Home sweet home
After a very fitful night's sleep, I was awoken to the usual blood draw and then a visit with the hematologist (There's nothing quite like barely having opened up your groggy eyes in the morning and looking up to have a specialist there to meet with you! Oh well - I'm sure he's used to seeing pale women in pajamas with bed hair!). After reviewing the lab results and discussing things more with me, the hematologist agreed with the other doctors and specialists that my severe anemia was indeed pregnancy-related and that the only solution is to have the baby.
And so, I was given the go ahead to be released from the hospital. What good news this was to my ears! Just being wheeled from the bed to the car and then riding the short distance home completely wiped me out but I didn't care because I was home. Kathrynne was so thrilled to see me she could barely contain herself. I think she wondered if I was ever coming back home again!
As of right now, the plan of action is for me to take it very easy over the next week, be closely monitored with frequent lab draws, and if everything continues to stay the same, I can wait until sometime between 37-38 weeks to have the baby. I'm hopeful to make it to 38 weeks (which is two weeks from today) because my sister is arriving home from Taiwan a few days before then and would be able to come to my birth - something we were really hoping could happen. However, it's all in the Lord's hands. I'm just grateful that I've made it this far, that the baby is healthy, and that if they need to take the baby at any time, we don't have to worry about many complications since I'm 36 weeks along.
Even though my birth plans have drastically changed from planning a completely natural home birth and guessing I would go something like two weeks late, to now a planned induction in the hospital a few weeks early, I am at peace with it all. Because of my low hemoglobin and platelets, I can't have an epidural even if I wanted one, so it was much a relief to the doctors to hear I had already had an unmedicated birth before. I've heard that inductions often result in much more difficult labors (please do not share your horror stories with me right now - though I would readily welcome any and all stories of great labors which were the results of inductions!), but I know that God is in control of all of this and He has allowed all of this to take place for a purpose. And I rest in that.
This has been a very roller coaster week for all of us, but I see God's hand in it in so many ways. I've learned a lot, my trust in the Lord and in His timing has been strengthened through being tested, I've come to appreciate many little things - like showers and sleeping in my own bed - that I often take for granted. My husband has been such a rock for me, such an encouragement, such a source of strength. So many, many people have reached out to let me know they are praying. I feel very unworthy to be the recipient of so many prayers, so much love, and so much encouragement.
The ride is not over yet. There may be many unforeseen twists and turns ahead, but I am resting tonight in the loving faithfulness of the Lord.
And so, I was given the go ahead to be released from the hospital. What good news this was to my ears! Just being wheeled from the bed to the car and then riding the short distance home completely wiped me out but I didn't care because I was home. Kathrynne was so thrilled to see me she could barely contain herself. I think she wondered if I was ever coming back home again!
As of right now, the plan of action is for me to take it very easy over the next week, be closely monitored with frequent lab draws, and if everything continues to stay the same, I can wait until sometime between 37-38 weeks to have the baby. I'm hopeful to make it to 38 weeks (which is two weeks from today) because my sister is arriving home from Taiwan a few days before then and would be able to come to my birth - something we were really hoping could happen. However, it's all in the Lord's hands. I'm just grateful that I've made it this far, that the baby is healthy, and that if they need to take the baby at any time, we don't have to worry about many complications since I'm 36 weeks along.
Even though my birth plans have drastically changed from planning a completely natural home birth and guessing I would go something like two weeks late, to now a planned induction in the hospital a few weeks early, I am at peace with it all. Because of my low hemoglobin and platelets, I can't have an epidural even if I wanted one, so it was much a relief to the doctors to hear I had already had an unmedicated birth before. I've heard that inductions often result in much more difficult labors (please do not share your horror stories with me right now - though I would readily welcome any and all stories of great labors which were the results of inductions!), but I know that God is in control of all of this and He has allowed all of this to take place for a purpose. And I rest in that.
This has been a very roller coaster week for all of us, but I see God's hand in it in so many ways. I've learned a lot, my trust in the Lord and in His timing has been strengthened through being tested, I've come to appreciate many little things - like showers and sleeping in my own bed - that I often take for granted. My husband has been such a rock for me, such an encouragement, such a source of strength. So many, many people have reached out to let me know they are praying. I feel very unworthy to be the recipient of so many prayers, so much love, and so much encouragement.
