13 l Bri's Birth Stories l Pregnancy, COVID, and Epidurals

Ever wondered how COVID-19 has impacted new mothers? Our host Bri, a courageous mother of two, shares her personal journey of becoming a mom in the middle of a global pandemic. From the initial shock of her first pregnancy to navigating the challenges of being a COVID-impacted mom-to-be, she lays bare the realities with a dash of humour, reminding us all that we're only human.

Bri's tale takes an unexpected turn when her water breaks during a condo viewing, leading to her first labor encounter. She candidly talks us through each moment - from the initial embarrassment, to the waves of intense pain and the sweet relief of an epidural. Get ready to be transported into the delivery room, as Bri recounts her twelve-hour long labor in vivid detail. Her story is a testament to the highs and lows of childbirth, giving listeners an unfiltered insight into a journey that is as magical as it is challenging.

The final phase of our conversation with Bri delves into her second pregnancy. The journey was fraught with struggles, including a gestational diabetes diagnosis and regular NSTs. Enter the delivery room once again as she narrates her labor story and the experiences she encountered during the crucial postpartum period. As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the importance of having a solid support system during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. If you're seeking an honest take on motherhood and the need for communal support, Bri's journey will leave you inspired, informed and ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. 

Thank you so much for joining us today . We’re so excited you’re taking this journey with us! They say it takes a village, welcome home mama!

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Felicia’s Instagram: @Felicia_Sorby
Bri’s Instagram: @Brie.Rodriquez

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:09

Hey Mama, welcome to Postpartum Confessions, a podcast for anyone navigating the ups and downs of becoming a mom. I'm Felicia.

Speaker 2: 0:17

I'm Bri and we're here to bring you truly unfiltered conversations from the expected to the unexpected parts of being a mom, Whether you're trying to conceive, pregnant or already a mother, this podcast is for you.

Speaker 1: 0:27

Let's discover the secrets no one told you about motherhood and how to overcome them together. They say it takes a village. Welcome home.

Speaker 2: 0:34

Are you ready? Let's dive in. Hi, welcome back to Postpartum Confessions. This is Bri, and today we are going to talk about my birth stories. I'll do my best to keep them within the timeframe, but I do have two to talk about, so it's okay, I talk fast.

Speaker 1: 0:59

Hey, mama Felicia here. We all love a good birth story, and Bri has two, of course. So, as a reminder again, everyone has different experiences, including between kids. So, bri, can you, as best as you can, tell us about all of your experiences.

Speaker 2: 1:13

Yes, so I will try to run through them and I'll start with baby number one. So first baby I'll start from I don't know, just the highlight points. I guess was very scary because it's the first pregnancy and I have the type of mindset where I want to do everything right. I want to eat the things that I'm supposed to eat, not the things I'm not supposed to. I want to make sure I go to all the appointments, all you know, every little thing. I was too scared to continue working out. I did, but I mean I was really scared like okay, nothing touches my tummy, nothing. Like everything, anything, everything. I just didn't want to jeopardize anything when it came to baby. So it was a little like nerve wracking.

Speaker 2: 1:52

But when we I remember we got pregnant, I took the test and my husband I brought it out. We were going to look at it together and we did and we were both like so excited and I started crying and I think he shed a tear too, and then we kind of sat down, we were cuddling and hugging and we talked about it and then we both got like really quiet and then we started like laughing and looked at each other like oh my God, did. We just have the same like sinking feeling of like what did we do? You know, like we're going to, we're like we're fully responsible for this, like new child and like all of our time like, if you know, the pressure of it kind of started getting there, but it quickly went back to being happy. This is something we both knew we wanted and we were trying for that kind of thing, but it was really funny. So luckily I'm pretty fortunate that in my pregnancy I didn't have any major mishaps or anything that was worrisome or anything like that. But actually on one of the scans they said they saw something they ended up not seeing. It was a thing and I ended up having to get like a couple more ultrasounds but luckily it was nothing.

Speaker 2: 2:59

Misunderstanding is how our what do you call them? Our midwife? Yeah, she was like no, she, they shouldn't have flagged this and it was a misunderstanding, it was a thing. But it made me crazy for weeks because of what I just expressed. I wanted everything to be perfect and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But then of course, COVID happens. So my baby is a prime, my first one is a prime COVID baby right in the mix of it, and that was super scary.

Speaker 2: 3:26

You know, everything changed at that moment. We know baby shower, know this, know that, know nothing. My husband couldn't come to any appointments anymore. All the classes that I had booked to take they canceled. And you know, as a worry person, I was like what about my classes? I don't know what to do, and yeah, so it was awful.

