Benjamin Mokuauia

Ben was born today at 4:50 pm. Fluids were low again at my doctor's appointment again today, so it was decided that the risks of leaving him in utero were out weighing the risks of inducing (He was bouncing around like crazy in my belly until I laid down to do the ultrasound... then he didn't move at all.)

I was dialated to 3 cm at the doctors office. By the time we got to the hospital less than an hour later and my other doctor checked, I was dialated to 5cm (with almost no contractions.) They started the pitosin right away when I got checked in, and broke my water about a half hour later. After that it was determined that I would not be able to get an epideral until after 9pm due to the Lovenox injections. So they took me off the pitosin around 1:30 PM, but I just kept contracting.

I have to admit that I am a huge wimp when it comes to pain and was very much counting on that epideral. I knew when they told me about the 9pm restriction, that I would be giving birth without the epideral and I was SCARED.

I wanted to be brave... I wanted to be superwoman that did not even acknowledge the pain... but alas, my true wimpy nature came through. I begged and pleaded for relief... I cried... I almost passed out at one point... I even screamed a few times when Ben had to be turned...

But, despite all of that, we made it through, and I feel great.

Ben is doing well, but was born with very low blood sugar and breathing a bit weird (but completely on his own). Due to the low blood sugar, they had to give him a bottle and he ate very well... his blood sugar and breathing is fine since the bottle, but he will be in the NICU for observation until tomorrow.

I am happy, Ben is beautiful, and Doug was amazingly supportive through all of it.