Birth Story

First off, here are the long awaited and asked for pictures of our baby girl's nursery! The painting and wall design done by Ryan and myself, furniture is from Target and Ikea, chair from Babies r Us, crib bedding and valences made by my mom, collage frame/name board/lamp made by me, and small frames, photography and elephant décor courtesy of my sister in law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well October 23, 2013 finally arrived! We were both excited and nervous but ready to meet our baby.

After one last belly picture we gave our 4 legged babies a kiss and were off!

 

We checked into the hospital at 10am and got started in room 4.

 

Had to have the traditional gown and monitoring pics :) Turns out I was actually contracting and didn't realize it!

 

 

 

 

 

 We had a great nurse who answered all of our questions and was great at explaining everything. My doctor came in shortly after and did a bedside ultrasound which showed our little princess was still breech (which I already knew). It also showed that there was very little fluid around her and that my placenta had some calcifications and was looking "tired" so it had no reserve to even attempt a version. We weren't planning on doing the version anyway but this just cemented the cesarean section decision. We had 30 minutes or so to just rest and anticipate her birth. Very surreal to actually be there in labor and delivery, hooked up to the monitors and actually getting ready to meet our baby!

 

Just after 12pm we made the walk to the OR. I was anxious about the spinal (I think from years of watching lumbar punctures done in the ER) but they wouldn't let Ryan come in with me for that. The nurse and CRNA were great though and the spinal turned out to be a breeze! "Easiest in 14 years" per the CRNA :) They laid me down, did the other prep and brought Ryan in to sit by my side. Again, VERY surreal to be in that position and know that this was actually happening but so glad to be squeezing Ryan's hand in that moment.

 

They were kind enough to bring a mirror in for me so I could watch as much of the procedure as I wanted. The doctor made the incision at 12:27pm, let Ryan know they were at the uterus so he could take pictures (which I won't share here due to the blood), and at 12:34pm our sweet Reagan Ann West was born!! She was pulled out bum first in a full pike position followed by a little maneuvering to get her head out. I loved hearing Ryan excitedly say "Oh there she is!" as he peered over the drape. Reagan was gray and quiet initially but perked up once they took her to the warmer.

 

Those legs are true "breech baby" legs and did not want to be straightened :)

 

 

Ryan went with her and warmed my heart as he smiled at her, talked to her and held her hand. He really was/is over the moon for this baby :)

 

After a few short minutes they brought her over to me for some modified skin to skin while they were sewing me up.

What a sweetie! She was calm and actually quite alert which was awesome to be able to see her pretty eyes.

 

After a few minutes they did measurements and a little more suctioning.

 

 

This is one of our favorite pictures and we joke that Reagan was born with a scowl but it's no joke, she really was born with this scowl and sported it for days (still does sometimes). We also joke that she got the scowl from me...but again, no joke. She really did! I'm not too proud to admit it :)

 

After they finished up the incision we took our first family picture followed by a ride back to room 4 with her on my chest.

 

Our nurse stayed with us for an hour helping Reagan and me with breastfeeding. Once again, she was such a great nurse and we were lucky to have her!

 

 Ryan sent out the family texts then we worked on footprints.

 

 

One proud daddy!

 

After a few hours of recovery we moved to room 354 where we would spend the next 3 days enjoying this precious baby!

 

 

One thing is for sure, being born is hard work no matter how you do it. We all earned a nap after that momentous day :)