Speaker 2: 3:46

And they had that whole stint of the partners not being able to come in with you for delivery and I panicked about that. I called every week to see if it had changed and they, you know, no, no, no. Thankfully, come the couple of weeks before I was set to deliver, they changed it to where one person could come in but they could not leave. So once you were in you couldn't leave. Maybe once they said if you had to get something from the car or something, but you were not able to leave. So it was super stressful. But I was so happy that he was able to come in, because can you imagine not being able to, like see your first born? And you know, oh, no, that's crazy. You know how anxious your wife is too. Yeah, right.

Speaker 1: 4:30

And just see in a few hours maybe, like or it could be two days from now. No, yeah.

Speaker 2: 4:36

I mean it was, it was just chaotic because he couldn't come to one of the last ultrasounds too that we needed for that, for that like little scare. And they told me initially I was like well, can I FaceTime him in so that he can see and ask any questions? And they were like oh yeah, yeah, yeah. And then you get in there and they're like absolutely not, there's no FaceTiming in here. And blah, blah, blah, and I was like I just burst out crying, like straight up crying in there. And the girl who was doing the ultrasound and stuff, she was like um, she basically was like you're making me really uncomfortable. And I was like you're uncomfortable, try, being like eight months pregnant and your partner can't come with you and this is your first baby and you have no classes. No, nothing to like you're uncomfortable because I'm crying. And I was like oh well, I'm sorry.

Speaker 1: 5:22

Wow, you have a lot more patience than I do.

Speaker 2: 5:27

Oh no, I was pissed. I ended up talking to like somebody at that and they were like, well, we, you know, I'm sorry, somebody told you about the Face, you know, facetime thing, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And I was like, well, whatever, I was still crying and I was like I'm just happy to be leaving now. So it was like a thing, you know, but it was frustrating. But you know, thankfully that's over. But yeah, so fast forward a little bit more to having the baby.

Speaker 2: 5:53

I remember that weekend my husband was like, oh, you know what, my due date was, like May 31st I think, and I ended up having her the 25th. So that weekend, which was a Monday, so that weekend was like I don't know, friday, saturday, sunday, it came and on he was like I'm just not feeling very good kind of thing, and I was like, well, you better lay down because she could come any moment. You know what I mean. And so he was resting. I was like I'm just gonna put everything away, you know, finish my nesting and and all of that stuff. And he was like, okay, and I remember sitting on the floor and I got up and I was on my knees and I just felt like this pain like kind of go Down my side. I was like, oh, that's kind of weird. It was like dull but like Big, like I it's the I can't describe it. But I was like, oh, maybe she's just like turning, like that's how it kind of felt, like a big, like you know, I mean. And I was like, okay, whatever. And so the night went on, had dinner and all that, and I noticed I was like getting like contractions and I was like, oh, cool, like look at it, contractions, you know.

Speaker 2: 6:52

And I was texting my sister-in-law and she was acting as like my doula at the time. She was going through, Well, she's had three babies and she was going through to become one. And so I texted her all the time literally and I was telling her about it and she was like, you're an early labor, like because I was, you know, I FaceTimed her and we were talking and I was sending her like the timing she goes, you need to time these. So I brought it might happen. I started timing them when they came and they were pretty close, but not close enough to go into the hospital or anything. But my husband was like, okay, I'm gonna take the dogs to our friends house, because you know what, if you know what, if it overnight, like we don't want to drop them off, at like 3 am, you know, no, it's like okay, good idea, like they're not intense yet, but you never know. So, yeah, he did, and then that night the contractions picked up a lot, like a lot, a lot. I had a hard time sleeping. I was like grabbing them and I was like, ah, so he didn't sleep either, apparently, you know. And just, we got through with it and the morning came and I still had them, but they were farther apart. So I was like, ah, false alarm, you know.

Speaker 2: 7:51

And at the time we were trying to purchase a condo and so we were every now and then going out Very masked up and very sanitary. We had to wear like gloves and shoe things, like whatever it was to like see things, covid times and yeah. So we saw some of them and we had an appointment on Sunday to go see one, and so we got ready. We were getting in the car and I sat down and I was like, dang it. I think I peed a little, because that wasn't the first time this has happened and I was like, oh, this is so frustrating because we lived on the third floor of an apartment complex and I mean there was a elevator, but still I was.

Speaker 2: 8:29

You know, I was like, and he and before we joked about putting our suitcase in the car and the car see everything, just in case. And we were like, yeah, we probably should, just in case, like, let's do it. So we did. But he was like, uh, so I, it was like, dang it, I peed. And he was like, do you want to go up and change? I was like, absolutely not, that's three floors. And it was just a little bit like you know, I'll just deal with it. I was like, plus, there's some extra like underwear in the, in the suitcase, if, if it becomes an issue and I'll just like put them on extra pants and everything and then I'll replace those. And he was like, oh, okay. So we drove over there and you know I started feeling like a little like man Hurts a little you know.

