I started writing this post with my phone in one hand and Sophia nicely nestled next to me in the hospital using notes on my phone. I must have read a dozen or more birth stories as I was getting closer to delivery and with each one I couldn’t help but cry as mother’s would describe their feelings and through them all I realized how different and special each one is. These are probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m doing this not only for me, but so that Sophia can one day look back and read my words on how I felt the day she came into this world.
Being 6 days overdue, I knew that I was only a few days away from being induced and while that wasn’t my ideal choice, I couldn’t really do much about it. I had been having steady contractions since Monday and even timed them, called the on call number twice to see if I should head in, but each time they would lose their intensity and I just knew that she wasn’t ready yet.
My mom had been staying with us for about 2 weeks at this point and my dad had flown up from Florida already because we were all confident she would come on time! On Wednesday August 8th, I told my mom that she should spend the night at my sister’s house with my dad and visit with them a little more. She was reluctant, but went anyway. That night Gary and I had some dinner, watched TV and talked about how regardless of when baby girl decided to make her arrival, she’d be here soon. My contractions were sort of a normal daily occurrence at this point, so I didn’t think much of them but I was doing Sumo Squats and bouncing on a yoga ball all in the hopes of having her make her move!
After going to bed at our normal time, I turned to Gary and said, I really hope my water breaks because then that takes the guessing game out of it – with contractions there was timing them and clearly that wasn’t working for me! Around 12:30 AM I turned in my sleep and felt something was off – I got up and wouldn’t you know, my water had definitely broken! I waddled to the bathroom and yep, confirmed that I didn’t pee myself, but my water had indeed broken. Gary was actually getting up himself and I looked at him and said – I think it’s go time.
To be honest, we were both really calm. We’d had our hospital bags packed for weeks so we were ready to go! I called the on-call number to my doctor’s office and they said I should start making my way to the hospital. I quickly rinsed off, put some makeup on – yep had to do it – and then we called an uber (city living!) to take us to the hospital!
Before we left the house, we walked into Sophia’s room and just took it all in – knowing that we would come back as a family of 3 was pretty exciting! I’m pretty happy our uber driver wasn’t concerned that we were heading to the hospital in the middle of the night, although he did ask how close I was to delivering. I told him not to worry, it wouldn’t happen in the 7 minute drive to the hospital!
Once I was taken back to triage, the nurse examined me and put me on the contraction and fetal monitor. I was having steady contractions, but not that painful, yet! She did the initial swab to see if my water had broken and it came back negative. I looked at her and said, I’m really sorry, but your test is wrong. She was pretty understanding, but said that the test was 99% accurate. I said, I know what peeing feels like and I know what happened to me. I asked her to get a doctor and to reexamine me. I remember looking at Gary and saying, I’m so sorry if this is a false alarm and you’re going to be tired for work tomorrow, but I promise you my water broke!
The doctor came in and said my “story” seemed consistent with water breaking so she examined me, confirmed that my water had indeed broken (ha!) and that they were ready to admit me. There is apparently a 3 part test and the swab is just part one – she did all three tests on me and I passed all three to indicate that my water had broken. She explained that they would give me Cytotec to help my contractions become stronger and closer together and if my natural labor progressed I wouldn’t need to be put on pitocin. I ended up not needing the pitocin.
We were taken back into a pre-labor room around 3:30 AM and I was given the pill and told to try to rest while it worked it’s magic. I think it’s laughable that someone would tell you to try to rest through contractions! The magic it worked was literally the most pain I’ve ever been in my life. I wont sugarcoat the pain of a contraction and commend any woman that gives birth naturally. I was breathing through the pain with the deepest breaths I’ve ever taken in my life and then they would pass and I would have relief for about 3-4 minutes until the next one. I didn’t scream, I didn’t yell, but Gary said that he knew I was in serious pain because there were no words coming out of my mouth and I was just swaying back and forth on him trying to get comfortable! I knew that once I had my epidural I would be tied to the bed, so I was trying to walk as much as possible before then. At around 7:30 AM I called the nurse and asked her to check my progression because I really wanted an epidural – thankfully I was 4 cm dilated and they began preparing to me move to the delivery room.
Backing up just a bit, we called my parents around 6:00 AM to let them know that surprise we’re at the hospital and I’m in labor! I can just imagine my mom springing up and saying to my dad WE HAVE TO GO NOW! She probably also said a few expletives on how the one night she left, I went into labor!
