Arya's Birth Story

Actually this should start as a post about going to my last doctor appointment and non-stress test. But as it went with Belladonna so it goes for Arya! The plan was I had a non-stress test scheduled for 3:10 and then a doctor appointment at 3:40. We decided (thankfully!) that we would treat this as a dry run for the morning induction. So we put all the bags in the car and everyone went with me.

The girls and Gaga waited in the waiting room and Brad and I went in for the non-stress test. Which is basically me laying on a bed with the monitor on and we wait. Pretty boring but it's nice to hear the heartbeat. Brad at one point said "I'm just glad you're not having her tonight so we can get one more night sleep." he had been struggling with a bad cold and wasn't feeling well.. was even wearing a mask while we were there. Well I knew right then that somehow we would end up being induced that night.

At one point during the test I noticed the baby's heart rate dropped to 105 and then a few seconds later went right back up to 154. I mentioned it to Brad but we aren't doctors and didn't know what it meant if anything. So after the test was over we to see Dr. Johannsen. We saw her in the hall and she looked at the printout of the test and noticed the anomaly. We went in and she examined me and I'm almost 4 centimeters. She said she can't really send me away with that anomaly and that it won me a trip to triage. She said the doctor on call would monitor the baby for an hour and check the fluid levels and we would go from there. If all was well we'd go home and come back in the morning as planned. Otherwise we could just go for it tonight. I asked what could cause the anomaly and she said it could be a contraction pinched the cord for a moment, it could be the cord is in a bad place, or it could mean that the fluid was too low or the placenta was pooping out.

Brad went out to tell the family what was going on as I got dressed and waited for the doctor to print out a copy of the test for me to take over to triage. We then loaded into the van and headed over to the main hospital. We got there and Brad and I went into triage while the family waited in the waiting room. Took awhile for them to get the monitors going on me. While I waited I texted Belle and grossed her out by telling her I was "Porky Piggying it being naked from the waste down. :) And texted my mom to see how Moya was doing. Moya was greeting everyone and got to see pictures of a new baby boy who's daddy was happy to show Moya. :)

Once the nurses got me hooked up we could see there but once we did we could see right away a few more little anomalies. Nothing as big but they were there. The doctor came to see us a little bit later. Her name was Ana Torvie. She seemed very nice and we instantly felt confidant in her. She gave us some options. She said that if we really wanted to wait till the morning we could keep monitoring for a bit, do an ultrasound and see how things looked. But otherwise she saw no reason to wait till morning since we were talking a matter of 12 hours. And that she preferred not to send women home when the baby is showing these little anomalies. She said if I were at 37 or fewer weeks then that'd be one thing but that at this point right now she can tell the baby is fine and she would hate for that to change by morning. She said she spoke with Johannsen and the only reason she had for wanting to wait to morning was just selfishly wanting to be the one to delivery me. :) So we agreed that it was safer to go ahead and have the baby tonight.

Brad went out to tell the girls. Moya apparently freaked out excited. Meanwhile they just had me wrap the blanket around myself and brought me a wheelchair. We then headed to our delivery room. Which to our joy and surprise was room 555!!! The same room Belladonna was born in! They got me in a gown and hooked up to the IV and had me do all the paperwork. Brad and the girls came in and then went out to get bags from the car and to find the girls some dinner. Once back I got big ole hugs from my girls. Moya was bouncing off the walls. I was able to order some food too as I hadn't eaten and didn't want to go through labor without some food. (chicken and mashed potatoes and salad if anyone is curious). :)

The doctor said I could either start petocin or she could break my water. I opted to start with pitocin so I would have time to eat. Awhile later the doctor came back and broke my water. My contractions were still ok. Getting stronger but still ok. But I started feeling them stronger in my low back. So the nurse, Kate brought me a ball to sit on and bend over and bounce on to try and get baby to roll over some so she wouldn't be pressing on my back as much. This helped some, as did having the girls and Brad press on my back. Kate then suggested I could get in the bath. This sounded like a great idea as the contractions where getting stronger and closer.