Speaker 2: 9:09

And we finally get there and I'm like, I don't know, man, I feel like Did my water break? And he was like, nah, you, it would like gush out, right. And I was like, yeah, you know, so they say. And I was like, yeah, so they say. And you know, I kept feeling like a little bit more, like more and more come, as we were like driving or on a bump and I was like, oh, my god, I can't hold my pee anymore. This sucks. And so we got out of the car and I was like asking him, like I don't think this is pee? And he was like what? And I was like, plus, it hurts, like you know.

Speaker 2: 9:40

And I was texting my sister in law at the time and she was like go to the hospital, your water broke. Like it's not pee, trust me. I was like, are you sure? And so, before we go in and I hadn't gotten out of the car yet, I was asking them I called and they were like well, are you wearing like a pad? Sometimes we ask people to wear like a pad so you can see if it's pee or not, like if it's yellow or whatever During you know when they might have the baby. And I was like no, no one told me to do that. And I was like I don't think it's pee. And I was like you know, I said this on an episode a while back.

Speaker 2: 10:12

I was like I'm just gonna smell it, I don't, I don't care. So you know I Smell it and it was. It was not, it was not pee, and I was like I don't think it is. She goes, okay, well, you should come in and we're gonna vote so we can verify and if your water broke, you need to stay. And I was like okay, so my husband's like dang, should we go see the condo, like. And I was like, and I was like maybe you should just run in. And I was like yeah, you know what, forget it, I want to see it too. Like just real quick. But as I'm having like pains, and as soon as I got out of the car I felt like more Water like coming I was like Dang it.

Speaker 1: 10:44

I was gonna say you went in there.

Speaker 2: 10:47

Oh, I went in there, I was like dang it, I was, and I was like super quick, super quick. And he was like are you sure? And I was like so quick, like it's not, it was. It wasn't like a ton of water, but it was a lot like at once. You know what I mean. Oh, my over. And I was like it's okay, it's okay, it's okay, we'll walk in there. And we go in there and I'm like and plus, I'm gonna go to the bathroom and just like double, double check, like that it wasn't. You know what I mean. And he was like okay, and so we go in. And he's like looking around and I'm like okay, nice, nice, yeah, this is nice, I'm in it, I'm just gonna use the restroom really quick.

Speaker 2: 11:16

And I went in and you know, I looked and I was like I looked, I walked out, I was like it's definitely not pee, and he was like oh my god. And I was like wait, I need to see the living room. So I walked in in the kitchen and then they were coming. So I was like leaning on the counter and the realtor was like are you okay? And I was like oh no, I think I'm gonna have this baby and she was like what? And so we're like you know, I think we've seen enough, but, um, we might have to see it again, but I've got it. We got to go, like it's time. Yeah, so we go. I I told my husband don't come in, because if it's, you know, whatever it is, because he was super hungry. We were planning on getting seen the condo getting lunch that we didn't eat, like that kind of thing. And I was like don't come in yet in case it's a false alarm or they say we have to go home because of the rule.

Speaker 2: 12:03

You know, yeah then, you'll not be able to go get like a good lunch kind of thing and whatever. And he was like, okay. And I was like they're just gonna test. And so they did. I went into the little triage room and she was like, oh, you're not going home, you can tell him to come. You know, your water 100% broke because, well, when I walked in, and you know you change and you get in the gown and they were gonna test, well, I went into the bathroom and when I like went to take off my pants I was wearing yoga pants I went to take them off, I don't know if, the pressure being like, bent, I just there was water all over the floor.

Speaker 2: 12:33

Like I was like, oh, my God, I was so embarrassed. I was like, do I clean this? And then she was like, okay, hop on the bed so we can test you. And I was like, as soon as I sat down, just more would come. And I was like, oh, I think I ruined the bed. She goes, it's okay, the thing's there. And she was like I'm just gonna take a little. Okay, your water broke, honey, you know. She was like this is not pee.

Speaker 2: 12:55

And I was like I know I've been trying to tell you and I was like, plus, the bathroom's really dirty now I'm sorry. And she was like that's okay, she was so nice, yeah. So we ended up staying and I told my husband, like you know, go get some food right away, we're staying, blah, blah, blah, and then meet me and they'll tell you what room I'm in. And he got to the room and got food before I even got into the delivery room. So he must've been like fast. So yeah, anyway, oh, yeah, yeah, he was like rushing, rushing, rushing. So we get in there and the pain start coming and we tell people about.

