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!
Marie says
Dang you Sherry! Always making me all teary with stories like this! I was so worried when my son came out looking like a werewolf!! He even had hair on the back of his ears and nobody told me it was totally normal! But seriously, your story reminds me exactly why people call babies miracles!! And look at your two perfect little miracles!! Bless you and your perfect little family!
Nicole says
Congratulations on your healthy delivery and darling baby boy. Thank you for sharing your story.
Marilyn P says
you deserve to have an un0eventful birth after the tram of Clara’s birth experience. From afar you both seem like the perfectly patient parents and I wish you a lifetime of love & happiness with your family of four, with a Burger.
Sheralyn says
Totally tearing up reading this :)
You are a mama-hero!
Even with elective c-sections there is an element of fear – I’ll have my second (baby+c-section) this coming February and reading your experience has quelled some of my own fears.
And SUPER HELPFUL to know about the ab band!
Thanks for sharing!
stephanie b says
Congrats! So happy to hear about your special delivery! I delivered my first 4 weeks ago today and am still just in complete awe and amazement of the miracle that is child birth!
Our little one was 2 weeks early and husband was out of town on a photo shoot, so had to hop on a plane but luckily made it in time for little guy’s arrival (before having to fly back out to finish the photo shoot)!
Also, the mug!! Isn’t it the best? It might be the second best thing we get to bring home from the hospital (the baby being the best of course!!!)
Melissa says
Reading this post was so eerily similar to the way I felt during my 2nd c-section…I too had a traumatic first birthing story and unfortunately my twin girls did not survive more than 30 mins. I know how much strength it takes to get over your fears and head into that dreaded room once again. I now have a healthy one year old girl and I still tear up thinking of that first cry! She has healed so many wounds it’s amazing. I have been reading your blog for a few years now and rarely comment but this one got to me :) Love you guys and congrats on the new addition!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Melissa, I’m so sorry for your loss, but so glad to hear of the safe birth of your daughter.
xo
s
Becca says
Congratulations on a beautiful baby boy! What a strong mama you are – Clara and Teddy are lucky to have you and John. All the best
Emily says
Thank you for sharing! As a mother of a 5 week old girl, I particularly enjoyed reading about your labor and delivery. Also, as someone who is anxiously awaiting a full nights sleep, I can only imagine how good your doctor was feeling (I laughed out loud at that).
Carrie says
Thanks for the wonderful story! Does Teddy do those happy screams and squeals like Clara? Those were some of my favorite videos when she was little!
YoungHouseLove says
Totally does! I’m trying to catch as many on film as I can :)
xo
s
Eileen says
Oh, this made me feel so happy for y’all! I had a very traumatic birth situation with our first, and we’re now expecting our second one…so I can relate with the anxiety and fears of how it’s going to end. This whole post had me in tears. Congrats (again)!!
Natalie says
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My first pregnancy ended in a difficult labour with my son having to be resuscitated and excessive bleeding and damage to me. When I was pregnant with our second I had all those fears. Fortunately it ended up being the complete opposite experience – fast and easy (well, as easy as labour and giving birth can be lol!) I’ve often said that while I was terrified to have our second, I’m so glad we did because the experience truly re-set me physically and emotionally. Now when I think about it my focus goes to that experience instead of the first.
Grace Nielsen says
Wow – I’m laughing and crying as I read this post because I had been wondering when (and if) you’d share the details of Teddy’s birth; so delighted to read this and revel in your normal, happy, healthy delivery!!
Gemma says
Oh Sherie, thank you so much for posting this. Like so many others who have commented we had a very traumatic birth story with our daughter. (2 weeks overdue, induced, labored for a day and a half, pushed for 2hrs and then c-section, severe postpartum hemorrhaging due to uterine artery being severed, and additional hemorrhaging 9 days later that put me back in the hospital, away from my daughter for the second week of her life, and near death) That was 20 months ago now. I am hopeful for a second child and we’ve been given the all clear to try, but I am anxious and terrified of all the ‘what ifs’. Stories like yours give me reassurance and so much hope.
I am so happy for your family that Teddy arrived safe and healthy. Thank you so much for sharing! xo
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much to all of you for sharing your experiences with me! It has been amazing to hear about what you guys went through, and I’m sending out a giant hug to everyone who went through anything scary. Best of luck with your next one Gemma!
xo
s
Amber says
Honestly this is just what I needed! A couple weeks away from baby #2’s arrival and with a scary story for #1, I needed to hear some good news! Thanks for sharing. (Hopefully I don’t have the same room!)
