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!
Sharon says
Really appreciate you sharing Teddy’s birth story. I’m so glad for your miracle birth experience this time around.
Christina says
Just wanted to poke my head in here and say that I’ve had three c-sections. And each one is different, but it gets easier and easier each time! I had twins the first round, so I always ended up having more cesareans.
I always love reading other women’s experiences, though, because it puts my own in perspective.. thank you for sharing, Sherry. I wish you all the best in your happy lives : )
Sherry says
So happy for you and John, Sherry!!! Many blessings ahead! Congratulations :)
SilvanaKathryn says
I loved this! I shared with you on your post about Clara’s birth about my own very traumatic birth with my oldest.
My littliest was born in January via scheduled c-section as well and it was the most healing and wonderful experience.
They let me watch as the pulled Boden from me and I had nearly immediate skin to skin and was able to breast feed in the OR.
I also have stubborn veins. And my spinal also was a little tricky but with less humor as it HURT sooooo badly while they kept readjusting the needle.
You sound like you could have been writing about my sons birth. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer says
He is so precious! I’m a nurse and my best memories of nursing school were working L&D. Seeing your pictures brings back so many great memories of my moms and their babies. It’s such a special time and you will always remember your kids’ birth even if you are in sleep deprived fog the next few months. ;)
Sarah says
Thanks so much for sharing your story! It must be a hospital sharing kind of day because I just posted about my husband having elbow surgery. I’m glad to hear about the joy and medical technicalities that helped override your fears. I remember praying for you and John that day and I love seeing the blessing that Teddy has been to your family.
Barbara says
I’m so glad you had good memories this time.
As for the “Teddy has something in his diaper for you” – I honestly read that as “oh wait, that’s John”…missed the “for” altogether…
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Laura B. says
So sweet. I had 5 babies. The first went very poorly. I spent two weeks in the hospital after the birth. I can so relate to your feelings with the second one. It was much more frightening because I knew what could go wrong. I am soooo happy you had a good experience with Teddy but, if you are like me, the first is good to in that you are so grateful.
Nicole B. says
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I never read about Clara’s birth story either, so there were some definite tears over here! I’m so glad everyone is healthy and happy!
Sheila says
I wish I have that binder when I was c-section! It was my first pregnancy and it was kind of rough. Question though to think about on my next pregnancy: What is your experience with the ephidural? Does it hurt?? And does it help with the contraction pain? *eeek* Lol!
YoungHouseLove says
When I arrived at the hospital while in labor with Clara my placenta was separating, which feels like you’re being torn, and it doesn’t really go away like contractions, it was constant paint for me, so I got an epidural right away – even before we knew about the complications unfolding. It was a huge help with the pain and it was the only reason I was awake when Clara was born so I’m so grateful for it (I would have been put under completely if I hadn’t had the epidural once they realized I was having an abruption and wouldn’t have been awake for a while after she was born). Getting it in didn’t really hurt either time except for one pinch (the numbing needle – and then I don’t think you feel much after that except for pressure and things like something dripping, but it’s not pain, just the feeling of things moving if that makes sense). At least that was my experience! I’m sure it varies a lot though!
xo
s
Laura B. says
They are much better than general anesthesia. With general you can feel awfully sick and/or woozy. The epidural is only a prick (once for me) a small shock if they hit the nerve funny. After that, it is a breeze. It takes a bit of time to get the feeling back in your legs. I would recommend it.
Alice says
Thank you for posting such a touching and personal story. You are such a sweet family. I’m so happy for you!
My Mom also had difficult veins. This might not work if you need an IV, but she was once advised to ask techs to use a baby needle for her and it usually made blood draws easier.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo
s
Lori says
Every single birth is a miracle! I had placenta previa with first two, then no amniotic fluid with the third at 7 weeks before delivery. Was deathly sick with all 3, was on an IV for four months with third child because I was throwing up blood. My first one turned out to be 3 weeks overdue! Heart rate dropped to 40. I’d just lost a brother 3 weeks before I delivered her.
God is so good! He was with us each and every pregnancy and all the ups and downs with them:). I wanted 5 children, but was blessed with 3 wonderful daughters, who are all adults now and am blessed with 2 granddaughters. Our children are our greatest treasures, and I can see through following your blog, that is where your hearts are. Hold tight to each day, Before you know it, you’ll be grandparents!
So glad that your two children are healthy and thriving! Take care and God bless.
Jenny says
Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve been anxiously waiting to hear how it went for you this time. I am SO GLAD it went so much better, though I can’t believe you were in the same room! Eesh! Congrats again! We’re expecting baby number 4 in December.
Laurie says
Thank you sooooooo much for sharing that beautiful story with us! Honestly, it made me cry. Thank you.
Heidi P. says
I just love you guys!!!
