Hayes' Birth Story - LIV in Style

Just a few short days ago, on December 23rd at 5:36 PM we welcomed our third sweet babe, Hayes Ryan! It is hard to believe that I am writing this just 4 days later, it feels like he has been apart of our family for much much longer. I wanted to write his birth story into a blog post as soon as possible, so I don’t forget any details. Besides a failed epidural, his labor and delivery was my easiest by far!

On December 22nd, I went to my 38 week doctor’s appoint. My doctor did my cervical exam and I was 3 cm and 50% effaced. She said do all the things to try to induce labor! The days leading up to the delivery I had been having contractions at night, prodromal labor, but they would fizzle out by bed time. On December 22nd, I had no contractions so I was starting to feel like this baby wasn’t coming any time soon. I had the BEST night sleep that night that a pregnant gal could possibly get. Ryan was up and in to work early, he had to prepare the first batch of Covid vaccines to be given at his hospital. I slept in and woke up at 7:30 and realized I had either peed myself (LOL) or my water had broken. The second I stood up, I knew my water broke! I wasn’t having any contractions, so I decided to get in the shower and call Ryan and my mom. Ryan was in the sterile IV room at work, so it took 6 phone calls before he finally answered! Him and my mom rushed over and I assured them both that this wasn’t going to be anything too quick since I wasn’t having any contractions. I was able to shower, finish packing and spend some time with Scarlett and Graham and then Ryan and I were on our way to the hospital!

We got the hospital at 10 AM, they confirmed immediately that my water had broken, I was 3-4 cm and 50% effaced and was having mild contractions. I was admitted and started on low-dose Pitocin to get contractions going. For those that do not know, I had to have a c-section with Scarlett because she was breech. Due to my c-section history, the doctor’s do not like to use much intervention to induce labor for risk of uterine rupture. From 10-2 my contractions slowly picked up but nothing too uncomfortable. Ryan and I just hung out, chatted and I walked around the room and bounced on the yoga ball. At 2 PM, my doctor checked me and I was still only 4 cm dilated. They ramped up my Pitocin again and from 2-4 PM my contractions got SO intense. I knew I was transitioning into active labor so I asked for an epidural around 4 PM.

The CRNA came in and I was able to get my epidural quickly, but unfortunately it only worked on one side. From 4-5 PM I had intense labor and was feeling every single contraction on my left side. At 5 PM, everyone could tell I was transitioning to pushing. It was the most intense pain I have ever felt in my life. Thankfully, CRNA had me lie on my side and was able to remove and place a new epidural. Within minutes my doctor checked me and I was completely dilated and baby was ready to come quickly! I am so, so thankful that new epidural got put in when it did. I cannot imagine pushing without one, you mama’s that do are ROCKSTARS! The doctor said “this baby will be out in 1-2 pushes, get everything together quickly!” 1.5 pushes later, Ryan announced “it’s a boy!” and Hayes Ryan was born at 5:36 PM at just 7 lbs even!

We were able to be home by Christmas Eve and spent all of Christmas Day with all of our kid’s at home. It was the most special Christmas ever! Scarlett and Graham are adjusting so well to Hayes. I am so thankful for a safe and healthy delivery and for our sweet new addition. Thank you all SO much for the love we have received over the last several days!