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!
Brittney says
I am glad that this pregnancy and delivery went smoothly for you! I am expecting my first child at the end of December, and this post had me in tears! You have such an adorable family!
I have a question about the fabric in the last picture. I saw in a previous post that you purchased it from Spoonflower. I was planning on purchasing that fabric for my son’s nursery, but when I view the image on Spoonflower it looks like there are breaks in the arrows. I was just wondering if the fabric had any noticable breaks in the print. I am hesitant to spend that much on fabric if it isn’t going to look right.
YoungHouseLove says
So strange! Ours doesn’t seem to have brakes (you can see it twice here on this page with Teddy laying on it) but maybe there are similar designs and one has breaks?
xo
s
Alana says
You could also order from premier prints! I have ordered from them before and they are really wonderful. You can also order samples if you want to make sure it is right.
http://www.premierprintsfabric.com/arrow.shtml
Steph Reiner says
So beautiful. It totally made me tear up and I gasped out loud at your realization that it was the same room. So thankful that Teddy came along in a healthy, non-traumatic way and can’t believe he’s already so grown up! Our second daughter is 2 months old and I can’t believe how it seems to speed by with the second! I thought our first was growing up too fast but now it seems like time just moved to warp speed.
Mary says
I had the same horrible anxiety / panicky feelings just before each of my first two c-sections, never knowing why, since I haven’t experienced that ever before. I just chalked it up to nerves about surgery and giving birth. As they were prepping me for c-section #3, the nurse casually mentioned, “oh and by the way, one of these pre op meds can cause severe anxiety / panicicky feelings in some people so if you feel that way it’s because of the medicine.” Mystery solved! It really helped me to know why that was happening and made the third that much easier. Congrats on your sweet boy!
YoungHouseLove says
So interesting! I wonder if I had those meds!
xo
s
Catherine says
I am so happy you had a peaceful, healing experience with Teddy’s birth. C-sections are a true medical blessing for complicated pregnancies and deliveries!
Have you ever watched Call the Midwife? I just started watching it on netflix and so I am thinking all the time about birth… and now this post, ha!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! Just a few episodes in. It’s so good!
xo
s
Jennifer says
Glad this time was filled with sweet memories!! My first (and only) was a scheduled c-section and even though I felt it was so odd to have something so natural be booked like a golf tee time I still took relief in it! Congrats again! My little guy has the same bear shirt (it’s my favorite) and I agree time goes soooo fast once you have kids!!
Britt Fisher says
Loved reading both of your kiddo’s birth stories – and love love LOVE every time you post something like this on the blog. The personal parenthood moments you’ve shared (like your breastfeeding journey with Clara, Clara convos, etc.) are always my favorite! Thank you for being so open with all of us – you guys are like long-lost relatives we’ve never met, lol ;) (Though I’m hoping that’ll change by the next book tour! I was super preggo last time so couldn’t travel!)
Laura says
OMG. I’m crying like a baby, lol. It’s probably crazy (and a little creepy) how much we feel like we know you guys, but we do. I remember when I found out Teddy was on the way, and I remember immediately calling my BFF (who introduced me to the blog) and we freaked out together lol. We were so excited, but as a nurse and nursing student, we were also really scared for you. I also remember waking up to a message that said “HE’S HERE!! HE’S HERE!!” and being so very relieved that you were both okay.
Thank you so much for sharing your life and your stories with us! We love you out here in reader land!
YoungHouseLove says
You guys are the best. All the support and well wishes around that time were amazing. We love you right back.
xo
s
Kelsey says
What a beautiful birth story. Thank you for sharing such a personal moment with us. I may have teared up more than once while reading. :) It was especially moving to me since I just had my own healing birth experience. My daughter was born a week after Teddy, and it was such a peaceful experience after the fear and loss of control during our son’s birth.
Random side note: our daughter was going to be named Theodore if she had been a boy (we didn’t find out ahead of time), and when your Teddy was born my irrational pregnant self freaked out that everyone would think we had copied John and Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! The world needs more Tedddys!
xo
s
Stacey says
I am crying because I had those same emotions. Emotional roller coaster and fear for my first which was a semi-emergent c/s and then a smooth as butter second scheduled c/s. When my second son was born, hearing his cries the first time, so much joy and relief and happiness.
Many blessings to your family!