Once in the labor room, the anesthesiologist came in and asked if I would like an explanation of the procedure first or to do the epidural – I looked at him with serious pain and said I know what’s about to happen, please just proceed! Within 15 minutes and breathing through the contractions that were now every single minute, I finally had sweet relief, at least on one side. I was still feeling the contractions on the right side and they came back to fix the epidural and then finally, finally I was pain free! Someone asked what the epidural felt like and honestly I didn’t feel a thing. I didn’t see the needle (probably for the best) & I didn’t feel the needle go in – so to me it was a breeze. And to that point, any pain you feel from the epidural is nothing compared to a contraction in my opinion!
My parents came in around 9:30 AM and we were all confident that it would still be a long while before anything happened, so I told them to go to our house and relax and we’d call once things got started. My mom wanted to clean and have some food for us, so off they went!
I was watching Netflix (Young & Hungry was my show of choice!) & Gary was actually working when I started to feel this pressure that I really wanted to push. I called the nurse in around 11:30 AM and said that I felt a lot of pressure like I had to push and she said, I don’t think you’re ready yet, but I’ll call the doctor. At 12:00 PM the doctor came in to do another check and I asked her if I was at least 6 cm dilated yet and she looked at me and said, you’re a lot further along than that – let’s get you ready to push!
Both Gary and I were in complete shock – he immediately called my mom and I texted my sister and again so thankful we live so close to the hospital they were there within 15 minutes. Before the nurses and doctor came back in the room, Gary and I recorded a video for Sophia to let her know how excited we were to meet her. I actually haven’t watched it because I barely got through talking to the camera while he was recording me.
It was go time at 12:35 PM! Knowing that I was pushing to see my baby girl was all the incentive I needed. The entire time I was pushing felt like an out of body experience. I just kept telling myself that I could do anything for 30 seconds – sort of like a tabata workout, 3 really hard pushes for 10 seconds each. I was lucky that I could feel the pressure of a contraction starting so I was able to tell the doctor and nurse when I was ready to push. Each push they would say, she has so much hair and I was so ready to meet her! For 35 minutes I pushed until I heard the sweet sound of my baby girl giving her first cry at 1:12 PM.
They placed her on my chest and my first words to her were Happy Birthday my sweet girl, I’ve been waiting for you. Tears, joy, elation – you name it, I was feeling all the emotions. I couldn’t take my eyes off her and after counting all her fingers and toes, I finally looked up at Gary and saw the emotion on his face and knew that he would forever protect her. He was immediately just as in love with Sophia as I was.
My mom and sister left us alone while we enjoyed our skin to skin time and getting to know Sophia. I had dreamed of what she would look like, what she would sound like & it was so much better than anything I could have imagined. She has my grandmother’s beautiful pouty lips & my nose! The eyes are still up in the air because they look really light and both Gary and I have dark brown eyes.
Throughout my pregnancy I didn’t think about the actual birth, I really only thought of what it would be like when she was finally here. I think that actually helped me to not be nervous about labor. As much as I loved reading birth stories, I knew that my own experience would be different. I had toyed with the idea of getting a doula for the birth, but having Gary, my mom and sister there with me was all the support that I needed.
The next 36 hours were sort of a blur of visitors, nurses checking in on us, learning how to feed her (she’s an avid eater like her dad!) & a slew of diaper changes and swaddles – all of which Gary took charge of.
If I didn’t thinking about labor then I certainly didn’t think about my own recovery. While I was “prepared” with the essentials I read that I needed, I don’t know why I didn’t expect to be in pain afterward. I was walking about 3 hours after the epidural wore off, but I felt really weak. I knew I had to eat, but I wasn’t hungry for a solid day – I think it was the epidural wearing off. The nurse that put my IV in, had done a poor job and ended up blowing up two of my veins, so the bruises I still have from that are a little scary! I like to think of myself as having a pretty high pain tolerance, but with certain things i.e. birthing a child, I accepted that I didn’t need to be a hero and taking the medicine they offered would be in my best interest. I also didn’t shower at the hospital like I had wanted to, but let me tell you – that first shower at home was the best thing ever!
I honestly can’t believe that the tiny human I carried for 9 months is now ours forever. I am forever grateful that I had a healthy pregnancy & a healthy baby girl at the end of it. I can’t thank you all enough for the kind words and well wishes you have given our family. I am so grateful for each one! Thank you for reading about what was without a doubt the greatest day of our lives.
