Doodlebug & Mommy: Aidee's Birth Story

I am about six months late. However, Aidee is here. He was born July 16 (eight days early) via cesarean and weighed eight pounds even. My birth story is not all that amazing or complicated.

I had a doctor’s appointment on Thursday July 14 only to find that there had been absolutely no progress and I can expect to be at my next week’s appointment. I was highly upset and wanted to do whatever I could to make labor start because I was tired. I ate spicy foods, I walked and I….. ok TMI.

That same Thursday night, I contacted my supervisor and let her know that after Friday’s meetings; I am officially on maternity leave and will be going home early. That plan failed because Friday morning (less than 24 hours after my doctor’s appointment) I started cramping. I immediately thought that it was an upset stomach. The pains worsened so I called the doctor. Sure enough, I was having labor pains. My family was so excited and wanted to come to Atlanta, but I told them not to. Unfortunately nothing could be done and those pains were just the beginning stages. It could be hours or days before I deliver. I called into work, cleaned, went to the store and slept to pass time.

Saturday morning after no sleep, the pains worsened. I called the doctor again, left a message and tried to deal with the pain until they call me back. After about two hours of no returned phone call from the doctor, I called my Atlanta friend for advice. She advised that I go to the hospital anyway. After calling my sons father and getting no response, I took it upon myself to drive myself to the hospital. Luckily it was a rainy Saturday morning with no heavy Atlanta traffic. I took it easy slowing down during contractions and made it to Piedmont at about 7ish. They admitted me, broke my water and gave me an epidural. By that time, I still had not alerted family and was in the hospital alone. I wanted rest and did not want to worry them. Their constant phone calls from family asking for an update prompted me to confess that I had already been admitted.

Once my family arrived, the whole process turned into a constant waiting process. I had about 13 family members there. In the end, I am glad they came to support and entertain me. I was progressing wonderfully at first, but I guess long Aidee gave up. It had been about 12 hours of waiting and Aidee’s heart rate was rapid. Doctors ended up doing a C-section and Aidee was here at about 9 pm. I later found out that he was tangled in the umbilical cord.

Although single mommyhood is a challenge, it certainly is a joy to have Aidan in my life.