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!
Sally G says
So thankful you had a hugely less dramatic story this time! So happy for your family!
cc says
I had one of those belly binders a couple months before my son was born (and why would anyone know about them? They’re one of the many secrets of child birth you just have to experience, I guess). With the belly binder, I also had on a pair of men’s suspenders to keep my big maternity pants in check, just while we’re sharing secrets… Getting dressed toward the end was always so complicated, right down to only wearing slip-on shoes (couldn’t quite reach my feet). Anyway, I think I got the belly thing at Babies R Us, and it probably saved me a few stretch marks and a lot of uncomfortable moments. It was maybe a little warm in it, but I suppose it was also a little warm in everything else!
So glad you had a better experience this time around– there’s already enough to worry about on an ordinary day!
Amanda L. says
As someone who has struggled (and is still struggling) with infertility, I am fully on-board with EVERY baby being a miracle. When you know the intricacies, it’s amazing anyone ever gets pregnant :)
I’m so glad Teddy came into the world much more smoothly! Thank you for sharing the story.
Robin says
Thanks for sharing! I am due with our first baby (its a girl!) in 4 weeks and am very excited. I must say I think of you every time the birth class/baby books etc reference the scary parts that could go wrong in an emergency for birth. I’m glad it was a happy ending
Elise says
Those abdominal binders are great for after vaginal deliveries too! I didn’t use one with my first but did on reccommndation for my 2nd (born a week after Teddy!) and it felt SO good! You can buy them for only $15 on Amazon. Get a generic medical one, not a “pregnancy” one (they go for like $80 and are the same thing!)
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo
s
Christina says
Thank you for the tip! I am expecting twins, and hopeful I will be able to deliver them vaginally, but am preparing for c-section just in case. So I was going to ask Sherry if she knew the brand of hers, but I am glad I read through the comments because this is helpful.
I had a binder for my first pregnancy (vaginal), but I don’t think it’s designed for c-section recovery since it’s a exercise support band. (It didn’t breathe so it got really uncomfortable to wear..)
Emily says
It’s great that everything went so smoothly with Teddy! He always looks so healthy and happy in your photos of him.
My second kid was also a planned C-section. She was really big (almost 11 lbs!), and I remember the doctors laughing during the c-section because the umbilical cord was so fat! It made me kinda mad at the time but now I laugh about it.
Kimberly says
I’m trying not to cry at my desk…so I’ll just say congratulations, thank you for sharing…not just this story, but so much of your lives and happiness. It’s wonderful.
Karin says
How random that I dreamed about you guys last night and some weird woman was trying to claim being the mother of Teddy and I was there helping to fight her off. LOL
Beautiful birth story. Thank you for sharing!!!
Cathy says
What a nice story! It’s so nice to hear that your second experience allowed you to enjoy the process more so this time around.
I’m due in nine weeks, and your story made me just that much more excited to meet yet another love of my life!
Karoline says
Love this story and SO glad to hear that everything went so smoothly this time around! I also have a picture from just after my younger daughter was born of the first moment when her big sister came in to meet her, and the three of us were together for the first time. One of the happiest moments of my entire life. All the best to you and your beautiful family!
Allison says
I love reading stories like this! My uterus didn’t feel like contracting anymore a week after my daughter was born and didn’t make for a fun experience with a trip back to the hospital, blood transfusions and all.. She just turned one and I am just now getting over it and looking forward to having another child someday. This post makes me a little less fearful :)
Kate says
This post has me in tears, happy tears – so happy for you all. Thank you so much for being so truly honest in everything you write. Especially these stories – so personal and difficult to write I am sure. I can’t tell you how much we all (your readers) appreciate your honesty and willingness to share, as well as how truly HAPPY we all are for your family of 5! (I’m not leaving Burger out!)
Jeannette says
one of the — if not THE — major themes of your odyssey here is stepping up to bat. even when you have experience that makes it as difficult as experience can get. your account of talking yourself through the PTSD is spot on, and well written, too.
out of the park, girl.
thanks.