‘);
What a beautiful story!! You will love looking back on this!
This made me cry tears of pure joy for you and Gary! You are a rock star and Sophia is a lucky girl to have you both. She’s a gift and so very beautiful. You’ll be so glad you documented all this as going back and reading it is so joyful. xo You did real good mama!
What a sweet story, Biana! How funny that the one night your mom didn't stay with you, you went into labor! Isn't that always the way! Sophia is just beautiful. Congratulations to you and Gary! Such a wonderful way to document her birth and something you will always have!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
Literally sobbing as I'm reading this this morning! Birth is hands down the most magical experience because you can't even put into words how great the pay off is!! I'm so happy that everything went so well for you guys! She is the most beautiful thing!
It sounds like you had an absolutely wonderful experience with bringing Sophia into the world! I'm sure that your mom was thinking the whole time that she should have stayed after finding out you went into labor the one night that she went to visit your sister, but in the end, she made it back for everything & that's what counts 🙂
WOW! I absolutely loved reading this! Birth stories are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us! She is absolutely beautiful!
Katherine | oneswainkycouple.com
What a beautiful story! I also love that y'all recorded a video for her before she was born! She will cherish that forever!
Oh my goodness Biana-this almost brought me to tears! You and all the moms out there are so incredible!! And Sophia is just the SWEETEST! I'm sure you're just enjoying ever minute with her!
Rosy Outlook
I can't believe how quickly she came once your water broke, and don't you love how we know our own bodies and you knew for a fact that yours had broken? Love that you guys stopped to record a video for your sweet girl, and nothing I repeat nothing is more beautiful than that epidural! Soak in every second of infant snuggles sweet friend <3
Green Fashionista
Well I definitely teared up reading this! She is so beautiful and congratulations again!
So precious! It’s totally something you can’t fully explain (or comprehend) until it’s happened to you. That love is just the best! So happy for y’all!
Even just reading this story I can tell how calm you were through the entire thing, so amazing! And so glad you told that nurse what's up. I get that a test is supposed to be 99% accurate but there's a reason it's not 100%! She is absolutely gorgeous and I still love that Gary changed all of her diapers, what an awesome daddy he is!
I love reading these and I’m so happy you wrote one about Sophia! I’m so happy she’s here, the story brought a tear to my eye. You can feel the love you and Gary have for her!! Enjoy every moment Biana 🙂 xoxo
oh my goodness what a great story! she's just the most perfect, B. i'm so happy for your new family of 3!
Oh, Biana! Such magic! There's nothing like that waiting game and then having your baby in your arms. I'm so glad you had a wonderful experience and that your sweet girl has finally joined your family! Thank you so much for sharing <3
This is the best thing I have ever read on a Monday morning. You wrote this so beautifully and you two are already the best parents! She is so gorgeous and you have the ultimate mommy in love glow! Thank you for sharing <3
Girl, I just cried reading this. I love that you put it all down while it was so fresh. And it brought back sweet sweet memories of having my own and the anticipation and the love no one can explain or understand until you experience it you have for your babies. I’m sorry about your veins. I had that happen to me too and it looks so awful for days. And then I basically reacted to something new with each birth. Crazy. By the way, she’s beautiful and I love the name. One of my absolute favorites. Soak up all the snuggle time. They grow so so fast. ❤️
just look how he is beside you smiling at the baby
whats your opinion?
melodyjacob.com/2018/08/social-media-has-done-more-harm-than.html
Thank you
I admit I usually don’t read these – I’m really terrified to go through child birth myself! – but this was too sweet. What a special day for you guys, and it sounds like everything went relatively well. I think it’s great that nobody knows your body like you do, and you made sure to call out the nurse when necessary, lol! Sending you guys all the positive vibes and thoughts.
I would say to give me all the meds too. God created it for a reason 😉
I totally got choked up at the birth story… I always do anyways but I feel like we've been so invested in Baby Boston for the whole 9 months so hearing the final part of this story, its got me all emotional with you. Especially at those first words to her. Oh my goodness. Precious.
So glad everything went smoothly & you & Sophia are both healthy & happy & ready to tackle forever together 🙂
Such a sweet story!
Your experience was similar to mine; water breaking in the middle of the night…only I "passed" the first part of that test ha ha. It's kind of awful how skeptical they are about water breaking. They really didn't believe me either…when you KNOW you KNOW!