KJ says
I wanted to share a sneeze/sneezing tip for after your c-section or post op. A nurse told me this in the hospital. To stop a sneeze, press your index fingertip firmly in your “philtrum” (that’s the little divot under your nose). Put just enough pressure so you can feel the contour of the teeth or gum underneath. This has to be done as soon as you feel a forthcoming sneeze, not later. Keep pressing until the symptoms of the sneeze disappear.
YoungHouseLove says
So interesting!
xo
s
Emily @ Life on Food says
This post made my eyes water. You have such a beautiful family. I am so happy this was a much better experience and everyone is healthy.
Aleah L says
I’m glad I am working from home today, I’m tearing up!
Aimee says
Congrats on your little Teddy! Freaky fact… I was due around the same time as you, and our little boy is named Theodore too! (For the record: We have decided on that name WAY before your post came out. LOL. I am not a stalker, I swear.)
My guy ended up being almost three weeks “late” though, so he wasn’t born until May 1st. We share a birthday! Little stinker. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw I love it! Hi from our Teddy to yours!
xo
s
HR says
I’m glad your birth story was “boring” this time around!! Much love from TX.
Christina says
Your story comforts me! My first child was also born via emergency c-section after a long labor. Not for the same reason as Clara’s delivery…but scary nonetheless. We are expecting our second next March and considering a scheduled c-section as an alternative to a vbac – simply to avoid the unknowns and the brutal recovery of c-section after labor. And YES to the abdominal binder. Mine will be packed in the hospital bag when we go to the hospital for our next little love.
It took me a year to get around to sharing our birth story – but it’s over on my blog:) https://phoenixrestoration.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/the-birth-story-of-quinn-ryan/
I’m thankful that your sweet boy arrived safely and without all the drama of your first experience. All the best to your beautiful, growing family!
Lisa says
Wow! I never knew that a c-section recovery could be way worse if you were also in labor. My first was a natural, peaceful delivery at a birth center. Piece of cake recovery! Felt fabulous within half a day! My second labor started out at the birth center, but we transferred to the hospital for “arrest of descent”. Contractions were pulling him up, not pushing him down. After 12 hours of being ready to push (and trying many bouts of pushing), he was born via c-section, with the cord wrapped three times around his neck, without extra length to enable him to descend.
Anyway, my recovery was no fun, and I had no c-section complications, but I would not wish it on my worst enemy! Anyway, just had never heard that perhaps my recovery was so much harder because I had also labored hard for a good 14 hours! Thanks for sharing that little known (to me) tidbit.
shelley b says
Well I should not have read this at work…totally crying now. So glad it was such a better experience for you. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole @ Liberty Belles says
heart explodes. you guys are the greatest.
KatieV says
I don’t follow many blogs and definitely don’t feel like I’m “friends” with the people whose blogs I read, but yours is an exception. I loved reading this story and got teary eyed for you. So happy for your sweet family.
Cortney says
Okay, sooo…that picture of the three of you in your hospital bed? Kind of the best picture ever. :-) Congratulations, you guys!!! My baby girl was born May 21st, with much the same circumstances as you…traumatic first birth (it took me six years to get brave enough to try again), scheduled labor. Not a Caesarian, but scheduled, since I had something called polyhydramnios, which is a fancy word for too much fluid. The upper limit of normal amniotic fluid is 25 centimeters–when they said she needed to came out, I was at 40 centimeters. I. Was. HUGE. I actually went I to labor the day I was to be induced (hee hee…second time that’s happened, out of two babies…I’m calling it quits with those odds!) so they were monitoring me carefully…apparently, when your water breaks with all that extra fluid, the placenta can come out with it. Scary. Anyway, everything was fine–my OB carefully broke my water for me, it ended up being all good, twelve pushes, and Sarah joined the world to me…as I laughed! Best labor ever…went in at 9:00, she was born right before 4:00. (I wanted her here before big sister got out of school! Lol!). If my first labor had been like that, I’d probably have had seven more kids by now. (Yeah, no, I keed, I keed!!!). Congratulations again…I’m so happy for you guys!
Noelle @ Noelle Mullins Design says
Such a sweet birth story! I’m so glad it went smoothly :) Also, that’s the fanciest hospital mirror I’ve ever seen, did you guys decorate the place while you were there? Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I loved that mirror!
xo
s
Joanna says
Your story made me cry, because is mirrored my own so much. I had a traumatic first birth that ended in an emergency c-section during which I had convulsions, an was followed by months of fighting infection in my c-section incision. 4 years later with number 2 we also did a scheduled c-section, and I was still terrified the whole time that something was going to go wrong. Thankfully it didn’t, and we have two healthy, beautiful girls.