Lynn @ Safebeauty says
Why are you trying to make me want to have more babies? Is it just me or did anyone else smell Johnson’s & Johnson’s baby shampoo through their screen while reading this post? ;) I’m so glad this delivery was in many ways uneventful. He’s the cutest little baby boy and growing in leaps and bounds with every shot you share with us. He will be having full on conversations with you in no time soon.
My best, Lynn
Jessica says
I have been following your blog for years. I feel like I know you and your little family. I am attached, so I loved reading about your second birth and how well it went. Much love to all of you at YHL. :D
Autumn Beach says
First of all…that pic of you, Teddy and Clara in the hospital bed? It. Is. ADORABLE. And that last photo of the two of them is just precious, too. Baby hair on baby shoulders is the best. Love that newborn-ness. And yes…after two C-sections myself, I second the abdominal binder! Celebrating this precious baby boy all over again. Thank you for sharing such special moments of your life with us.
Autumn Beach says
Okay. And one more thing. With my first C-section, I also had the crazy sense that I couldn’t breathe and TRULY believed I was going to die! I freaked out. But I guess that’s a normal feeling for C-sections? I think they mentioned something about my epidural making me feel this way? Anyway. It was an awful feeling. Making me take a nice, big, deep breath right now, in fact!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Aww what a beautiful story. I’m so glad it all went smoothly for you this time around. I got all teary at the thought. My baby boy is 2.5 months older and I totally get it. He just started crawling, sitting up and now has 6 teeth. Where did my baby go?!?
Sassafras says
Teddly, my man!!! What a happy outcome! What????? Now you guys have Kleenex as a sponsor???? Wipe, wipe lil’ tears!!
Allyson says
That was such a nice, uneventful (in a good way) story! I’m due with my first in December, and I can only hope it’s just as uneventful. Feeling this little Peanut kicking has been amazing, but I cannot wait to see him/her, do skin on skin, and nurse. Congrats on the beautiful family!
Sally says
I’m trying to write through tears – happy tears! I’m so glad this birth was less traumatizing and Teddy arrived safely:) I had to laugh at the part of the story when the doctor said he was still inside…a little comic relief in your story;) You have two amazing kiddos, and they are definitely lucky to have you guys as parents! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your story:)
Sherri Conley says
Well, I’m blinking away the tears from reading this! Thanks for sharing your beautiful and touching story.
danielle says
i was separated from my man during my emergency c-section too and it’s the only thing i remember about the day that made me completely panic and feel so scared, despite everything else going wrong at the time. i wish they’d rethink that process!
danielle says
I am so glad you had a better experience the second time around! I had an emergency c-section for my first and have never heard of a binder either. Odd. Hospitals and doctors are all so different. Both my births were crazy and went nothing like planned but I ended up with two healthy babies so I can’t complain.
Kathleen says
What a great story! I’m glad you both got to experience and enjoy a non-traumatic birth. I can relate to your story, having had my first son via emergency C and my second with a scheduled one. That time right before the planned one was maddening, thinking of all the things that might go wrong. I’m happy everything went well, and you have that adorable baby to show for it all. :)
Jamie says
I have been reading your blog since I bought my first house in December, my husband and I are huge DIYers and we love getting little tips from you both. I have never left a note before but felt so compelled after reading this. We are in our third trimester of our first pregnancy and sitting down together and reading all of your specific details step by step is hugely helpful and comforting from me. I didn’t even get that many details from my own friends!! I just wanted to say thank you for opening up about your lives and sharing those little tiny details. It is significant and I’m sure not always easy to be that honest with the world. Congratulations on your sweet baby boy!!!
Jamie and Bill
Pat C says
I’m so glad all turned out well for Teddy’s birth. Clara’s birth was scary one, so it’s nice this one was less traumatic. Thanks for sharing Teddy’s birth story Sherry.
And hey, there is no denying John is Teddy and Clara’s father. Just saying.
Stephanie B says
Bah! Cried at Clara’s birth story, cried at Teddy’s birth story… Such a beautiful family. And I cannot believe how big he is already!
Ellen S. says
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story! Congratulations on both of your wonderful children :)
Anna says
Nothing nicer than a ‘boring’ birth story!!
So glad it went well for you second time round and that you got a positive birth experience.
Lilly says
Way to go, strong mama! I am so happy for you and for your family. A lot to conquer and you did it.
Rebecca says
My little boy turned 21 this year and I still wonder how the little baby I fell in love with got so big. (he’s 6’11” – 275 lbs but started at 6 lb 8 oz)
Thanks for the happy Mom tears I had with my coffee this morning.
Aren’t babies such a wondrous thing?!?!!!