Speaker 2: 13:30

You know, I was calling my sister and all of these things and the pain kept picking up and picking up, but it wasn't excruciating or anything in the beginning, but it was very intense. And then I, they were like, oh, do you want like any medication? I was like no, I don't want anything, because that was my plan. I don't want nothing. Blah, blah, blah, blah.

Speaker 2: 13:47

I went to the bathroom and I couldn't get out like three or four times because the pain would be even worse when I sat. So my husband like had to get me up and like get up. And they were like what do you want to do Pain meds if you don't want to do an epidural? And I was like I said yes to those. I regret saying yes to those because they made me very loopy, like I felt like I wasn't there. Yeah, you know, I think you talked about that a little bit and I hated it and I felt like I had to sleep and I wasn't like present and I swear the pictures that we have. I feel I look drunk and I hate like it ruined my memory, you know.

Speaker 1: 14:23

Yeah, that's the hard part.

Speaker 2: 14:24

You know I really hated that. Yeah, you don't know how it's going to like be and they made it seem like pretty easy. But I was pissed because, you know, and I also think it kind of slowed down my contractions that I was having. So we ended up having her in like within the 12 hours or something, but I probably could have had her quicker, realistically speaking, just because of the slowdown from it.

Speaker 2: 14:46

But like, yeah, we weren't in there for like a full day without her kind of coming but, still, you know, they started picking up again and at some point there was one time where I went into the bathroom I could not get up, and my husband tried to help me and I was like, and I stayed in there. I was like it's okay, leave me for a minute. And the nurse came in and was like are you sure? Like, do you need anything? Like you've been in there for a while and I was like I can't get up and it hurt. And it was getting to a point I just I started crying. I told him I was like I can't do this anymore. It hurts so bad. And he was like it's okay, if you want the epidural. Like you don't have to like prove anything. And I was like but I don't want it, I'm scared of it.

Speaker 2: 15:25

And so they went through and told me everything about you know the epidural and this and that and what could happen. And I ended up saying yes to it, which was relieving for the pain, but was my fear was that I wasn't going to be able to feel my legs or feel pushing. And that's what happened. I couldn't move myself. They had to come in and turn me every hour and keep checking because I couldn't. They were like tell me if you feel like you have to poo, because that's her basically coming. And I was like you're not understanding, I can't tell you that If I poop, I poop like I have. No, I feel nothing, like I can't even lift my leg, I feel nothing.

Speaker 2: 16:03

And so they, you know, were moving me and she would check, not like go, not like internal check or anything. That was only like two times because my water broke, the infection risks and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But they would come and check. And one of the times, finally, they were like, oh, shoot her head's right there. And they were like you didn't feel any of that. And I was like, nope, I feel nothing. Like cause you could see contractions like kind of going on the screen. And I was like, oh, I feel nothing.

Speaker 2: 16:30

And they were like do you want to see this dad? And he was like, yeah, he was like, oh, I shouldn't have seen that. And I was like so you know how. They asked you if you wanted to see or do that. I didn't see, or any of it, but you know I'm banking that that was probably fine. But they were like, yeah, she's here, like you know, a couple of pushes and she's out.

Speaker 2: 16:50

And so we did, and it was like two pushes like just boom by the time they came in, cause she was. She had done all the work already and I didn't even know. So that was pretty easy, I guess. So to speak, they placed her on me and gave me a sandwich. I was super happy about that. We moved rooms and I was too scared to change her diapers and too scared to do a lot of things and she had jaundice. So they kept checking on her a lot more than we probably would have been. But it was just really unexpected, cause I was banking on going to my due date, cause right before the literally the appointment I had the day before they checked and she was like yeah, you're like half a centimeter, like it's not, it's not happening, and I had her like a day and a half from that day.

Speaker 2: 17:35

So you just don't know. You know I had a big, not a presentation, but a webinar that I was doing for work. I was doing a webinar for a lot of clients and coaches to ask anything to the dietitian and yeah, I didn't show up on Monday. I had a baby that morning and they were like I did send a text to my boss at the time and I was like, yeah, I'm not going to make it. And she was like that's okay. You know cause I told him I was going to, yeah, I was going to work until delivery because I could, because of COVID, I didn't have to go into the office or anything like that. So I was just going to basically work until she came. And they were okay with that, thankfully. But yeah, so I'm very fortunate and, like I said that there was nothing that went wrong, so to speak.

Speaker 2: 18:21

And you know, I, a few family members like scared me because I told you I sent my husband to get food and I was like, oh yum, and I was eating there, like you're not supposed to be eating. We were on FaceTime and I was like what? No one told me I couldn't eat. I'm hungry, like we barely had a small breakfast. I ate. I know I'm not recommending this you follow. You should follow what your doctor says. I ate my food. I didn't eat after that again, but I was eating like while we were like in there.

