested in seeing just how different this labour was than with Samara? Head here!