Margaux: Birth Story

The day before your birth, Dr. Boswell told me that I was still at 4cm and 60% effaced, the same for 2 weeks now. We scheduled your induction for your original due date of 2/20/2020. It was weird to schedule your birthday though.

At the end of the appointment, she said, “I’m on-call this weekend; maybe I’ll see you”. Hopelessly, I replied, “Probably not.” Her response, “That’s usually when the baby comes, when you’ve completely given up hope.” lol 🙂

The next day, I decided that I wasn’t going to have you until induction so instead of resting, I went about my day: going to your sister’s dance class, running errands at the Domain, & getting her ready for the daddy/daughter dance.

When daddy and your sister left for their date, my contractions became more noticeable and 5-1-1 (contractions 5 minutes a part lasting for 1 minute for 1 hour). I called daddy to let him know, but I thought I’d labor more at home and let them enjoy the dance especially since we pumped up Eloise for it.

My contractions became stronger and more intense. An hour into the dance, I called him to hurry home. “It’s time“.

Daddy came home and felt like he took forever to get ready, “I guess you’re going to the hospital in your suit!” I said sarcastically.

Once we got to the hospital, I was 5cm and 90% effaced. The charge nurse said, “She’s a keeper.” Then turned to me and asked, “Do you want an epidural?”

I was a different person once I got my epidural. The anesthesiologist took 2 tries, much better than my previous experience. My nurse checked me again, “You’re 8cm, 100% effaced.” I didn’t think much of it since I stalled at 7-8cm for a few hours with Eloise. That wasn’t the case this time. At 10pm, my doctor checked me, “10cm. Are you ready to push?” That took me by surprise, “Right now?!” They turned my room into a delivery room: the lights came down from the ceiling, the bottom of the bed came down and the stirrups came up.

My nurse brought a mirror in so I can see you come out. It was pretty wild to see your entrance in the world, inch by inch. 15 minutes of pushing later, you were born. I was able to “catch” you and pull you on my chest. “Someone get her” the doctor ordered. You also had her umbilical cord wrapped around your neck just like big sis. The doctor was able to set you free, but it took you a minute to aggressively cry. Once we heard you, we were all relieved. The doctor joked, “That baby is definitely over 9 pounds. 9.2 is my guess.” I was shocked. No way I gave birthed to a 9 pound baby.

Each birth is so different, yet so beautiful in each way. What an incredible experience. Luckily, my sister witnessed our delivery and took some pictures and video. We will forever cherish these first pictures and to be able to share this experience with my sister.

Margaux, we hope that you will always now that you are so loved by your parents and big sister. We are surrounded by a tribe that continues to support us, pray for us, and love us.