Speaker 2: 18:48

I did too, but yeah, yeah, I mean I don't know I'm just happy nothing kind of went wrong, and even though the epidural which was the scariest part for me, because I like to have control of like things, and that was my fear that I wouldn't be able to control and it ended up happening and it was super scary, but at the same time I'm happy it went away, like the effects of everything that. The pain medication, though, was awful. That took a long time. Yeah, it took a long time to go away.

Speaker 1: 19:21

You know what I mean? Yeah, I think it's supposed to last anywhere from the three to five hours. It's kind of crazy.

Speaker 2: 19:27

It was awful, awful, like I knew 100% I would never do it again. And if somebody asked, would you take that or the epidural, I would epidural or none. Don't do that Like it just makes you too loopy, or me anyways. I mean, if you handle things well, maybe it's different for you, but I didn't not like it and it didn't really help it like the pain it didn't help from there, so it was just kind of like a wasted thing and that was frustrating for me. But I guess you learn right.

Speaker 1: 19:55

Yeah, and quick enough for anyone listening, is that the bathroom laboring on the toilet is a power move. So if you are going to do that, just be prepared, because that is exactly what happened to me and I chose to get the epidural while I was still on the toilet. So it is known to help move things along quickly, because it is extremely painful and things are moving fast. So just to know, if you're going to do that, power to you. But also, that is a power move.

Speaker 2: 20:23

Yeah, it does. That was like the signifying moment where I was like I can't do this, give me the epidural or something. Like you know, I still think sometimes like I wish I would have continued on without it in the back of my head but and I was like, oh, I won't do it for my second, which that's a lie, we'll get into it. I 100% did it. But, you know, no shame, it worked, it helped and that's part of my story. So it is what it is, you know.

Speaker 1: 20:51

Yeah, and that is insane that you went to go look at a condom like that. I just lost it there. That was like so funny to me that you're just like, no, I'm going to go see it.

Speaker 2: 21:00

I mean, we drove over there, I don't care. Yeah, we drove, we have this, we had at least a little. I mean just a little, luckily, like the pain wasn't enough to say like no, when it wasn't enough water, that like in the movies, where it was like you know, but it progressively kept getting worse.

Speaker 2: 21:15

But yeah, I was like, I was like I didn't regret not seeing it. And he was like I mean I could describe it. And I was like could you describe it good enough? Like nah, I was like it's quick, I'll be fast. You know, we'll have to see it again. If we really, if we like it, like what, if we hate it, like then at least we seen it. We don't like it, but if we like it, then we'll come again and like drill down on. Is there anything wrong? You know that kind of thing.

Speaker 1: 21:38

So yeah, yeah, and your first went kind of a little faster than I was expecting. Did your second go as fast, or was it even slower, somehow?

Speaker 2: 21:48

No, this one was pretty fast. He yeah, we got pregnant. We were super excited. The downfall of this one was I had gestational diabetes. I felt like a total failure, like everything was my fault. Towards the end I think it was about 34 weeks, maybe even a little bit, before I had to go in for NSTs two times a week.

Speaker 2: 22:08

So it was just very I wouldn't say invasive, because you know they weren't totally invasive, but it was a lot for the pregnancy to have to go in multiple times. Sometimes I was sent to the labor and delivery because the water levels, like it was just a lot for this and to track all the food and the blood sugars like every day multiple times a day. It was super annoying. But you know, we got through it and luckily I asked my sister to come down about the weakish of delivery just because of when my daughter came and she could really only take like a week off of work. So I was like, oh, this baby's gotta come out, also because they wanted to induce me because of the gestational diabetes and I didn't really want to be induced. I wanted to go as far as it was. But I'll do what I have to do, like that's usually my kind of thing. If they were worried he would be really big, which he was, not, those kind of things. That's a typical thing of gestational diabetes. But more typical in the groups I found is that some of the babies are bigger but a lot of them aren't. So I don't know if that's it's just a precautionary thing and you couldn't wait or you can get induced. I was going to, but they were so backed up that it kept getting pushed back and back and back in induction to the point where we were approaching I still had a little bit of a ways to go for the due date, about a week or something. But same thing kind of happened. I mean I was trying to walk a lot and do things to get him out because I wanted him to come out while my sister was here, Like I was, like otherwise we planned very poorly for her to come.

Speaker 2: 23:35

Like I don't know why we even planned it. To be honest, we should have said can you come as soon as I feel something, and you know that kind of thing. But with work we needed to kind of plan it for her and stuff too. But she came and it was like three days of her being here and she was like when is this baby coming? I was like I don't know and I was like she doesn't want to. So and the induction dates are like being terrible. But one of the that same pain happened.

