To everyone who has been asking about Teddy’s birth story, thanks for your patience. I like to let those things simmer a little while before I write about them (Clara’s took me almost a year thanks to all of the mixed emotions I had going on) but Teddy’s birth was a lot less scary and a lot more straightforward. Thank goodness! After going through such a traumatic first birth, nothing sounded better to me than a completely routine, scheduled, no-surprises-at-all delivery this time around – which it mostly was, for which I’m SO GRATEFUL. There were still a few surprises, but the primary challenge of this birth (and the whole pregnancy process) was fending off the worries, fear, and worst-case scenarios that my last experience had cemented so vividly in my head. In some ways, Teddy’s birthday was like the culmination of four years worth of emotions.
I had a scheduled C-section this time around, just due to the dangers of going into labor for myself and Teddy (that’s what triggered my placental abruption with Clara) so while it felt sort of weird to know his birthday ahead of time, it was the kind of information my brain embraced. I felt so out of control with Clara’s birth that I was happy to cling to any and all “constants” this time around.
April 16th was the day, and it came without any false (or real) labor scares beforehand. That alone was a huge blessing. We had to be at the hospital around 6:30 am, so we left Clara at home with the grandparents and off we went. It definitely felt weird to drive to the hospital without any contractions (on my way there with Clara I had been in a lot of pain). In some ways the calmness was nice (no pain is a good thing! who complains about no pain?!) but in other ways it gave space for the worries to start creeping in. The last time I was in the hospital having a baby, everything was fine… until it wasn’t. So that whole it-came-out-of-nowhere thing was lurking in my head.
When we got there, they were quick to get me into a gown and then came the IV. I joked with the lady that I have the worst veins ever and it usually takes a few tries. She smiled and gave it a go. Yup, that vein of mine wouldn’t cooperate. So it took three tries by three different people – the last one being an anesthesiologist who had to numb my hand before digging around to find the right spot. Apparently since I had been banned from eating or drinking that morning I was especially dehydrated, which made my usually-stubborn veins even harder to hit.
But the little IV challenge was good. It kept my mind busy so I wasn’t just laying there freaking out. There was a monitor on my belly the whole time, which was reassuring, and the anesthesiologist was hilarious so we were all just chatting and having a good time. We learned his daughter had just slept through the night for the first time, so he said he was in a great mood and it was a going to be a great day. Before long it was time for the epidural, which meant that I would be wheeled alone into the operating room and John could join me after it was in.
I know it sounds completely crazy, but John and I were separated during my emergency c-section for a little while (he was right outside the OR and I was inside) so as they wheeled me down the halls I had a nice little panic attack. It felt like my chest caved in and I couldn’t breathe. After I realized I actually could breathe I was mostly just embarrassed. “Get it together, this is an awesome day” I repeated in my head.
Once inside the operating room, they had me sit up and curl my back so they could get the epidural in. This is when the mood got a little lighter again, because just like my stubborn veins, apparently my spine was being stubborn, so it took a bunch of attempts to get it in correctly (at one point I felt something dripping down my back and asked if it was blood – turns out it was spinal fluid). That might sound gross to you, but I LOVE that stuff, so it once again kept my mind nice and busy (no way! spinal fluid?!). Soon enough the epidural was in, and I was laid down and lifted to the operating table. And then I looked up.
SAME ROOM. I was in the same room that I had been in when Clara came into the world not making a sound. I’d recognize that ceiling anywhere. I had stared at it for what felt like forever while willing Clara to cry. It hit me so hard. I later learned that John was outside making the same realization. Same hallway. Same door. Just standing there again, nervously wondering what was going on inside.
But as soon as they got me laid down on the table, John was allowed in. He grabbed my hand and everything was ok. Suddenly I felt a rush of excitement. We were going to meet our little boy! I might have squeezed John’s hand too hard, but he didn’t complain. I didn’t even know he took this picture (my eyes were squeezed shut a lot of the time) but I loved discovering it on his phone a few days later. He said we missed so many photos during the frenzy of Clara’s birth (we hardly have any at all) that he wanted to make up for it this time.
Maybe ten or fifteen minutes passed and the doctor said “he has so much hair!” and “he’s so big!” and “oh my gosh, his kicks are so strong!” I remember saying something like “why isn’t he crying?!” because that is literally all I wanted to hear, and she laughed and said “he’s still inside, I’m getting him out right now” and then he started wailing. It was amazing. I’m welling up just thinking about it. It was the greatest release. He was out! He was crying!