I got in the bath and was in there for about 5 to 10 minutes. It was helping the pain but it was getting really hard. I had said I wanted to avoid an epidural since I'd had one with my other two and wanted to see if I could do it without. Brad thought I was nuts and had kept suggesting I get one. He just didn't like seeing me hurt. Well finally I said okay I'll get one. So we started to get me out of the bath and just the process of standing up changed everything! I was suddenly wanting to push and it hurt... a LOT! The nurse called for the doctor who apparently she told to hurry because she said she sprinted to my room. Good thing too because by the time I made it to the bed I was like completely ready to push. I asked about the epidural but knew the answer... to late!

From here on it is a bit of a blur as I have to say I now know what the phrase "blinding pain" means. I know Brad and Belle were on my left side holding my hand and Belle held my leg at one point. I remember pushing and feeling like it was going to break my tailbone. The doctor gave me a few local shots to help but I can't tell if they did anything or not to be honest. I didn't have time to even get a mirror to see but honestly don't know if I would have been able too. Moya and my mom stood in the corner but more in front then she and Belle had. I was so worried Moya would freak out, especially since I was vocally saying I was scared and that it hurt. I tried at one point to reassure Moya but didn't need too. She was cheering me and Arya on the entire time. Moya did amazing and I was so proud of her strength and fearlessness. And kudos to Gaga for being able to hold on to her. :)

And then there is Belle who was as close as any nurse to the action. She held my leg and watched the entire thing. She was brave beyond her years.  I gave a final push and next thing I know they're placing this beautiful screaming baby on my stomach. I remember looking down and seeing her little body all yucky and cute and full head of hair. :) Watching the video later my mom took Belle then stepped away and covered her mouth in what could only be about a million different emotions. She then asked if she could cut the cord and Brad let her. I don't think there are words to describe the emotions of that for me, or for her too I imagine. So proud of her.

And there was Arya... finally here. Crying more then her sisters did at birth which was good to hear as I knew her lungs worked. It was so surreal seeing her. So beautiful and tiny. :) Yes tiny! Way smaller then I thought she would be. Which is funny to say because she was still bigger then most babies. They didn't weigh her right away. I got to hold her skin to skin for a solid hour first. Which drove poor Moya nuts. Poor Belle had to step out of the room for a few minutes. She called aunt Linda and then had to go throw up. It was just a lot for a 13 year old to deal with. But she was awesome.

While I held her they stitched me up... which hurt like hell. Gave me some pain meds via the IV.

They finally took Arya and weighed and measured her. 8 pounds 13.8 ounces, 20 inches long. So heavier then Belle was but shorter then her. And obviously smaller then Moya. Her hair was obviously blonde and she looks SO much like Belle did at birth it's uncanny. Eyes of course we can't tell yet what color they will be.

Brad got to hold her and then Gaga and Moya did. I cried listening to Moya tell Arya all the things she was going to teach her and Moya bless her heart was tearing up too.

Belle came back in the room soon after and got to hold her too. Belle still overwhelmed with it all just held and rocked her.

The entire labor was a little over 3 hours. The induction was started a little before 6pm and she was born at 9:50pm.

Awhile later they started to get us ready to move to our recovery room. Brad helped take the stuff down to the car for the girls who would be going home for the night. We got settled in our room and the girls came and gave me kisses goodbye. So hard to say goodbye to them but wasn't possible for them to stay with us. Small room and hospital policy was only one family member could stay with me.

The nurse I had that night was Yollie and she was good at helping me get to the bathroom and checking on my bleeding and even changed the first diapers for us. Arya pooped that night a few times which was good to get that meconium out.

The next day Moya and Belle and Gaga came to visit. Moya didn't like that Arya hadn't had a bath yet. The "goop" in her hair was bothering her. :) So our nurse's assistant came in and gave her a wash.

We stayed in the hospital until Friday morning. Gaga and Moya and Belle came and we took our new little surprise home. I never thought I'd have another baby but now I can't imagine her not being here. I love you Arya Furiosa Leah Hardman. Welcome home.