Speaker 2: 24:01

We were at the grocery store that like dole, like boof pain, and I was like, oh, I remember this, this was like the catalyst of baby coming within 24 to 36 hours, you know. And she was like yay, and so it ended up like I started feeling contractions at night but they kind of went away or that day, like we went into the store earlier in the day and then I started feeling them and they went away. And then around six o'clock they picked up again and I was like 6 pm and I was like, oh man. So I was calling them because they I hit the contraction times my water hadn't broken this time and and I hit the contraction times for the baby, for second baby, that kind of thing, and they were like, okay, yeah, you should come in, but we're there's a ton of babies coming right now or something like we're gonna have to send you to a partner hospital, and they told me which one it was.

Speaker 2: 24:53

There's like two or three that they contract with, and I was like oh, I don't want to go there. I know what it's. When I was, I worked there for a little bit. I was like I don't want to go there. And I texted a friend who lives by and she goes you know, you don't want to go there, like I know you. Like, in a non mean way, you don't want to be there. I was like I don't want to either. And they were like but they were like well, that's that they have room for you. That's the best thing we can do. And so I was like okay.

Speaker 2: 25:15

So we drove over there and I cried on the way because it's technically in another like not city of where I'm at. But I was like oh my god, his birth certificate is not gonna say this city. I was like is that gonna happen? And he was like no. And I cried like, though, and I was like it's too far from our daughter, like I don't know, like if you need to go in and check on her. I was like this feels wrong, everything about it's wrong, and I was having contractions and stuff. And we got there and we parked and we got out and I I looked around and I was like absolutely not, there's no way I'm staying here.

Speaker 2: 25:45

It was, it was just chaos, like there were so many people in and out of ER, which was not right next to the labor and delivery, they were just overran. And I told somebody that I was there and she was like okay, let me go get somebody. And it took them a while and in that time I was like I can't do this to my husband. I was like I absolutely. I was like can you imagine being in one of these rooms with all this chaos? I was like I can't, I love my hospital, I want to go back. And he was like okay, well, maybe call them and see. And so I called them and I was like what happens if I come back, like if I just show up? And they're like well, we can't turn you away. And I was like excellent, excellent, okay, bye. And I was like they can't touch. Yeah, I was like thank you. And I was like so exactly. And I was like they said they can't turn me away, so let's just go, you know. And so we did.

Speaker 2: 26:31

And I went back and I showed up and I was like you know the contraction? She's like okay, let's do it. So I went in and got checked and he was able to come with me and he brought food just in case. And they were like oh, you know, you're not that far along and your water hasn't broken, so typically we would send you home, but you are on the induction list. Do you want to do a balloon, like I would? It's like keep you here and induce you, but we don't have the space, we literally don't. So you can stay and sit here in this room, or you can go home and we can do a balloon, or you can go home and let it progress on its own. And we only had a few days with my sister. So I was like, let's do the balloon, like I don't want to, but let's do it, you know. So we did and that was Excruciating.

Speaker 2: 27:17

Like they put it in and as soon as they started blowing it up, it was just All of a sudden my contractions went from like I don't know, low end, low grade, three, sometimes a four, to like a seven, eight In my head right and I was like, oh, my god, this hurts. And she was like well, yeah, like you know, she was very like, matter of fact, the OB. She was like I mean we just put something in there to expand, it's going to hurt, like, and everything's gonna be there. She'll be. She's like you'll be okay. I was like I'm not okay, I want it out now. I was like I don't want this anymore and she was like it's okay. Like you know, go home and come back. If it's not out by 9 am, then you need to come back because we have to take it out. It can't be in there that long. Or, if it comes out, come back, because you're gonna be at a five, like dilated to a five.

Speaker 2: 28:04

Yeah, and I was like okay, so we went home and the contractions were awful because of the thing, and I was, you know, talking to my sister a little bit. I was like we're gonna try to get some sleep because I just I can't do it. You know what I mean. And so we laid down and I was like, ah, I can't sleep, this sucks, it hurts so bad. And my husband was trying to like help, you know, get me to sleep. And I was like you know what? I know, I've gotta go. I've gotta go poo. I can't do this. Like it's like making everything contract and now I've got to poop, like I'm gonna go to the bathroom, went to the bathroom, I didn't I don't think I pooped, to be honest, I can't remember now but the balloon came out and within like 40 minutes, like it was already out, and I was like dang it.