The ride is not over yet. There may be many unforeseen twists and turns ahead, but I am resting tonight in the loving faithfulness of the Lord.
posted by Crystal Paine at 7:20 PM
56 Comments:
I'm so glad you're home! I know that has to be a relief! My high risk pregnancy was one of the hardest things, and greatest learning adventures I've ever had. We will keep praying for you!
So glad you are home now...take good care.
If it's any encouragement, I've been induced at 37 weeks with my last two high-risk pregnancies and it's been a peace of cake. There is the normal pain of labor, but both labors have been quick (less than 2 hours) with no complications and I have used NO pain relief of any sort other than laboring in the jacuzzi for part of it. Praying for the best outcome for you and your baby.
Cathy
Precious one, do rest well at home tonight with your sweet family. God is so good...indeed, He is.
Hi Crystal,
So good to hear you're at home. Just wanted to share a quick very happy induced delivery story: My sister says that her induced delivery was the best! She was able to get a full night of sleep beforehand and arrived at the hospital well-rested at 7am. After being induced, she delivered my niece about 8 hours later. She said that she felt very good and was even able to eat a little dinner and spend time with the baby that evening before getting another full night of sleep. I think they went home the next day. So don't worry about the induction -- it can turn out fine and I know your faith and strength will get you through.
-Lynne
I have had two inductions and they were fine! I mean, it wasn't like a day at the spa...but as labor goes it was difficult but manageable. Please don't worry about it all! By then you'll be so excited knowing your little one is almost here you won't worry about a thing. :)
-j
I have had 7 children and have had a couple of inductions without an epidural. I don't know if your doctor would do this, but I had a great doc who began the induction with 1 unit of pitocin. The contractions began at 20 minutes apart. He said that when the contractions became 5 minutes apart that would mean that my own labor had kicked in and they turned the pitocin off. I was 14 days overdue, though. The delivery took longer than he thought (8 hours), but no epidural wasneeded. As far as pain goes, a contraction is a contraction, they told me.
I am so glad it is all okay. I had a very nice, and quick induction experience. They are a little more painful but hey everyone has a different pain tolerance. My labor was short. Hang in there. We don't have far. I am nervous I have to have a c-section with this one. But I am TOTALLY trusting in God.
Chrissy T. IL
Just to finish up my comment. They said that the only difference in the contractions is that with pitocin they can crank it up to speed things up, whereas your own labor would accelerate more gradually. The second time I was induced, I had an injection of Stadol (sp?) during the hardest part of labor and it helped tremendously. I relaxed and the baby was born quickly after that.
No help for inductions, but, at the risk of sounding corny, I had my sixth three months ago, and for the first time had dozens of women praying for me while I labored. It was wonderful. It was my easiest labor ever. In the last two hours, when everything is hard and fast, I still gave the pain a rating of "4 or 5". Coincidence? Maybe, but I don't really believe in coincidence.
So, my advice is to let us all know when the time comes so we can pray you through the labor!
I'll be praying for you and your delivery.
I know a woman who told her drs when to turn the pitocin down if the contractions got too hard. She had had many babies before and knew how hard the contractions should be. Maybe this might be an option for you.
I'm so glad your anemia is preg. related. I have been very worried about you.
Take care.
-Zan
Crystal, due to a heart condition that I have and due to several problems that my babies have, I have had to be induced for 4 out of our 5 biological children at 38 weeks. One of them (my 2nd child, and 1st induction) was an awesome birth. An ultrasound revealed that it was necessary for my baby to be induced right away, so we went straight from the OB's office to the hospital. I was around 3cm when they admitted me. The OB broke my water, with the hopes that this would be all I would need for active labor to start. I had some piddly (sp??) contractions for about 2 hours. If I were active, I probably wouldn't have even noticed them. I think I went to about 4cm during those couple of hours. They started pitocin and that's really when things starting happening. It was intense, but not completely overwhelming. Soon, I started shaking uncontrollably. They said that I was in transition. In the two hours after they started the pitocin, I went from 4cm to 10cm. My sweet Carolina came out with just 2 pushes. It was a great labor & delivery... very invigorating!... and no epidural or any other meds.
Praying for you and your little one! God's blessings on all of your sweet family.
It must feel wonderful to be home! I will be praying for you and the baby and your family. It's such a comfort to know that God is always in control even if we don't see where He is leading.