They brought him over to me to do skin to skin a few seconds later, which felt so good. He was just laying there breathing, occasionally opening his eyes just a sliver to peek at me.
John and I blinked back tears and studied him. He was so close to my face I could see every little hair and freckle. We had a good laugh over the tiny baby hairs on his shoulder. Our little werewolf, we joked. They took him over to get cleaned up, weighed, and measured and he started crying again. John and I were both still just laughing and crying. It was one of the best feelings ever.
There was some excessive bleeding on my end (apparently my uterus wouldn’t clamp down, so they had to give me a shot of pitocin to get it under control), but thankfully that worked and I didn’t need any blood transfusions or anything. After I was all stitched up, I got to nurse Teddy. I just laid there, soaking up every detail of his tiny face. I looked up and saw John’s eyes getting teary again. I know healthy babies come into the world every day, but it felt like a gigantic miracle to us.
After we were settled in our permanent room, we got to introduce him to John’s parents, my mom, and Clara. And just when I thought my heart couldn’t burst any more, seeing Clara gently pet his head and asking to climb into bed with me and Teddy – well, I almost can’t explain the euphoria. I am so grateful to the amazing people who helped us get both of our kids safely into the world and cared for me throughout this pregnancy.
As for my second c-section recovery, it seemed a lot easier this time. I had a lot more trauma/blood loss the first time, and even my incision was smaller this time around, so I was up moving around in the hospital by the next day (I even got a morning shower!) and was off pain pills by the time I was back at home. One tip to other c-section mommas out there is that I LOVED the abdominal binder the hospital provided after I had Clara (I brought it with me and used it again after Teddy). It’s this wide white band that you velcro around your waist and it just seems to hold everything together.
You know how it hurts to laugh or sneeze after a c-section, so you brace yourself against a pillow? Well, the abdominal binder is like constantly being braced, so those things don’t hurt as much. And instead of walking around all hunched over, it helped me stand up straight and move around with less pain (I wore mine until about four weeks postpartum). I assumed everyone got one, but when I mentioned it randomly on an instagram comment about a week after Teddy’s birth, I heard from so many moms who hadn’t heard of them so I wanted to pass that tip along in case it helps. I’m sure most hospitals have them if you ask, and it made such a difference for me both times.
Weird abdominal binder sidebar aside, I wanted to thank you guys so much for the love and support you shared throughout this pregnancy and during the birth.
I can’t explain how comforting it was to have your well wishes and support during such an emotion-filled time. Big wet kisses to all of you. Also, I think Teddy has a present in his diaper for you. Oh wait, that’s for John ;)
One more thing. How is my baby boy this big already?! INSANITY!
Staci says
Thank you for posting this. I’m due to be induced for my blood pressure this week at 37 weeks and due to some other complications the dr has mentioned the possibility of needing a c section. I’m scared of surgery but this is such a happy c section story that I’m realizing a c section isn’t the end of the world. Thank you!!
Jan says
Hooray for smooth sailing! And yes, that abdominal binder is the bomb. I had once after my (emergency) c-section nearly 19 years ago. Son was born in the same hospital where my grandmother had died, 65 years earlier, of postpartum complications after a stillbirth. Some of my friends were surprised that I wasn’t superstitious about giving birth there, but I said, “They owe us one.” And we had complications (umbilical cord around his neck twice, body once, *and* prolapsed!), hence the emergency c-section. But I firmly believe my grandmom was watching over us. All ended well, and he’s just started college O_O.
YoungHouseLove says
What an amazing story!
xo
s
Olivia says
Aww. I love reading birth stories so thank you for sharing Teddy’s with us. So happy things were much smoother this time around.
