Allison's Birth Story: Part Two!

... They carried me to the bed and announced I was 6cm dilated and 100% effaced. We were having this baby!

After the epidural... we are much happier!

My mind joined my body and went into shock. I am having a baby! I was filled with 10,000 emotions and thoughts. AHHHH, I AM HAVING A BABY!?!?!!! I went inside myself and just prayed. I remember closing my eyes and talking to God while my body shook uncontrollably and I felt like I was sitting next to HIM and God had his hand on me giving me strength and reassurance. It was incredible. At this point, my contractions were pretty intense and I was ready for relief. They gave me an IV of fluids while we waited for the epidural. 

The anesthesiologist who gave me my epidural was amazing, not just because he took the pain away, but because he was personable. His kids both went to PCA where I work, so I felt like God put him in my path for a reason. 

Getting the epidural was painful, but I closed my eyes and prayed through it. It was the strangest feeling. After about 10-15 minutes my shaking stopped and I could talk again. It was a sigh of relief my body needed. I was able to relax a little. Although I had the epidural, I could still feel the pressure from my contractions and I even had some feeling in my legs. I could move my left leg which I thought was strange, but I wasn't complaining because I was numb where I needed to be!

Moments after meeting our daughter. 

The doctor came in and checked me, in less then 2 hours I was 10cm dilated and 100% effaced. The doctor told me that I progressed VERY fast for someone having their first baby. She told me that with baby #2 we needed to come to the hospital ASAP because I have fast labors (who knew!?!?). 

Although I was 10cm and ready, my water still had not broken. Since my body had done everything so naturally, my doctor wanted my body to break its own water or we would deliver Allison in her sack. Since I was comfortable, she let me sit for another hour or two to see if my water would break. I felt like I laid there FOREVER. My nurse even felt bad for me because she said if my water would break we would have her quickly. After about an hour, my nurse tried to help me break my water. Allison's head was so low, all of the fluid was behind her so it was trapped and would not break. After a few attempts, my water finally broke! It was game time. 

At this point it was like a whirlwind. My mom ran over and kissed me and left, nurses ran in with all sorts of gadgets, my legs were lifted and I began feeling a TON of pressure. The nurse backed my epidural off so I was able to feel the contractions more. This was great because pushing felt amazing. I wanted to push through the contractions. It felt like a really hard, intense workout. I was pushing 3-4 times and was determined. I was so focused. It was a surreal moment. I knew I wanted to meet her and I was doing everything I could to get her in my arms. I pushed for 20 minutes. Then... then, the funniest thing happened. Remember how my water wouldn't break because all of the fluid was behind her? Well, when she came out all of the fluid behind her came out too and showered Jeffrey and I. It was um... interesting! We looked at one another while nurses wiped us off and we began crying together as we looked at our precious blessing. 

Waiting to move into our postpartum room.

At this moment my entire body filled with joy, love, and instant relief. I loved this little person SO much. I looked at Jeffrey and we all had a moment of pure bliss. I have never loved my husband more. I will NEVER forget this moment in my life. This moment between our new family of three is priceless and precious to me. 

Now, 3 weeks later, I have never been so tired, confused, or in love as I am now. The 9 months of pregnancy and hours of labor were 100% worth it. Allison Montgomery Elizabeth Nelson is our little AMEN. She is constantly teaching us how to trust in God and how to love. We are so blessed to be her parents and live life through her eyes.