Megan says
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I always love reading your blog, and I especially love hearing about your sweet kids. There are so many things about your pregnancies and deliveries I can relate to, from sickness to scary c-sections, and it’s so great to hear that everything went well with Teddy’s delivery. We had our son Miles just 5 days after Teddy’s birth. Teddy is looking adorable, and Clara is such a sweet big sis. Congratulations!!
Sarah @ Just The Bees Knees says
This totally made my cry! Thanks so much for sharing such a sweet story! I’m so glad all went smoothly this time around and you got to experience a more joyful birth:) I can’t get over Teddys bright big blue eyes!! He’s too cute!
Renee says
Such a beautiful story! Definitely made me tear up! As someone who doesn’t have kids (but who is hoping that will change in the very near future), it was really great to hear that your second birth was a lot less stressful. Thank you for sharing both of your stories!!
Anita says
How did I miss this post?! I had a c-section and went through so many of the same thoughts. I had my mini freak-out moment while lying on the table waiting for the anethesia to work – it really sucks that your husband can’t be there until everything is set up! Thank you for putting these feelings into words and sharing your story. Having a baby is one of the most profound experiences of my life and thinking of all of the joy, fear, relief, etc that I went through, it makes me incredulous that I share those feelings with all other women who are part of the motherhood club.
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints says
I’m rejoicing with you guys. What a beautiful boy you got there!!!
Kelsey says
Ugh I feel you on the bad veins! It took 5 people and 4 times of them digging around up and down both arms to get my IV! Luckily one lady was like I’m not even trying else it would’ve been five sticks. The anaethesiologist had to get mine too and since I was such a hard stick they kept my IV in for 24 hours! Ouch! These kids are worth it, but WOW next kid I’m insisting we start with the anaethesiologist not wait for over an hour!
Melanie @ Pebbledashedpad says
I’m so pleased you are all ok and I read your story with a tear in my eye, I have a healthy boy aged three and the birth was as wonderful as a birth could be (what with the pain etc!) but since then I have had a stillbirth at 24 weeks and a baby diagnosed as having Downs Syndrome so we chose not to proceed. I’m pregnant again and I want to hold on to the positive feelings you talked about in your post. It WILL be alright this time…….
Your blog constantly inspires. Thank you.
Karin B. says
Beautiful! :D I’ve had 4 c-sections, and you know I had nightmares about the IV, and then the shot. Always. Freaked. Me. Out. Not the birth, not anything else about the whole experience. Weird, but there you go. I love my 4 kids, and cannot imagine the world without them. :D My oldest daughter was born on my birthday, and it’s the best birthday present God has ever given me. :D
Blessings to your sweet family.
Abigail says
I had a similar experience with my daughter having a traumatic (34 week with pre-ecclampsia) birth and my son (Feb 24th) going so smoothly and perfectly – happy it was the same for you!
Keisha says
Thanks for sharing. Our sons share the same birthday.
Crystal says
I would love more info on the abdominal binder. What brand do you have? Also how are they sized- maternity large or regular sizes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your story. You have a beautiful family and I LOVE your blog. I have been following daily for years.
Crystal
YoungHouseLove says
It’s provided by the hospital and they use Velcro to close so I think they’re one size fits all and don’t have any brand name or anything. Sorry I don’t have more info!
xo
s
Laura says
I just wanted to thank you for telling your birth story! I am scheduled for a c-section in 4 weeks and your story makes me feel better about the whole thing! Thanks again and congrats on Teddy and all your success over the past year!
Kelly says
Abdominal binder? Awesome! I have had two ovarian cyst removal surgeries and I would have loved to have something like that.
Sarah says
Beautiful kids! :) The abdominal support thing sounds great, wish I had known about it! I had two c-sections due to breech babies. I’m so glad every thing went so well this time around, I can so relate to the past truama, same place again stuff, just related to my son being extremely ill and hopsitalized, instead of c-sections. I think it helps to have positive experiences in those places where you have previously been through some thing so hard. It helps the healing, even if at first you feel like you are some where you never wanted to be again.
MG says
Congrats again! So glad you didn’t end up with a spinal headache! There was major trouble getting my epidural in with my 4th and I had a migraine like headache for 2 days. Blood patch procedure. Then Repeat. Headache and second blood patch. With lots of tests and begging for help in between. So if I heard “spinal fluid dripping” in any context of conversation for me, I’d FREAK OUT!