What a joy it is to read this post, Crystal! God is great!! :o)
I do not know if this might help you any, but my mom had to have Pitocin when she was in labor with me and was able to effectively manage the pain and have a very successful birth sans epidural. She had been hoping for natural birth and she & my dad had taken a Lamaze class during her pregnancy in preparation. She frequently talks about how much my dad's support and her Lamaze breathing helped her have a great labor and birth despite the Pitocin.
I will be continuing to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless both you and Jesse with the strength, peace of mind, and everything else that both of you may need in the weeks that come!
Take heart Crystal that you are having a baby. After having a tubal reversal 3 years ago I was pregnant. But I lost it at 6 weeks. We just found out and were excited and then the Good Lord took our baby home. You will be fine. You probly need bedrest anyway. Get help to watch your little girl and home. Take your time having this baby knowing you will have this little bundle in your arms soon. Pray to St. Theresa & Gerard. Rest well and God Bless.
I am so glad you were able to come home! There really is "no place like home."
I was induced with my youngest, and it wasn't bad at all. I have been so surprised to hear that people said it was harder -- it wasn't for me. They started the pitocen at a low level and gradually increased it through the day, just like in a regular birth. I think we started at around 8 in the morning, and he was born after 4 in the afternoon, which was a little less time than my first birth and a little more than my second. I had not wanted an epidural -- I had known a couple of people with problems with them -- so all I had was a "local" not too long before the actual birth.
Take care and get some rest. :)
Hey Praise the Lord! You'll be fine, you have oodles of women praying for you ;) Many giggly hugs (I'm like that over happy stories).
So glad to hear you are home! Rest lots and will keep praying here.
I had 2 inductions, both with large babies, which was most difficult. But being you are early and thus should be a smaller baby, I would imagine it would go quickly. My 2nd induction was VERY quick, once they remembered to start the pitocin...be sure hubby pays attention to such things for you!! It helped me to focus on "this too shall pass"...knowing about the longest they expect an induced labor to last is around 5 hours. Most definitely knowing lamaze techniques got me through...I suppose there are more modern methods today. Will be praying your time is short and easy!!
((Crystal)), So glad you are home with rather good news. I will continue praying for a quick and healthy delivery for you. You've been left some wonderfully encouraging comments by induced mama's. Don't worry about what "could" be; God already knows what "will" be. He will see you through.
...for He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper" ...Hebrew 13:5b-6a
Hugs to you and the family as you rest in Him.
I'm glad you were able to come home!
Just to encourage you- I was induced at 37 weeks with my first two children. I didn't use any type of pain medication. Everything went fine. Pitocin does increase the chance of jaundice for Baby, so make sure you nurse as often as possible those first few days to get the bili levels down. :)
Crystal - I'm so glad you're home. Every birth is different so please don't let the induction worry you. God is firmly in control even when things don't go according to our plans:) Keep us updated so that we can keep you bathed in prayer:)
Crystal,
I was induced just short of 38 weeks with my 2nd(of 5 so far) due to exactly what you are describing. I had been severely anemic for a while, then my platelets started dropping and I started having protein in my urine. My doctor had me come in one day for prostiglandin(SP) gels to soften my cervix, then had me scheduled for pictocin the next morning. We never needed the pictocin. The nurse sent me home after the gel and I hit the doorway and started having contractions, so we walked around the hospital for a while and came back to have them check me for dilation. While I was waiting my water broke! They rushed me in to check me and I was at 9.5 centimeters. They rushed me into a room and my DR. came running in just in time to catch:) The whole thing took less than 1.5 hours. Baby was great and my blood levels started normalizing right away. I also haven't had the same problems with any of the next babies even though they said I was likely to. I am VERY careful to keep my protein and iron up as soon as I find out I'm pregnant now though.
Crystal, will your sisters be able to stay and help out so you can continue to rest as much as possible?
GrammaMack
Praying for you and your precious baby! Soon!!!
Bless your heart! I know you're so glad to be home. I'm sorry that it's been difficult for all of you, but I'll be praying for the absolute best for you.
Hi Crystal and welcome home!
An encouraging word- my water broker but my labor went nowhere so I had to be induced, and my doctor was not kind about easing me into the Pitocin either. However, natural pain management, my husband's reassuring presence, prayer, my doula and a great team of nurses made the experience exciting and I was able to get through it without once thinking "I can't do this". I did do a lot of yelling, but it was really neat to experience something that intense and come through the other side. Plus, I discovered that if you roar like a madwoman, the hospital staff will close the door to your room and afford you considerably more privacy during the birth :) Also, having had one baby already will make you more responsive to induction, so your risk of surgical delivery is much lower than it would be for a first-time mom.