Stacy Weiland says
I just wanted to write to tell you that I appreciate you sharing this. It sounds very much like my second child’s birth. The first one was an emergency c-section and the second was planned. I was okay with planned. But then I also started to feel panicky and scared once the day arrived. I had bruises on my arm from being dehydrated as well and too many pokes for the IV. I am so happy that all went much smoother this time around for you. :)
Anne says
Congrats to your family! He is wonderful! As a mother-baby nurse, I am so thrilled every time I see a family add a sweet, new member to their family! The technical name for the velcro compression belt you talked about is called an abdominal binder! Just an FYI for any other moms who want to ask for one in the hospital :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Anne!
xo
s
Margo says
Every single hospital that does any kind of surgery will have abdominal binders. We use them on patients after all kinds of abdominal surgeries, not just c-sections. If they aren’t with the Ob/Gyns make sure to ask if there are any on the surgical floors :)
Betsy says
Ever since having my first a few months ago, I cry anytime I hear about or see a new baby. This was no exception. Beautiful recap and great pictures. Little munchkins are the biggest most amazing little miracles. Congrats!
katie says
Sweet boy! I had a scheduled c-section last September because my daughter was breech. It was a great day, but yes–so strange to schedule and know the day and hour I was going to meet her (and I’m a wimp and was more anxious about the IV than about anything else, so I had to skim right over that part of your story). I only just wrote her birth story 2 weeks ago–like you, it took me a while to process it and finally get it out. :) (http://thefledglingmatriarch.blogspot.com/2014/08/ingrid-birth-story.html)
Erika Torres says
It’s really hard not to tear up, even if I am in my cubicle at work. Thank you so much for sharing!
Sarah says
Thank you for sharing!! I myself had 2 c sections, and I had no idea of this band thing… too bad I’m done having kids… lol. Teddy is just a handsome little guy!!! And its hard to believe how fast he’s growing up already! That first year always seems to fly by rather quickly to me.
Caroline says
I actually had one of those belts. I had heard about it from friends and knew well enough to ask for it. It helped SO much, especially since I ended up with a NICU baby and did a fair amount of walking from my room to the nursery to see her. I’m glad you mentioned this, because not everyone knows about it!
Sapphira says
Such a beautiful story-and family. Definitely crying into my coffee right now. No shame. I’m so happy that Teddy’s birth was (mostly) uneventful and both kiddos are safe and sweet. Congrats!
Lauren says
This is so comforting to hear! I had an emergency c-section and complications with our son and as much as we want to have more children, I’ve been really nervous about it. I’m so glad your second birth experience was so much calmer and able to be completely full of joy without as much worry.
Robyn says
Oh my goodness I am sobbing SO HARD.
Allison says
I think I cried 4 times reading that! I’m 9 weeks pregnant with our first and after the long(over 3 years) and difficult journey to get and stay pregnant, I know I will feel as relieved and thankful as you do. It’s still surreal that it might finally happen for us. So happy for you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Congrats Allison! And best of luck with everything!
xo
s
Angela R says
Thanks for sharing I love birth stories! I had similar experiences with mine, the best and most scary days of our lives. I had an emergency c with my daughter, though everything turned out fine it was still a bit traumatic. I vbac’d with our son and while everything went to plan beautifully, he wouldn’t breath when he was born. They called a code on him and it seemed like everyone in the hospital was suddenly in the room, and all I was praying for was to hear him cry. Everything turned out fine, they said some babies are just stunned and take longer to breath but those moments were the scariest of my life.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad he was ok!
xo
s
Rosie says
I had two scheduled c sections after my first emergency section, and those scheduled ones are so much better… and easier to recover from. Glad it all went well. every baby is a miracle worth crying over.
Jeanna says
Thank you for sharing. Lots of healing and calming of fears going on :)
Cassie says
Such a sweet and happy story. Thank you for sharing! On a side note, I think it is completely adorable and fitting that your hospital room had a capiz framed mirror! They must have been expecting you!
John says
Thanks for sharing, got me teary eyed too.
Lauren says
So glad you had such an amazing experience this time around. I also had a crazy traumatic first birth with my daughter (clearly all worth it because she is amazing and worth every scar) – and if/when we get pregnant again I will DEFINITELY be doing the planned c-section route like you all chose. I can’t believe I didn’t get one of those amazing compression belts!! I feel so robbed! So happy for you all – both of those kiddos are the tops!!! Can’t wait until Teddy starts talking and you can add “Teddy and Clara Conversations” to the mix – oh the things that they will say to each other ;)
Becky B says
Thanks for sharing! I love reading :-) I appreciate how honest and real you and John seem.
I feel your pain with the bad veins! My husband and I just had our first baby in May, and it took 3 nurses 5 tries to get the IV in (happens every time I have blood drawn too).