Lorien says
Congratulations, you guys! I’m glad you had a much more peaceful second experience. Teddy is awesome.
Susan says
I’m an anesthesiologist, and just wanted to say thank you for sharing these powerful stories of your children’s births. Knowing what you and your husband were thinking and feeling during these deliveries helps me understand better what my patients are going through, and, hopefully, take better care of them.
You are right. Healthy babies are born every day! But I think many (even most?) of those who don’t work in obstetrics might be surprised to learn how many people have life threatening experiences like yours. It can be hard to help people cope with these life-altering moments. They happen so quickly and unexpectedly. Thank you so much for sharing.
Christina says
Maybe it’s my twin pregnancy hormones, but this made me cry happy tears. Thank you for sharing your story.
I read through the comments and found the abdominal binder information I was seeking… In case I end up with a c-section. You make the recovery sound pretty easy. Did you and John and much help after Teddy’s arrival? I have a 3 year old and trying to gauge how much help and for how long I should have help in the event that I do have a c-section with my twins. My husband will likely only be out from work for a couple weeks.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Christina! I had to stay in the hospital four days and then when we got home my mom stayed with us for one night just while we settled in and then she went back home and it was just me and John and Clara with Teddy (and Burger!). It seemed like a pretty smooth transition except for sleeping schedules (Teddy had his nights and days flipped for a while but slowly but surely he adjusted). He was a great nurser and I could carry him and tried to only do the stairs once a day for the first week which really helped during those early days.
xo
s
Shauna says
Just a big thank you. Brave you!
I had one baby at home and one baby in a hospital (C-section) way back in the day. I never had any panic about either, but am just grateful that these wonderfuly children came into my life. Seems to me your choices about giving more importance to your family is so healthy (and I honestly don’t mind fewer posts–actually better!).
Enjoy enjoy enjoy your lovely family, each member.
wendalette says
So tears! Much happy!
Overjoyed that Teddy’s birth turned out so…relaxing(?).
(And why did I not know about the belly binder after my C-section!?!?!?)
All the loves and hugs to your [bigger] little family!
Angela says
Welcome to the world, sweet Teddy. I am glad it all went well. I cannot imagine the fear and panic, especially in that OR. Thanks for sharing!
Beth says
So glad Teddy’s birth was a healing and joyful experience for you both. You have a beautiful family and Teddy is the perfect addition :) Many congratulations!
Kirsten Oliphant says
Clearly I’m SUPER behind on blog reading, but I’d been saving this one. SO GLAD that it went well and appreciate you sharing it. I cannot fathom being in the same room after that and totally understand the panic attack being separated for that time before. I just had my fourth baby and third c-section almost 8 weeks ago and this time the spinal didn’t work, so I had to go under general, which triggered memories of my first, emergency c-section. It SUCKED. But everything came out great on the other side, so yay! Glad you came through this with a happy, healthy baby and with a less scary birth story. :)
Stacy {Woodsy Weddings} says
What a beautiful family! Love the picture of you with both your babies in the bed, Congratulations!
Becca says
Oh my goodness! He is so big. And he looks exactly like Clara (who looks exactly like Sherry!). Such beautiful kids with beautiful green eyes!
allie says
Thank you so much for sharing! As a recent newlywed, I am becoming more and more interested in birth stories. Do you have any Blog/book recommendations for new moms or for baby planning? I have been asking everyone I know to share their stories so I can be best prepared! Thank you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Anyone have recommendations for Allie? I liked Babycenter when I was pregnant (they have message boards and emails you can get with pregnancy developments, etc).
xo
s
Kat says
Congratulations! So now that you’ve had time to process everything that has happened and settled in to a new normal… do you have any tips for the rest of us going form a family of 3 to 4? I know every kid/family is different, but dealing with transitions is never easy. How are you handling it?
YoungHouseLove says
It has been awesome to have Teddy around. Definitely an adjustment but I think we’ve settled into a nice routine. So grateful he’s here!
xo
s
Yolande says
Congrats!!! You’re so brave! I had my first child in May by emergency c-section too as my placenta ruptured. It freaked the hell out of me as I was quickly wheeled into theatre screaming my lungs out and my poor husband was left waiting outside for 30 mins. The whole experience makes me sooooo afraid of births now. Thumbs up for you!!! Teddy’s lovely!!! xx
Diane says
(delayed) Congrats! Love his name. We have a Ted who is almost 18!