Carrie says
Here I sit, ugly cry’n my eyes out with black mascara running down my face, at work no less, while reading your beautiful story! Baby birth stories always gets my waterworks going. And yours was so beautifully written. As another reader expressed, thank you so much for sharing such a personal moment with all of us strangers that feel a friendship toward you. And I agree, it is such a common, every day, AMAZING MIRACLE!!! You are a beautiful family and I am so happy for all of you and yours!
Pam Groom says
I can’t help but cry with joy for you as I read this. I’ve been praying that God would give you and John another child, and to see him arrive safely with no complications warms my heart. You are such a kind and generous couple. It’s no wonder that you are well loved by your readers.
A bit off topic here. Sheri, how do you protect your nails when doing DIY? Mine chip and break more when I’m working on projects, and I wonder if putting a clear coat of polish on or avoiding using them to scrape things will help preserve them.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Pam! When I’m pregnant my nails grow so fast (and seem to be pretty strong), so they would crack and break all the time (I’m so mean to them) but they’d grow back pretty fast. Usually if one breaks I’ll cut them all back down as sort of a reset, so maybe that makes them stronger?
xo
s
Karyn says
Between your beautiful story and my preggo hormones, i’m now crying lots of happy tears. So so so happy for your family! Thank you for sharing your story.
Katie says
Thanks for sharing! Did you guys do anything fun with Clara the night before knowing it was you last night as a family of 3?
YoungHouseLove says
We did! We took her to the movies and got ice cream and Nonna was here. It was a really sweet day.
xo
s
candi says
Thank you for sharing…I had an emergency csection my last pregnancy so I now have to decide between a vbac or repeat section. Thank you for sharing your positive story on a repeat.
Megan says
I got choked up reading this. I had my 2nd baby in May and my first C-section. Our little boy started to cry before he was even out which is a really funny sound I might add! I actually burst into tears as soon as I went in the room for the epidural. It felt like I was having a baby in a lab or something. Bust the nurses lightened the mood and chatted away. I also lost a bit too much blood but it’s amazing how calm everyone is and they don’t let you know. A funny thing that happened is that they forgot to call my husband in on time and once he came in he saw what was going on. A little too much red he said! But all kidding aside, birth stories are beautiful and so is Teddy! Congrats. I love this blog.
leatitia says
Love!! Happy! Thanks for sharing this precious story with us. I’m so happy for your family.
Elise says
Thank you so much for sharing. I can’t find the words to say just how much I appreciate it. I had a traumatic c-section with my son. Reading about your positive c-section experience with Teddy is really inspiring to me. It gives me hope that if we have another child, I could have that as well. :)
Lindsay says
OMG I love this post. I don’t know if it’s because I’m pregnant or what but I teared up thru the whole thing! You squeezing John’s hand….tears. John holding him….tears. Clara meeting Teddy…tears. I’m glad this was a better experience for you!
Nichole says
Thanks so much for sharing. I loved hearing that you were able to do skin-to-skin in the OR. I’m going in for my 3rd c-section in December and plan to ask for this this time around. My first wasn’t emergent, but labor wasn’t progressing (at all), so I wasn’t really prepared for the idea of a c-section and didn’t know what to expect. My second I was able to “hold” the baby, but it never occurred to me to ask for skin to skin. I know the hospital I’m delivering in this time is pro mother/baby bonding and keeps the baby with the mom the whole time in recovery so I’m hoping they’ll be open to putting him/her on my chest too. :-) Congrats and it is a beautiful story.
Emily says
Thank you so much for sharing! This was so beautiful. That picture of your and John’s hands is too precious. I am so glad it all went so smoothly compared to Clara’s! Isn’t life just so beautiful?
alexis says
I had a similar traumatic first birth 6 months ago which resulted in a 9-day NICU stay; and although baby boy is doing great, there is still a chance he may have long-term issues. This was wonderful to read, and gave me a lot of hope about our next one. Thanks so much for your candidness.
Lauren says
This was an incredible read. You definitely had me blinking away tears. I’m so glad your birth story was a happy one and much less traumatizing. Congratulations!
Laci says
So much I want to say but not enough time or words to say it. Beautiful, Sherry!! AND I especially LOVE the diaper present joke. Also, I wonder if you’re trying to subconsciously bring a sense of that euphoric feeling to the laundry room with your tile color choice (in the pics it looks like it matches the tile around the mirror in your hospital room). ;-) Life and God is so Good!!
