sawyer’s birth story

A few months ago, I would've felt self-conscious about calling this a *birth story*. Yes, I actually thought a C-section was less of a birth than a vaginal one... I became one of those judgmental moms and looked down my long nose at people who chose elective cesareans. Because. I. Was gonna have a VBAC!! God softened my heart, made me willing for a c-section and gave me the most awesome birth experience I ever thought I'd have!!

I was booked for my cesarean on Thursday, April 15 at 8 am. However, on Saturday the 10th I decided to go into our local tiny hospital and get the baby checked out as I'd felt next to no movement in 2 days. They did a non-stress test which was fine, but they were still a little uneasy that maybe baby didn't have enough fluid, etc so they sent me to the city, to the hospital I was booked into previously. There the non-stress test was great as well, but they concluded I was close enough to my due date that there was no point waiting, especially if I would keep returning with this concern. So suddenly I was gonna have this baby!! I had brought my bags along just in case so was well-prepared. One crazy thing... by the time I was getting close to surgery, I actually had gone into labour! I had regular painful contractions 2 minutes apart... it was definitely time to meet our son! At approximately 9:15 pm, I was wheeled into the OR and prepped for surgery. One of my biggest fears was the spinal but thankfully I had a great anesthesiologist who made it “almost” a breeze. The staff were the greatest, very patient & understanding and they kept me updated on every single move.

My memories from the previous cesareans were mostly a blur; I was so out of it and dopey... but this time I was alert, excited and I couldn't help but GRIN the entire way through the surgery! The little guy was happy in there & didn't want to come out so there was a fair bit of tugging & pressure which wasn't exactly pleasant but I didn't care – I was having my baby!!! Hubs couldn't believe how totally calm I was through the whole deal. It was really emotional for both of us too... for some reason it was just hugely momentous & special and brought us together as a couple in a new close way. Sawyer Cole was born at 9:45 pm, weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and measuring 20.5” long. They showed him to me quickly before they cleaned him up and checked him out. His Apgars were awesome & he had a lusty cry the minute he emerged (something neither of the other boys had!). My support nurse was pregnant as well and she was totally incredible with keeping me informed about every minute detail of what was going on. They had me back together in just minutes it seemed and off to the recovery room I went! The other times I slept in recovery for 2 hours... this time I was totally awake and I got to hold my baby the whole time! We did skin-to-skin and bonded like I'd never been able to... he latched on and nursed like a champ right away... and I just wept! Hubs was in tears too; he came over and hugged Sawyer and me... prayed the most incredible prayer of thankfulness and asked for God's wisdom as parents... wow!

God is SO good, I am in awe... and so in love with my new son!