Dawn says
Yay for a smooth delivery! Aw.
em says
Nice! I’m so glad Teddy’s birth was drama-free.
On a practical note, I recommend moms going to have planned c-sections to bring high-waisted granny-panties for after because the seam of regular bikini underwear hits right on the c-section scar. Control top underwear is an even better idea! (But my hospital only gave me this insane, useless one-size-fits-none MESH underwear).
Sarah says
I was just curious how soon after your C-section did you start wearing the belt and is there a brand you would recommend? I did not wear one after my first C-section, but plan to this time around starting as soon as my dr says it’s okay.
YoungHouseLove says
The day after surgery the nurse said I could put it on, and there wasn’t really any brand name on it (just a tag with washing instructions) but it was provided by the hospital. I think if you ask for an abdominal binder they have them on hand for all sorts of things (not just pregnancy, I think other things call for them too).
xo
s
Angie says
It’a great to hear you had a much better birth experience this time around! I can only imagine what a relieve it must have been for you to hear Teddy’s first cry, especially since the last time you were in that room things were quite different…
My little girl on the other hand didn’t cry at all during her first hours, but we had a smooth natural delivery and she scored full 10 out of 10 points on all her apgar tests nonetheless. She’s 9 weeks today and it’s crazy how big she is already!
And by the way, you inspired me to take a weekly picture of her – so glad already to have her growth documented! Thanks a lot for the inspiration! :)
Katie says
Thanks for sharing your story! And I second the abdominal binder…loved that thing when I had my C-section!
Katie says
You got me right in the feels, $herdog. Right in the feels.
Melissa @ Bless this Mess says
This was just perfect and a total tear-jerker! My first was an umplanned c-section also and it was so scarring on my heart and mind. But that second healthy baby helped the healing. And I too have never heard of that belly band! I hope to never have another c-section but I’m going to store it away just in case. Congrats you guys, perfect little family!
Rebecca A Meier says
Oh my gosh, Teddy is SO big already! And so so SOOOOO cute. Such a cute little amazing family you’ve got yourselves Sherry & John. Thank you for sharing your birth story again with all of us. Much more relaxed and less stress than with Miss Clara. I had a c-section too w/my son (now 2-1/2 yrs old) and I agree that the compression belt thingy helps holding everything together making it more comfortable.
Thanks again for the great post! Love your blog! Side note: It’s the very first home blog I ever started reading several years ago. Been a fan ever since. Even got your book for xmas from my brother :) *thumbs up*
Raquel says
Thanks for sharing your story, Sherri. All births are simply a miracle, aren’t they? It is simply miraculous that more things don’t go wrong–and when they don’t all we can do is feel grateful! So glad Teddy made it without any problems!! He’s so beautiful.
Kelly Knecht says
healthy babies are born everyday and they are all gigantic miracles!! :) Such a sweet birth story, brought me to tears. (maybe still the postpartum hormones on my end) thank you for sharing your sweet family with the rest of us. :)
Evelina says
Thanks for sharing your touching story! I love the picture of you and John holding hands. Such a special moment.
Keri says
Thanks for sharing such a touching story! I told my husband after we had our first daughter that I wished I could bottle up the euphoria I felt and give it to others to experience. Reading this and seeing your photos took me back to that moment, so thank you! Also comforting to hear your thoughts on a planned c-section. I had an emergency section last time and will have a planned section when I have another (one day). I was worried that it would take some of the excitement out of the whole going into labor process, but reading this made me feel better about it. :-) Congrats again to you and your beautiful family! xo
Leah says
OK, this totally made me cry. Partly because of my pregnant hormones, partly out of happiness for you and John, and partly because it gives me something to look forward to. I have hated pregnancy so far, but this reminded me that it’ll all be worth it! Thank you and I’m so glad your second experience was so different!
Sam M. | Atkinson Drive says
I LOVE that photo of you, Clara, and Teddy in the hospital bed – she’s so hilarious!