My prayers that you and your babe emerge whole and happy from this experience- and make sure to drink that water and actually REST (and "resting" does NOT mean "catching up on tasks that can be done while sitting down", LOL). My doctor actually prescribed a gallon of water a day plus a two-hour uninterrupted nap when my fluid got low! Have FUN bringing that baby into this world!
Just wanted to share some encouragement about inductions. I had to be induced with my 2nd and 3rd babies (using rupture of the membranes) and I was so happy with how both labors went. They were fast (3hrs and 1 1/2 hrs) and manageable and I did it naturally. Given that this isn't your first, I think you have every reason to think positively and forget the horror stories!
So glad you're home Crystal and hope that you and the little one will be able to make it through another couple of weeks. I have a good induciton stroy for you! I was induced with ds at 42 weeks. one lot of gel and labour started four hours later. Brief labour, lightening stage 2, no pain relief, episiotomy at the end because ds was getting distressed (cord round neck and a knot in it!). I came home three hours after the birth. Dd was born at 41 weeks, labour started naturally and was identical to the first time round, same length of time, very short second stage, no pain relief - the only difference was no episiotomy. So my induction experience first-time round was exactly the same as the home birth second-time round apart from the pessary amd the location of the actual birth.
Take care and God bless,
Wonderful news! I will continue praying for you, Crystal. I hope the labor goes easy for both you and your baby. God bless!
So glad you're able to be home.
You probably have already researched this but I have been hearing a lot about things that can help make labor quicker and easier by getting your body prepared--I think one is called "5W"? Me, I just took calcium and Vit C like candy. :)
Also, not being able to have an epidural may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. You'll be better able to use different positions to labor and push, move around more, and maybe sit in a warm bath a while during your labor.
So glad you are home and that there is nothing seriously terribly wrong. As for the induction, it depends, really, on the type that you have. If you are allowed any say, try and have the cervical gel first. If that does not stimulate your labour, ask for your waters to be broken. This usually does the trick, but if you don't have a decent contraction or two in an hour they will want to use the sintocin or oxitocin. Some people say they are fine, others say they are dreadful. I would be guessing you would want to have an as natural as possible induction, so the first two, if you were praying for anything, would be the way to go. :)
Crystal, I accidentally pressed enter instead of tab... that anonymous post about the three types of inducements is mine. :)
we love you Crystal! you are an inspiration to us all, old and young alike. be blessed in knowing that Jesus knows what is going on and nothing suprises Him. He is in control, be blessed, Penny Raine
I almost had to be induced with my last one and even though I was happy I didn't need to, it was kind of nice to think of the positives of it. Like having all the laundry done, going in with a full night's sleep and having the house clean prior to leaving, etc.
What a relief that you're finally home and everything is okay. I can't believe your going to have another baby in less than two weeks...how exciting!
I've heard alot of scary birthing stories as well. I just focus on the good ones because I know each birthing experience is unique. Keep us posted so we can continue praying for you guys.
Both of my pregencies were induced without epidurels.You young so it will lots easier for you then it was for me!
So glad to hear that you are home.
I'm so happy that you were able to come home, and will be praying that you get lots and lots of rest over the next days/weeks. And also that you can make it to 38 weeks so your sister can be there. :) I have never been induced, but it looks like you've gotten a lot of encouraging stories from those who have! I pray that everything will go quickly and smoothly. How exciting that your little one will be here before too long!!
Crystal,
I have had four births and was scheduled to be induced with the two middle ones (and then I prayed myself into labor the night before!). It is so nice to go to the hospital all rested. To have someone planned to come over for your little girl and to be able to tell her what will happen the next day (no middle of the night wake ups or her waking up without mommy there).
So, until my fourth, I was never actually induced. With my fourth, my water broke 2 weeks early and I didn't go into labor. They had to induce me and I was terrified. hee hee ... for me, I much prefer my body to start any pain rather than volunteering for it. So, that was my issue with induction. Anyway, the nurse knew I was nervous and she started me nice and slow. And I'll tell you what, it was my fastest, easiest, littlest baby. If I could guarantee that again ... :) It being your second, I'm sure you are so much more prepared to handle the birth and will do wonderfully. It's only annoying to be stuck in bed during it because of your drip line.