Congratulations to you all!
Congrats again! Sophia is such a beauty, and matches her name perfectly! I think that it's so funny to think that you hopped in an uber to get to the hospital, but it makes perfect sense living in the city like you do. I'm glad that you had a positive birth experience and I hope that you're soaking up as much of those newborn cuddles as you can!
Such a sweet and special story! There are no words to describe those first few moments as a new family. They are so incredibly special!
Congratulations again, your little princes looks adorable. This reminded me my story when I gave birth to my daughter 7 years ago, difference was that she was born 1 month earlier, so nobody expected that early. My husband was on a business trip, my family lives in Europe, so I was alone in a delivery room without any closest people's support. You are lucky you had your faimly by your side. Thansk for sharing your story, Biana. xx
Nina's Style Blog
So amazing, Biana! All the feels over here. I never wrote A and little nugget's birth stories but plan on doing all three of them after baby boy. I had very similiar situations to yours, no pain with the epidural, but I actually passed out both times after recovery when they told me to try and get up and go to the bathroom lol. I'm such a baby, but recovery for me was the hardest part both times. I love that you went into her room and did a video for her before she came. That is so special! <3 Sierra Beautifully Candid
Reading this post gave me all the emotions – SO happy for you all! She is a doll and this will be such a sweet memory for you and Gary to have documented, and for Sophia to read when she gets older.
The sweetest birth story, Biana! I am SO happy for y'all and so glad baby girl Sophia is a healthy little babe!
Crying over here!! Love the story… but the image in my head is your mother springing up BOTH times (6 am and mid-day) to rush to the hospital! There were for sure expletives!! LOL!!!!!
What a wonderful and nice story. Blessings to you and your family.
Omg I was tearing up the whole time reading this! I'm glad you had such a smooth delivery and she is just so beautiful!!! I cannot wait to experience this! Bringing a new life into the world must be surreal!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Aw I love this. She will be so happy you wrote all of this down. I am so happy for you and Gary! You can just see the love in your eyes!
Loved reading this! That first photo of you and Sophia is stunning!
Chills and tears as I'm reading this at my desk at work. She is so beautiful and I'm so happy you seemed to have a smooth delivery!! Love you!
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Sophia is both beautiful and SO cute!! I am also so happy that everything went well for you too. That photo of Gary looking over her is so precious. Sending you tons of love and a big hug!!
I love reading birth stories. Girl, you aren't joke when you say that you don't even care about epidural procedural explanations or pain from them by the point it is time to get one!!! I absolutely love that you guys recorded a video for her before you started to push!!! I wish I would have thought to do that. Though, I went from having awhile to go to needed an emergency c-section right this minute that I wouldn't have gotten the chance to. You sure progressed quickly! Baby girl was like, since I chose today…let's do this thing! Tearing up over here. She is absolutely precious and I am so happy for you guys!
I can't believe your perfect girl is here! I loved reading her birth story and how much love you and Gary have for her is SO evident! She is one beautiful, lucky little girl!
So beautiful, Biana! You progressed so quickly! Enjoy those sweet newborn moments. <3
Oh, Biana, you had me tearing up reading this. Thank you so much for sharing Sophia's birth story with us. She is absolutely beautiful and I see the both of you in her. I applaud you for having handled everything so calmly and that you stood firm in your belief that your water did indeed break! Some would've just trusted the nurse's response. Sending so much love to you and your beautiful little family!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
I love reading these! So thankful for a smooth labor and delivery! She’s beautiful!
This comment has been removed by the author.
These are my favorite kind of posts! Thank you for sharing–you ARE a hero. Sophia is the sweetest babe. Congratulations to you and your family!! xo
Congratulations! I'm not sure I've every commented on your blog before, but I figured this was the best day to start! Your baby girl is beautiful! Hope you get some sleep and your recovery goes well! 🙂
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Happy to hear it was a smooth process.
I went into labor with both boys almost 2 weeks early.. and my water never broke.
henatayeb.blogspot.com
Oh my gosh, what an amazing entrance to the world! I'm so glad your doctor listened to you about your water breaking and they didn't brush you off since the test was wrong. She is sooo precious and I'm so happy for you guys!
What a touching birth story and something sweet Sophia can look back and read how you felt at every moment during the process from pain to pure love! She is gorgeous just like her Mamma. Congrats lady and I hope you and Gary are enjoying the new journey of parenthood! xo Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis
All the feels & all the tears! She is seriously so beautiful Biana!
