*warning - graphic labor details (but no pictures, promise)!
i've never had a real issue with military hospitals. growing up as an army brat and then joining the air force meant i was pretty accustomed to military hospitals and doctors. and while i appreciate all of the care they have provided me and my family over these years, it was not the environment i was hoping to introduce my child into upon her arrival.
hospitals can be cold, sterile and stressful places. as we made our way to balboa naval hospital, we tried to focus on the positives. we were now closer than not to seeing our daughter. although our midwife did not have hospital privileges there, there were midwives available (some that had even previously worked at the birthing center we had just come from). i would only need a little bit of pitocin to kick start the contractions again.
so, focusing on the positives, we progressed. we really liked our midwife and nurse. they were extremely senstitive to our wishes, helped me really focus and made me feel like i was doing an amazing job. Justin was the ultimate supporter saying all the right things at the right time. encouragement and excitement poured out of him. he never wanted to leave my side, even when i told him he should grab something to eat. and he helped convince me to accept the offer of a mirror to see her progress. yes, a mirror. initially i balked at the idea of watching what was happening. why watch when i could feel EVERYTHING?! then i saw the expression on Justin's face; there was such joy and amazement that i became really curious to see what he was seeing. at first i think it made matters worse. i would see her head peek with a push and then it seemed to suck back in between pushes. how discouraging! but after some more tips from the midwife, it ended up being a great decision.
there are experiences that people can describe in such detail that you can imagine yourself there, tasting and smelling exactly what they're talking about. labor and delivery is NOT one of those experiences (and that is probably a good thing). i will attempt to describe some aspects anyhow. first, there is an incredible amount of pressure. apparently, her head was pushing against my rectum and i truly felt that if i was going to pass out, it would be from that pressure more than anything. that was until i experienced the ring of fire. while i never heard anyone discuss rectum pressure before, the ring of fire is definitely a common topic. the burning sensation took my breath away which is not helpful when breathing is already so difficult. but the relief once she slid out was incomparable. they placed her on my stomach and there she was warm and staring up at me with unbelievably aware eyes.
i was instantly and totally in love. every single ache and pain and sacrifice washed away in that moment we made eye contact. after 37+ hours of labor, my little princess was finally in my arms. she was 8 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches of complete perfection.
unfortunately, there was still a little adventure in the hospital left...
if you missed part 1
part 3
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