Stardancer says
Congratulations all over again! I’m so glad this birth went so well. My husband and I have yet to make the actual move towards kids, but sometimes when I’m reading up on pregnancy (I, uh, can’t seem to stop myself) it really freaks me out. There are so many potential complications, ranging from uncomfortable to painful to life-threatening. It’s really great to read your story and know that it often really does turn out okay. In your case, really great, as evidenced by the photos! I love the one of Clara in your hospital bed with the big grins all around.
cappy says
Ahhh love his story!!! when I saw the picture of Clara sitting next to you in the hospital bed, I got a chuckle from the video you posted where she wanted you to move over! That was such a funny and precious moment!
Anamarie Rebori says
I loved reading your story and I’m so glad you and Teddy are happy and healthy!!
Amy E. says
this is one of those posts that make me all misty-eyed and i don’t care one bit! thank you so much for sharing the story of Teddy’s birth. i’m so glad it was such a healing and heart-warming experience for all of you! (you certainly have been through a lot and deserve at least that much!)! it’s helping relax my nerves and turn on the excitement about my boy’s arrival coming in September.
i can’t wait to hold my little boy skin to skin and let my daughter meet her baby brother.
seriously, i’m green with envy. just call me mama-hulk.
Randi says
Definitely made me tear up at work – Teddy is such a blessing to your family. Thanks for sharing!
On another note, I FINALLY ordered your book on Amazon and received it yesterday! My husband goes “I can’t believe you waited so long to buy that!”
Although he doesn’t read your blog religiously like I do, I caught him leafing through pages in the book last night haha
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Randi!
xo
s
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
Awwwww, I’m sitting here at working crying. So sweet, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Glad this time was less scary and that you had a better experience.
Vanessa says
I am tearing up like a crazy person at work reading this. I am so happy for your family. You are truly blessed with two happy healthy beautiful kids. I understand how you felt I had a premature baby with a traumatic pregnancy and delivery. She is now a healthy almost 8 year old but I think the fear has kept me from having any more. I am so glad everything went routine this time around for you. He is such a precious baby. Thanks for sharing.
Barb says
I know you haven’t always enjoyed my comments, but this one is truly heartfelt!!!
Your children are beautiful and seeing them grow up has been fun. Your kids look so adorable in that last picture…I hope you get that framed and hung in your house!!!
You have all had a great year and look what the future holds. New book, new children adventures, house extraordinare….who knows what else.
I saw this from my heart, I wish you all the best!
B.
Gabby (CookieCutterUnique) says
I just had my 3rd child in May, I too was really nervous. I was more nervous my third time around than I was with the other two. I had a post-partum hemorrhage after the first two and it was extremely scary. As much as you consider child birth a beautiful natural process, it’s still hard not to get a little (or a lot) worried something will go wrong. I’m so glad things went better the second time around; you’ve got some pretty babies
Amelia says
This story brought tears to my eyes and I am so glad Teddy’s birth story was peaceful & blessed. After all, he and Clara are what truly make your house a home!!!! Wishing you all a lifetime of happiness and health!!!!!!
Isabel says
A little teary-eyed over here and so happy for you that things went so well during Teddy’s birth. I can’t imagine what it must have been like anticipating that moment all the time you were pregnant. Teddy is absolutely adorable, but then again, he takes after his sister Clara :)
Jessika says
Beautiful story! I’m so happy it was better this time around. Our boy was due on 4/18, but didn’t make his appearance until 4/28. Can’t believe how big his is!!
Also, do all hospitals subscribe to the same catalogue that’s responsible for those blue-capped, handled, straw sippy cups? My husband deemed them “horribly ugly,” but I was happy to have my constant source of water. :)
Jessica says
I had the same vein problem the first and second time! Morning labors! They call them IV therapy here and that’s all they do is walk around the hospital giving pokes and sticks. I think we upset the nurse because it took so long. I even gave her a warning that I have bad veins. It ended up in my arm and I was sure to take a photo of all the bruises.
Birth stories are my favorite. I love how they are all different. I always tear up remembering the roller coaster of emotions and happiness at the end.
First cries are the best.
JenWoodhouse.com says
Thanks for sharing, Sherry! What a blessing! My two kiddos were born in the same room too. Congrats and much love!
Rsie S says
Awwww..what a sweet, sweet story and happy ending (well, really the beginning!). So wonderful to see your family healthy and happy!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Adorable! So glad Teddy’s birth was less traumatic! It’s so crazy going back to the baby stage after 4 years. Things just seem to fly by when you are juggling 2!