Aww B thanks for sharing this experience. So touching. So happy for your family. She is gorgeous!
PS love that you guys stopped to take in the nursery!
I have tears in my eyes reading this. It sounds like the absolute perfect day. And she was so alert!! Congratulations again!
I loved reading this! I agree about the epidural not hurting (or not being able to remember) because after contractions, it was a welcome relief! So glad that everything went smoothly and little adorable Sophia made her way into the world so well! I love seeing the pics of dads hovering over the little bassinets in the hospital, just staring at their little babies…it's the best! MG also took charge of diaper changes and swaddling in the hospital, without having to be asked, and I SO appreciated that. I hope that you all are settling into home life well and that you're recovering ok! Sending lots of love your way and I'm always around if you need to text or chat!
ahh I'm crying! This is so beautiful!!
Wow reading this was so special! Thank you so much for sharing this intimate moment with us. I def shed some tears haha That epidural def has me scared but as you say its well worth it! Your daughter is perfect! So beautiful! Congrats again to you and Gary. And hello and welcome to the world baby Sophia!
Birth stories are my favorite! I only had one childbirth without an epidural and that was enough. She is absolutely beautiful. Keep taking care of her and yourself..I think I always tried to do too much too quickly and ended up crashing at about month 3.
Love that you guys did a video right before she was coming and the picture of you and her with neither of you looking at the camera.
So glad she's here and happy for you and Gary and your fam!
Love that you called an uber – so city like! When my water partially broke, the nurses laughed when I put on makeup when we got to the hospital – you have to!
I loved reading your story and she is such a doll! I love how excited you guys look on your way to the hospital – it's so surreal and the best feeling!
I am sooo happy you linked to this because I was out of town when you posted (and your blog wasn't coming to my inbox, but Feedburner must have fixed their issues!) Your story was sooo beautiful and Sophia will indeed cherish it one day, she will see how deeply loved she is and how much you and Gary love her and couldn't wait for her arrival! You were due before my stepdaughter and my stepdaughter had HER baby girl TWENTY DAYS EARLY on August 10th……..she weighed only 4 something pounds…(now she is up to 5.2 lbs), she is a tiny little thing! My step daughter was rushed to the hospital during one of her final ultrasounds (the heartbeat was off) and she had to have an emergency c section the next day…..you are blessed to have had Sophia naturally!!! Our new grandchild is healthy thank God! Sophia is simply GORGEOUS and I LOVE her name! Oh, FYI: MANY babies are born with light eyes and they change…..(unless there is someone in your family with light eyes), you know they can skip a few generations!! xoxoxo
Well I just read every single word, and I am just beyond happy for you all! She is so precious. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am glad you were able to go into labor naturally and have a good experience! Sounds like you did an amazing job and that you all are already wonderful, loving parents. There is definitely a recovery afterward.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Okay, just as I anticipated I'm crying, but I'm at the airport and I hope no one is looking at me lol What a beautiful story! I can't wait till I meet my baby girl! Congratulations to the two of you <3
-PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
P.S. I will be hosting a giftcard give away on my Instagram page soon! Let’s follow each other!
This is so sweet B!!!!!! Those first pictures are magical. I’m 100% obsessed!!!!!!! Sweet, sweet Sophia is SO loved.
Ok I read Sophia's birth story last week on vacation, but my phone wouldn't let me comment. Must have been the one bar 4G I got out there. Ha. But thank you for sharing your story. She is incredible and so are you for giving birth to her. I would have gladly accepted the epidural as well!!!
lol i love the ha! about your water breaking. seriously, why would you lie? i love that you were watching netflix when you felt the need to push. i'm glad you weren't nervous about the birth and you had the support you needed. i'm sorry about the pain afterwards. congrats again, she is absolutely beautiful!
I loved reading this! It was wonderful that you have documented this – for you both to look back on. You were so calm throughout – I had to admire you sticking to your guns and asking for a second opinion from the doctor. It was so great to read you are ok, recovering and baby is so well and healthy x You look so at peace- it is beautiful to see! WELL DONE – birthing is no mean feat! Can't wait to hear more of your updates – J xx
My phone won't ever let me comment on your posts- ugh, which is how I read the majority of blogs during the day. Sorry this is so delayed. I teared up reading this- so special and so funny about the Uber's and your Mom. Love reading about Sophia's entrance in to the world. So beautiful!