And I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has stubborn veins. Before my c-section they ended up having to put the IV in a vein in my wrist … so I basically couldn’t move my hand for a while. It was terrible! But at least I didn’t have spinal fluid dripping down my back 8-0
I’m so thrilled for all of you!
Janelle says
Sherry, thanks for sharing Teddy’s birth story and your experience. I’m glad that you spoke specifically about your panic attack and shared how you coped with it. I struggle to manage my anxiety sometimes and occasionally I wonder how I’d do with giving birth. It’s helpful to know that you managed to have a positive birth experience despite your worries. You’re a rockstar! :)
Cathy says
I’m trying not to tear up (I’m at work so that would be a little awkward) but it’s a beautiful story, especially after your scary complications with Clara. Births are such a personal and intimate experience so I really appreciate you sharing both of yours with all of us! When I was deciding what kind of birth I wanted for my son last year it was personal accounts like this that really helped educate me. We ultimately decided on a home birth, which was long and painful and now looking back on it, really amazing. But I am really really thankful for mother’s like you having the courage to share :)
Amanda K. says
thanks so much for sharing your emotions, BEAUTIFUL photos and this wonderful stories. in the process of writing my daughter’s birth story (http://www.thekriegers.org/2013/06/how-we-met-mary-virginias-birth-story-part-3/), i realized how deeply personal labor stories and decisions are, it’s always wonderful to read other people’s experiences and how God chooses to bless and grow their family.
birth stories are usually my all-time favorite blog posts!
Amanda K. says
ah! and i had the same room both times at st. mary’s too! crazy.
Carly says
I had to stop for a few seconds in the middle to keep from bawling my eyes out at work. Thank you for sharing.
Allison says
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us! I am 31 weeks pregnant with our first baby and this got me all choked up. I am really looking forward to the birth experience and meeting our little girl. Reading others birth stories get me even more excited!
Natalie says
Congratulations! (maybe again, last time I posted I was at work and I’m not sure it went thru). It’s amazing how birth stories can be so different from one child to the next. I had a traumatic first birth and my second (born a couple months after Teddy – a boy to go with our girl too!) was only what I can describe as “peaceful” Of course, an epidural makes everything alright – lol! I can’t wait to see more pictures of Teddy as he grows.
Sara says
Thank you so much for sharing such a vulnerable time for you and your family. I pray that this has been a healing experience for you all. I think it is a beautiful thing when those trying and scary times turns up intense gratitude for all of the small blessing that follow. So happy for your family!
Maria says
Thanks for sharing. I have had two unplanned C-sections, and if we have a third kid, I will have a scheduled C-section. It’s nice to read your story to have a glimpse into what one would be like. Thank you and congrats!
shelly hendriks says
Thank you for sharing..I got all teary eyed!!!!! Congrats again!!! :)
Marlena says
Aw, thanks for sharing. And thank goodness for healthy babies!
Meghann says
I’m so glad that this birth was uneventful…in the craziness department. I can understand being nervous the second time around. I had a pretty normal delivery with my daughter (first child) but after she was here and in my arms when all of a sudden my blood pressure bottomed out and they were working on me to get me to wake back up. It was scary. I was a little nervous this time around but I had a healthy pregnancy. The birth was so much more relaxed and I felt at peace. My little boy came out and we all were healthy. God is good and feel so blessed to have such wonderful people to support us and fantastic doctors and nurses.
I’m so glad that your experience the second time around was wonderful. Children are such blessings. No matter how they get to us.
Abbey says
Wow! This made me tear up. My little guy was also an emergency c-section, though, nowhere near as traumatic as yours was. I like reading about subsequent happy births. I’m not pregnant yet, but the decision between VBAC attempt and scheduled c-section next time around is often on my mind. What a beautiful birth story! He’s such a doll! :-)
Carolina says
Yes! I LOVED the binder. It definitely helps with recovery.