Meredith says
My mom was a labor & delivery nurse for 20 years, and she always said that 98% of the time, it’s the happiest place to work in the hospital, but the 2% of the time that it’s bad, it’s truly horrific. I think we tend to take for granted that we’re going to be part of the 98%, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a guarantee and that a healthy baby and mom is a miracle, every time. Congratulations on your beautiful, healthy children.
Cindy says
Thank you for sharing! I’m sitting in the customer service department of the car dealership waiting for my car to be serviced, and am reading this with tears streaming down my face. So happy for you all….lovely family.
Reece says
I could have a hundred babies and never get sick of birth stories or babies! Thanks for sharing. I had two babies that needed to be resuscitated at birth and it is so very scary…we are fortunate that both of those kiddos are doing well and have no effects. Every birthday my kids have me tell them their birth story and I remember all the details of what made each special. Congratulations again! Enjoy those darlings.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad they were ok! Clara loves asking me about “when I was a baby!”
xo
s
Reece says
I should have mentioned that I have nine children. Just as not to freak out moms that think one bad birth means more.
Molly G says
Thank you for sharing! A few happy tears to start my day! I wish so many blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Kate says
Thanks for sharing this, what a beautiful story! It really has put me at ease. I’m expecting our 2nd in December, and much like your story with Clara, my first delivery ended in an emergency c-section as well. Looking forward to a less-traumatic, drama-free delivery this time where hopefully I’ll enjoy what’s happening around me instead of all the stress and scary points.
Kaye Whorley says
I am so glad that you had an open attitude about having a repeat C-section. I was an OB nurse years ago and I cannot tell you of the number of people that think it is “not natural” and they take too many risks. You have two beautiful, healthy children and I know you appreciate them more than anyone could imagine after having such a scary experience with Clara. They are still special and having a C-section is so worth it to have a healthy child. Your story was beautifully written and I got teary reading it. I had my own birth issues and had my son 30 years ago on August 28th via C-section. I appreciated his life so much because it was like a miracle to have a healthy child, I am sure you feel that way about yours. Love your family and story, I live in RVA and always think I am going to run into you at a Target or something!
Britta says
They always have to dig around for my veins too. I think the record was one guys trying to get an IV in 17 times. My husband is training to be a nurse right now and thinks he is hot stuff, so I’m going to let him try this November with baby #4 since he’s thinking he can get it first try. That’s never happened before for me so we’ll see ;)
If you don’t mind me asking, how painful is it to get an epidural? Similar to the pain of getting an IV or worse? The thought of it has always kind of freaked me out…
YoungHouseLove says
For me an IV hurts a lot more than an epidural. I think there’s one initial pinch with the epidural for a numbing needle and then I didn’t feel anything (pain wise, but still felt touch/pressure, like that liquid I felt dripping down my back).
xo
s
Noelle McKaig says
Such a sweet story! I had to have an emergency c-section with my son in December and it was rushed and scary so I can’t wait to see how it goes when it’s calm and scheduled!
Angela N says
So happy for you guys. Glad the birth was eventfully uneventful. Clara looks like one very happy big sister! She has that same twinkle in her eye that my son gets when he looks at his little sister–complete pride and joy!
Ari says
I’m so happy that your stories have happy endings, and that this time around the experience was much more enjoyable! I had a very enjoyable pregnancy and delivery as well. I just pray for all the mamas out there who had to suffer and are worried right now while pregnant. I knew being a mom would change me, but I didn’t realize how reading about other people’s kids, even ones I don’t know personally, would have such an effect on me. Thanks for sharing your stories with us and your family too, and I’m looking forward to the rest of your adventures through the blog. Thanks guys!
Amy says
What a nice birth story after your scary experience with Clara! They are so adorable!
I have twins and one had a placental abruption. Luckily I was at the hospital already being checked in L&D because of weird contractions I had that day. So lucky to have made it to almost 37 weeks with them and that everything turned out ok! Makes you very grateful for your children but also sad for those parents who end up grieving instead of rejoicing.
Amanda says
Thank-you so much for sharing such an intimate slice of your lives. As someone who gave birth two weeks after you, I got weepy reading this and remembering my own crazy emotions. I’m so, so glad that Teddy’s birth was happy and safe.
Also, it’s kind of beautiful that your terrifying experience with Clara in that room came full circle with Teddy’s birth.