Speaker 2: 28:45

So, yeah, I opened the bedroom door, cause our bed's like literally right across and he was trying to like sleep. It was funny, cause when I got up and I'm in like excruciating pain and I go to the bathroom, I see him like turn to the side and pull his covers up and like nuzzle in and I was like what are you doing? And he's like I'm trying to get sleep, like without you, like tossing and turning, and I was, oh, I was dying, like it made me laugh. But I opened the door and I was like hey, the balloon popped out. He goes, dang it really. And I was like yeah, and he was like we just got home and I was like I know it's out. And so it worked.

Speaker 2: 29:15

I went from a barely whatever I don't even remember what I was to a five and 40 minutes, you know, and I was like oh my God, oh my God, that's fast. Yeah, I was like you know what? I'm gonna take a shower because I just feel yucky and then we'll go to the hospital. And he was like, okay, and he said I was in there for a really long time and he like he came in and he was like we gotta go, like I can hear like you come, like you're you know the contractions and cause I kept telling myself every time in my head I'm going to alcohol him out after this month. But they were just back to back and I like wasn't coming out, cause I was like, oh, and he was like, okay, you have to, I'm sorry, Like it's time to go.

Speaker 2: 29:52

The ride back to the hospital was so painful, like I was just like there. And we walked in and she was like, oh, cause it was after hours and I didn't know you could go into the back where the ER room was. I just went into, like the main door that's where I always go and she was like, oh, we need to check. Oh, no, she's going to have a baby, we'll check you in later, don't even worry about it. She was like, yeah, that she's having a baby. Go, go, go. And cause I was just like, oh, my God, I can't. And she was like, yeah, I was like okay, thank you. And like, just like borderline crying. I mean I thought I was hitting like maybe a seven, eight at some point no, it gets, they're painful. Like this was excruciating.

Speaker 2: 30:36

And I thought with my first, with my daughter, I, you know, I got the epidural and I thought I was in pain. This was at least 10 times that the pain from like this and we get in there. And it was just chaos Cause they were like well, we, technically, we don't have a bed and we're short nurses, like that's the big problem right now we don't have a delivery room with a nurse, and like kind of thing, so you may have to stay in here. And I was like, well, I don't care, like just as long as the baby comes out safe and you know it doesn't matter to me where I give birth Like I don't need the pretty room as long as it's in this hospital, though you know I'm not going anywhere else, and like I refuse to go anywhere else.

Speaker 2: 31:14

And so they were like trying to get stuff in me, but I don't know if it's cause they were just terrible at it. But my husband was like I almost threw up because they kept stabbing you and stabbing me. I had huge bruises, like to try to get the IVs in and like they were. Just it was bad, like, but I didn't really feel them, cause the pain from the contractions was way worse than anything they were doing. And so, like, by some miracle, the nurse comes in. She's like hey, one of my momma's just moved. I can take her, like if she, if she can make it to the delivery room there, like she can make it. She's not, she's about a seven, she's not like there yet, but she's at a seven, so we can get her in. And if she wants an epidural we can do that.

Speaker 2: 31:53

And I was like, you know, I didn't really say anything cause they were still having trouble getting stuff in and my husband was like trying to hold my hands and do stuff and try to like go sit down when he could. And then he came back. He basically he was by my side, cause I remember looking at him and I was like I can't do this, I think I'm going to die. And he was like you're not going to die. And I was like no, I'm not going to make it, I'm. And I started crying. I was like I'm not going to make it cause I don't know how to explain it in any way, but my body was convulsing Like I couldn't, I was in no control and the pain was just so excruciating I was like I don't think I'm going to make it through this, like I'm so, like I'm scared. And he was like no, no, stop it.

Speaker 2: 32:34

And the nurse came and like held my other hand and was like, if you don't stop, she was like you're bearing down, if you don't stop the babies coming and you're not dilated enough, like you're going to force this baby out, kind of thing and tears. And I was like, well, I don't know what to do. And she was like just let's breathe through this, cause I. So I think I was panicking cause my body was just like, cause I think I was dilating so fast that my body wasn't ready, you know. So I was just like convulsing and all everything I was sweating like profusely, like my body was just like what are you doing, you know? And she was like do you want an epidural? And I was like, oh, my God, yes. And she was like, okay, you kind of have to stop. Like you know, you're going to force this baby out. Like you need to stop.

Speaker 2: 33:17

And I was like I don't know how, and the epidural lady came so fast at the other one not fast enough, because at the time I was like where is she? I could have it, and she was like she's coming, but apparently the time span of that was pretty quick, but it felt like centuries to me. Yeah, it did, it was awful, but I don't know how she got it in. She was a magician, because I and they were like hey, you need, you know, you have to try to like stay still round your back, do whatever the things are. I don't know how I was able to hold it together because the contractions were bad, you know, but I did and I got it and it was like.