Rachel K says
Thank you for sharing your birth story! I am so happy that everything went smoothly. I also had two failed IV’s and a failed blood draw while in labor with my son and that was thankfully the worst part of the entire experience. It was not because of my veins though, I gave birth at a teaching hospital so for some reason they thought it would be a good idea to let med students practice on me while I was screaming through contractions. Once I got my epidural I felt like I was on a cloud!
Serena says
Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog for years and I found it rather hilarious that we were both pregnant at the same time this year. My baby girl was born 10 days late on April 14th, a big and beautiful chunky monkey with a head full of hair, and it was absolutely wonderful to read about little Teddy making his grand entrance later that week. I’m so glad things went smoothly for you, Sherry! Great job with them two adorable babes!
Francesca says
Isn’t it interesting that every time we celebrate a birthday we only celebrate the person who came into the world, but never the courage of their Mom who went through one of the scariest life experiences? Sherry, the next time you plan your kids birthday party get a huge cake for you as well and have all the guests give you a round of applause! Bellissima famiglia by the way.
Debra says
Such a sweet post, thank you for keepin it real and it reminds me so much of my birth stories, my boys are now 14 and 16 but i can still remember the moment they were born. Still warms my heart. Congratulations!!!
now i sound really old….
heyruthie says
thank you for sharing Teddy’s birth story! I have 4 children, but the oldest two are adopted. so when my first pregnancy (with my 3rd child) ended in an upsetting and traumatic labor and delivery, it upended me. (baby was OK, but everything was scary!) so, like you, i was thrilled and shocked when my 2nd pregnancy ended in an easy and healthy natural childbirth. i couldn’t have been more surprised and thankful. even though Teddy’s story isn’t as harrowing as Clara’s, it’s that much sweeter because it is something you can reflect back on with good emotions, rather than remembering the terror.
by the way, Sherry, you look beautiful in these pictures!!! thanks again, for sharing!
Aryn says
Thanks so much for sharing! Tears welling up here, from a momma with a c-section the first time around too. (No second babe planned just yet…terrified!) You were both so brave! Congratulations on a beautiful family!
Candice says
Sherry thank you so much for sharing this. I totally understand your fears as my son was delivered by emergency C-section and had trouble transitioning after birth and spent some time in the NICU. I’m so glad for you that Teddy’s arrival was much more routine and that you and John were able to enjoy this special moment as you should. You have a beautiful family and are truly blessed. I thoroughly enjoy reading your and John’s blog and eagerly await the email notification saying you’ve posted again.
Marta says
Congratulations! I am so jealous at how great you looked. Man I was so swollen from all the fluid they give you that I may have frightened my 8 year old. I kept trying to tell him I was okay, but he wasn’t too convinced. I vetoed the picture my husband took:)
So happy for you all,
Marta
Vel says
I’m so glad your experience was so much more easier and comforting this time around. I have had 2 C-sections, both uncomplicated luckily and both scheduled ahead of time (I had a problem with my hips), but this 3 rd one I’m about to have (after 9 years from my last) is making me more nervous than ever before. One, I’m so much older, two, I just came from a miscarriage that I’m so afraid something bad might happen when everything is looking so good? I just have to get over my paranoia I guess. I’m due end of Sept.and like you, I picked the date already and know when my baby’s birthday is gonna be, and hopefully just like you, also have a wonderful birth experience and a normal and healthy baby! CHEERS!
Erin says
Thank you so much for sharing! My son was an emergency c-section and my second will be a scheduled c-section in November. It is so hard to dismiss the anxiety of having a repeat c-section when the first time around was so chaotic. I’m so glad that your experience with Teddy was so positive and thank you again for sharing your story!
melissa says
Thanks for sharing your and Teddy’s story!
Shannon says
Congrats! Wish I had known about the abdominal binder! I had four c-sections.
Best wishes.
Christine says
I hadn’t yet discovered your blog back when Clara was born, and after reading Teddy’s birth story, I went back to read Clara’s. Holy moly. I don’t have kids yet, and I’m not one of those people who dreamed about being a mom from a young age, so I don’t usually get too emotional about kids/births in general, but boy oh boy, both stories shook me. One, because of the scariness, and two, the elation of a healthy Clara and mom, AND a healthy second pregnancy after the trauma from the first. Needless to say, I was holding tears back while sitting in my cube at work! I shared both stories with a friend who also had a traumatic first pregnancy (although, NOT like that…). Thank you for sharing today, and for linking up to the old one, your children are adorably beautiful :o)
Liesbeth says
Thank you for your story! So glad it went so good this time :-)
I also just wanted to say that Teddy looks so much like Clara!!
Dorothy says
Sniff sniff… beautiful! This had be wiping my eyes. So glad this was a better experience for you guys. You have a wonderful family and I’m so glad that you share your lives with all of us strangers.
Amy says
Beautiful story, beautiful kids, beautiful family <3 Reading this made me feel all warm an fuzzy inside :) Congrats!