Jen @ Migonis Home says
This story definitely made me tear up… I had to have a c-section with my son after pushing for four hours because they didn’t want it to get to a point where it was dangerous for him to be in there. We opted for a second c-section with my daughter and I remember the feeling of my husband being out of the room for the epidural like it was yesterday… A panicky feeling where you know your whole life is going to change in seconds and you’re sitting on this bed with a bunch of people you don’t know from Adam and the person you care most about isn’t even allowed in the room… Enough about me. :) Loved reading your birth story and I’m so glad it was so much more calm this time around. Love seeing photos of your two sweet kids!
Kirby says
Oh man, Sherry. Totally made me tear up. So happy that you got to have a “normal” birth with Teddy and that everyone is happy and healthy without drama. Y’all are awesome!
Cate O'Malley says
Love the picture of you and Clara (and Teddy) in the bed together – so much joy in that shot.
Donna says
Sounds like a beautiful birth! Clara and Teddy are definitely your and John’s kids, they look like the perfect combination of you both! Is Teddy a brunette or blond like Clara? Both are angelic!
YoungHouseLove says
Teddy arrived with a lot of dark hair but it has been getting lighter and lighter. Seems to be light brown/dirty blonde (sort of like John’s hair color) these days. So funny how much it has changed since birth!
xo
s
Ruth says
Thank you so much for sharing your birth story! I am so glad for you guys that he was born healthy and without the trauma of your previous birth experience.
As someone else with cranky veins – I stopped say anything about it to the nurse until after they have given it a try. I think it makes ’em nervous, and they have a harder time.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a really good tip!
xo
s
Amber says
Thank you for sharing Teddy’s birth story! I had a pretty traumatic emergency c-section with my (now 2-year-old) son–the OB actually severed my uterine artery during the surgery!–and it’s nice to hear that there can be pretty uneventful births the second time around, since I’m still afraid to go there right now. I love the picture of the two of them together :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! I’m so glad you’re ok!
xo
s
Sally says
After my second C section, I asked why it didn’t hurt that much (like first time). “Oh, we cut a lot of nerves that time” was the answer. So, be grateful for small favors, I guess!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow!
xo
s
Mila says
I have the same issue, my veins are sooo tiny (hand, forearms and median vein), it also takes a few nurses a few tries. After a few attempts I am left with HUGE bruises (you can see them in my post-birthing pics, ouch!), definitely not a good IV/vein candiate, lol!
Congrats to you and your beautiful family!!!
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
So happy for your growing family! A repeat C-Section is almost always going to be an easier recovery, and I’m pleased to hear that it was for you as well.
You know I wish I could have been your nurse, to help you through the PTSD-ish experience of it all.
Congratulations to you!
Congratulations to John!
Congratulations to Clara!
And a big welcome to young Teddy!
Mwah!
S says
Aw, thank you for sharing that with all of us. I also had a traumatic first birth experience, and after my second (and last!) the first thing I did was look at my husband and ask him to reassure me that I’d never have to do that again!
Kelsey says
This is the sweetest birth story. I love the photo of your hands during your c-section. You have two beautiful birth stories but gosh I am relieved that this story has a lot of stress and worry and a lot more happy tears. Thank you for sharing – and that babe is getting BIG.
Sara says
This is exactly what I wanted to read – a birth story with NO major complications this time around for you guys! Thanks for sharing.
Nicola Han says
Thank you so much for sharing Teddy’s birth story, such an amazing little miracle every time xxxx
Sara says
Hi Sherry, Thank you so much for sharing! I don’t have kids yet, but I always read what’s going on on the blog (decor-aholic here). When I read you were expecting I literally called one of my friends to tell her, and she said “oh that’s great because such and such (another blogger who you’re friends with) is also pregnant!”. And when we didn’t hear anything for a day or so, I mentioned how I was patiently awaiting for some update! I love your style of writing. Have you thought of writing fiction or even non-fiction stories (aside from your home books). You’d be SO good at it!!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet! I think I’d be so bad at that! I remember in school when we had to write stories and for some reason I hated writing dialog. Like people talking back and forth with quotes and stuff… it was apparently too much for me. Ha!
xo
s
lynn r says
Have to say, I dint tHink I’ve ever commented on your blog before but I worried about you and teddy thru your pregnancy and this story made me tear up. So happy for you that all is well. Happy days to all four of you… all the best!