Speaker 2: 33:53

I was like a completely different person. I was like just chilling and we were cracking jokes like as soon as everything hit and I was like, oh, I feel nothing, this is wonderful. I was like I think I am going to make it. This is fine, I think I'll make it. Yeah, I think I'm okay. Now I was still like when she was putting it in, she was like oh my God, you are so sweaty and I was like I'm sorry she goes. No, no, no, it's fine, like you're having like, but she couldn't put the tape on like really well, so they had to like keep drying and drying, and drying. And she was like, once she was, I'm actually going to have to have you keep sitting here so that once the pain meds hit, then I can dry your back and put the tape on, because with the contractions, every time one happens you're, you just re sweat and I was like I'm sorry because they were bad.

Speaker 2: 34:38

Anyway, I finally got to a good spot and literally maybe not even an hour later he came, but I couldn't feel the pushing either, I couldn't feel my legs. I asked them to not give me a super dose for lack of a better word like they did last time, and she was like oh, okay, but it because last time I forgot to mention that. I felt like the catheter go in. You have to get a catheter when you have the epidural and I felt it. And she was like you shouldn't have been able to feel that. So I'm going to give you a dose right now, an extra one, and that's what led me to not feel anything. So I was like don't give me any extra doses, I just want a low, normal dose, just to take the edge off, nothing, but I don't know if I'm just susceptible to it or whatever, but I couldn't move my legs. Again Same thing. But luckily he came within an hour so they didn't have to like turn me or do anything.

Speaker 2: 35:26

But poor little guy, they had to do extra testing because they have to test his sugars for like 24 hours and he was a little cold. Like they put him on me and he was warming up. They took his temp but he wasn't warming up enough so they had to put him in like a little baby warmer. It's like a little cute thing. My husband and I told him for a really long time and you could tell he was like really anxious. He wanted to hold his son. It was so sad and cute at the same time. But luckily everything went well and he passed his sugars.

Speaker 2: 35:52

I passed my sugars after no jaundice in this one. So that was kind of nice, though I'm happy that there wasn't a lot of complications. There was definitely different for both of them, different within. I had planned and anticipated going in with the birth plan, but I'm fortunate and happy that there wasn't anything that I had to make a huge call on. It was kind of like epidural and baby came out kind of thing. So that was nice. But I like to talk about and share the story because when it makes you think about it again and even my daughter's three now but it feels like I remember it like it was yesterday, so that's kind of nice to kind of reshare and go through how fun and to me they were both like really funny at the time, both painful but really funny, like to run through parts of it are funny.

Speaker 2: 36:42

Yeah, for sure.

Speaker 1: 36:46

Parts of both of those were amazing. So for anyone that's like listening, and one, obviously this is great for you have two experiences that both went differently and there were some things that you kind of had to let go of and some things that you advocated for, like what hospital you were going to. So like there's two sides to it is like like we said before is have a plan but don't marry it and and will change. Yes, but yeah, those were very interesting to me because I only have my one and things went so differently. So I guess it's like nice to like look forward to what could be next time. For me is hopefully have something amusing in mind like that, because, like I would never forget that either.

Speaker 2: 37:29

Yeah, it's been either like chaotic, it's it's like they weren't that long both of them, but then there's like a lot of chaotic but also a lot of like calm moments in it. So it was a mixture, but it was funny nonetheless. Like looking back, like thinking I was going to die which you know could have been a real thing too. I don't know, my body was not accepting. But the balloon like falling out, and the pain and the crying because of the birth certificate, like which city, it was good. I mean, it was just like your hormones mess you up sometimes. It was really funny. It's funny to look back on now.

Speaker 1: 38:03

Yeah, well, it was really fun to hear your story and I really enjoyed it, and having two experiences and one episode is probably really nice for everyone else to hear as well just kind of getting different viewpoints and things that can happen. So thank you so much for sharing and we really hope that you like this episode as much as we like sharing it, especially Brie in hearing and sharing the first voice is always fun. We love it. We don't do it often, but we do like it, and be sure to share and tag us on Instagram when you're listening to any of the postpartum confessions episode.

Speaker 2: 38:32

Yay. So thank you so much and allowing me this time to share and record. It was very nice for me to to relive that, but we will see you next week for another mini session. All right, bye. Thank you so much for joining us today. We're so excited you're taking this journey with us. If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please subscribe, leave a rating, a review or tell another mama about us.

Speaker 1: 38:57

To stay up to date with postpartum confessions and get all the behind the scenes content, you can join our email list or follow us on Instagram at postpartum confessions. Underscore. All the links are in our show notes. They say it takes a village. Welcome home, Mama.