You guys are such a beautiful family – lots of love to ya!!!
Maggie says
Totally got teary-eyed when you realized you were in the same room. I just pictured the 2 of you…waiting. And the pic of you 2 holding hands…total tear fest. So amazing and thank you for sharing. You have a beautiful family – I hope to be half as great at parenting as you two and hope to have half as wonderful a child as Clara and Teddy! Congrats again. xoxo
Meredith J says
I’m at work in the pumping room reading this with tears running down my face remembering the birth of my little man a week before u had yours. The emotions I feel when I read other peoples birth stories are so huge it’s hard not to cry happy tears when everything goes so well!! It’s fun watching Teddy grow along with my Grayson. Congrats again to all of you!
Samantha @ Fabulous Fabris says
I just went from woozy with spinal fluid and veins to happy teary eyes. A huge congratulations to both of you. I’m so glad everything went to smoothly and you have an adorable, happy baby.
Kat says
Glad to hear that it was uneventful. I totally relate to all of the anxiety. I had a planned c section for my second thanks to some crazy complications. I absolutely LOVED the support belt after my first pregnancy (all natural), but I HATED it after the c section. It hurt so much. It was beyond awful. I highly recommend trying a belt after any kind of delivery, but stop using it if it hurts. Oh, and Teddy and Clara together are adorable! Sibling love is the best!
Sarah @ Sarah's Daybook says
Sherry- thanks so much for writing this. I am so happy that everything turned out well.
That second to last picture is such a classic. I’m sure that Teddy (and Clara!) are going to love seeing that when they grow up!
Teddy is totally getting bigger way too fast! Thank you so much for sharing with people you don’t even know. I know that it can be a little if-y with all of the crazy people out there, but I know that this whole community thanks you for keeping us in the know.
Sarah
http://www.sarahsdaybook.com
Kim says
Awwww I totally cried reading this. So happy for you guys and your wonderful little family. All babies are a miracle! I’m so glad you got to (mostly) enjoy the experience this time around. Also, I love love love Teddy’s shirt in the bottom picture with Clara. Care to share where it’s from?
YoungHouseLove says
Old Navy! I love that place.
xo
s
Katherine says
I’m due next month and I hope everything goes as smoothly as Teddy’s birth! Thank you for sharing!
Lisa says
Beautiful and poignant! I bawled my way through it the whole time (at the office no less!)!!! I am pregnant with our third, so I’m not usually that weepie! My second was a not-too-scary c-section, but it wasn’t what we had planned. Our first was a natural labor so I was assuming we could do that again, but my 2nd’s umbilical cord (wrapped around three times)had different plans. But yes, so thankful for the amazing medical system we have access to.
Thanks for sharing your story, as personal as it is. I’m so glad you got that instant skin to skin bonding. I did too, but I hear it’s rare for c-sections. I think hospitals that do that (when mom and baby are both healthy not needing interventions) are designated (or trying to get designated) “baby friendly hospitals”. It’s related to promoting breastfeeding and especially with c-sections, I think it is so important.
Teddy IS getting huge, but what a handsome guy! That picture of Clara and Teddy – those EYES!!! Melt!
Casey says
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been curious, since my son was born by scheduled C-Section 4 days after Teddy (he was breech), and since your experience with Clara’s birth was so memorable.
I found the spinal block to be the WORST part of the whole experience – I hated that the anesthesiologist didn’t tell me he was going to “nick” a nerve and was surprised and scared by the feeling of lightening going down my leg. I also hated the feeling of losing control as my body went numb. I was so glad they let my husband be there with me for all the prep – they asked him to hold my hand for the spinal.
I did not use an abdominal binder. I checked into them and the one I wanted was about $120. My doula convinced me it would be better to let my body re-learn how to support itself. I’m not sure – I might try one if I end up having another C-section. I wanted to lay on my side SO BAD for nursing and it was just so incredibly painful for about the first four weeks. C-section recovery is no joke!
Sarah says
….and now I’m crying….