Leo's Birth Story

Leo Dewey Guinn
November 25, 2015
5:16 pm
7 lbs. 10 oz.
20 in.

 Leo was born 11 days past my due date. I was going crazy! I was so desperate to go into labor, I tried acupressure, acupuncture, herbs, everything. You name it, I tried it. On the morning of Leo's birth, I had a doctor's appointment. I was at 5cm! And not in labor! She said Leo was posterior (head down, but facing forward, not backward how it's supposed to be) and not centered on my cervix which could explain why I was not going into labor. She recommended I see a chiropractor to help reposition the baby and to try different positions from "Spinning Babies" to try to turn him. Right after my appointment, I met with a chiropractor who did some massages, but nothing happened. Then we met with Chris' family for lunch at the Burger Stand in downtown Lawrence. While eating, I had a few mild contractions, but didn't think much of it since I've had them before and nothing came of them. After lunch, I went home with Chris and my Mom to try spinning babies. Chris' family took Charlie to see the good dinosaur. There was a specific youtube video on how to spin a posterior baby with some glorified hip swaying and what not. I was skeptical, but gave it a try. After like 30 or so minutes, with some mild contractions in between, my water broke! However, after being so late past my due date, I still did not believe that I was in labor! I thought, oh maybe I just peed myself, or maybe it's something else. Wasn't thinking too clearly haha. It wasn't until I had a couple VERY painful contractions that I was convinced this was the real deal. So we decided to leave for the hospital around 4 o'clock.

Once we got there, the nurse checked me and I was at 7 cm! She confirmed that my water had broke. Shortly after getting to the hospital, the contractions became so painful, that I told the nurse I needed an epidural. During pregnancy, I prepared for an all-natural labor and delivery by practicing hypnobirthing. I wanted a different experience than I had with Charlie. And boy did I get it! The nurse told me, okay, but I need to give you an IV first. Then she leaves. No where to be seen for like 30 minutes! Those 30 minutes were horrible! I had horrible back labor and needed Chris to constantly massage my lower back. I felt like a crazy person! I was literally bawling in fetal position with my face buried into the bed. I got a bruise on my forehead by pressing it into the handle bars too hard during each contraction. I just kept crying and begging for an epidural! (I'm guessing this was "transition" that was giving me so much pain)

She finally comes back to give me an IV. Thanks. Then my midwife comes. I beg her to get me an epidural. She says oh, let's try a different position and then we'll talk about getting an epidural. And I'm all, nooooooo! I need an epidural! While crying. She checks me and I'm at a 9. She says, Lauren, there is no time for an epidural. And my heart just sinks. And fear sets in. I'm actually going to do this. WTF? What felt like 5 minutes later I was at a 10 and it was time to push! Finally the pain of transition was gone! I thought pushing would hurt the most out of the entire process, but really it was the easiest for me. I felt pressure, but not much pain. I also did not tear at all, which I thought for sure I would since I got an episiotomy with Charlie's delivery. Then the anesthesiologist walks in as I'm pushing, and I'm like thanks for nothing bud! When Leo finally made his appearance (in less than an hour after getting to the hospital), I cried like a baby (and so did he, haha). Endorphins after delivery is a real thing! I was so grateful to be done and so grateful to see that beautiful little face and hug him for the first time. Skin-to-skin time after delivery is the best! Even though I had no choice, I can't believe I delivered naturally! It was so hard, but so worth it! Leo was very alert for a few hours after delivery, which was not the case with Charlie. Recovery was so much easier and faster this time around. I am so grateful that my labor and delivery went well, even though Leo was posterior. Birth really is a miracle!