Luca's Birth Story (Part I)

I have a lot of catching up to do.

I left off with sharing the news that I was having another little boy.  I'd like to tell the story of that little boy came to be in my arms.  After I share his story, I will post a photographic recap of his first year and we will pick up all of our new adventures from there.

Luca Blaise has always wanted us to know that he doesn't ever want to be in anyone's shadow.  Starting with his birth.

Throughout my entire pregnancy, I was measuring far ahead.  Mind you, I'm well aware that I had some pounds to lose when I got pregnant, but it was ridiculous how far ahead I was measuring.  Six weeks to be exact.  I was tested for gestational diabetes twice- both times passed with flying colors.  I had several extra ultrasounds in my third trimester and the doctor predicted a BIG baby.

The week before my due date, the ultrasound revealed predictions that he was currently 9lb 13oz.  My OB expressed concerns that if he got too big, shoulder dystocia (where the head enters the birth canal but the shoulders are too big and broad to get through, thus creating a dangerous situation for baby) told us we could :

1. Schedule a C-section for 39 weeks.
2. Schedule an induction for 39 weeks.
3. Let things happen on their own but know that if we wait until I go on my own at say, 41 weeks, shoulder dystocia could be a very real fear and I would more than likely need a c-section.

Those were my choices.

At that appointment, I was two centimeters dialated and conditions seemed favorable for an induction.  She stripped my membranes (OW!) and sent me on my way, with an induction scheduled for that Monday when I would be 39 weeks 2 days.

Throughout the weekend, I was constantly having big contractions and just when they would start to develop into a consistent pattern, they would time out.  I was dreading an induction in a big way.  Anyone that knows me, knows that I would like everything to happen on its own.  I was overwhelmed with the constant question of Is this the right decision?

The night before my induction, I was so emotional.  Another downside to scheduling a birth, you have time to dwell on the what-ifs and watch the clock tick by, knowing precisely when things will be happening.  With a spontaneous birth, you don't have time to stew and worry.  I was in tears the evening before, giving Jude his last bath as an only child, his last story as an only child.   I was in such a state of anxiety about how a new baby in the family would affect my sweet boy.  I got little to no sleep and was a ball of nerves when I arrived at Bergan Mercy Labor and Delivery for my 7 am induction on November 21, 2011.