You'll do great! And I'm so glad your anemia is pregnancy related. I can't wait to hear about your new little one!
brooke
Emergency induction at 34wks (after 3-1/2wks hospitalization for preeclampsia) w/my first and the labor was 6hr 24min -pushing for the 24min my lil' 4lb 5oz boy came out. I was very scared but KNEW that God's hand was ALWAYS on our family. We took him home 2 days later and now he's a growing young man (8-1/2 yo)! Induced again at 37wks (after 3mo's of bedrest & intra-uterine monitoring at home) w/my 2nd and labored for about 9hrs to deliver my 7lb 9oz daughter - she's 5 today! All of this to say, high-risk, induction, round, pudgy or tiny baby - GOD'S HAND IS ON YOU. THIS IS THE MIRACLE OF LIFE AND YOU ARE BLESSED TO BE A PART OF IT ALL. My labors were different, but I think the 2nd one (although the longest) was the easiest. I was eating a burger and doing my hair 2 hrs later! Enjoy it. Savor every moment knowing that you're a part of something far bigger than we.
So glad you're home! Praying continuously...
Christie in TX
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!! so thrilled that you are home with your hubby and precious girl! i will be continuing to pray for you!
Blessings,
Jen in al
Can I ask what your hemoglobin levels are? The reason I'm interested is that I have a friend with Crohn's and her hemoglobin levels are standardly between 6 and 10 and dip lower when she is pregnant. She had a baby a year ago and was never told that she had to be induced early because of her low iron levels. I am wondering if perhaps you might be able to request more time to possibly go into labor on your own if you do some research? Also, my hemoglobin levels are always around 8 when I deliver and they go down to about 6 after delivery, which means I have to get a pitocin shot right after baby's birth to help reduce blood loss and this last time I had to have an IV, but all in all things worked out fine. (I was tired, but fine!) I don't want to scare you or anything, so I'll just say that having had a pitocin-induced labor vs. 2 natural, it's worth fighting for as much time as you can possibly get to go on your own, for both your and baby's sake! (Even just 1 more week brings you to 39 weeks and more likelihood of going on your own.) Sometimes doctors want to do things certain ways because they're afraid of malpractice lawsuits-- but if you've clearly communicated that you understand what you're asking for, they often will let you make the final call (which they should!). I don't know how serious your hemoglobin levels are, but if you feel at all comfortable with even a "wait and see" plan of action, perhaps you could get some more time. Of course, maybe baby will decide to come on his/her own at 38 weeks and keep everything simple!
All in all, glad to know it is nothing more serious. And I agree that delivering the baby does resolve the low iron levels. I'm always amazed at how quickly I can boost my levels once the baby's born! After months of fighting to keep them above 8 (including taking awful iron prescriptions for months), 1 month post-baby usually brings them up above 10! Unbelievable!!
Glad to hear that you are home. Rest up and I will be praying for you and the baby. God is in control.
I'm delighted to hear you're home! I've really been enjoying reading your blog - and, although we've never met, you are in my prayers.
I've just been blessed with the gift of a baby nephew, born safely after being induced as he'd gone way past his due date!
Take care - the peace of the Lord be with you.
I was just curious, how anemic are you? I know you're supposed to be at about a 12. When I was pregnant with the twins I sooooooooo anemic. Everytime I went to the doctor they were shocked I could walk. I had a C-Section at 34 weeks which went great, and they gave me the option to have a blood transfusion when my count was at 4. They would have forced it, but I din't have the usual symptons. Anyway I took it and felt much better. But honestly, after having the babies I was so excited I was running off of adrenalin. But I've been praying for you, and God Bless You.
I thought this testimonial might be of interest/an encouragement to you: http://www.radmid.demon.co.uk/platelets.htm
God be with you as you make very difficult decisions in the coming days!
How wonderful that you are home!! It's great to know that you and baby are resting now.
I am praying for your health, baby's health and for the delivery.
His,
Mrs. U
Welcome home. Praying for a quick and safe delivery. Thank you for sharing your trials with us. I pray for strength for you and your family, and God's continued grace in your lives.
Blessings
Prayers blessings to you... no place like home
Hugs
GP in Montana
Glad your home and resting. Resting at home and resting in a hosptial are two wayyy different things. :-)
Dont over do anything and remeber that even though it looks like you need to get up and "do" or "fix" or "clean" that you have a little one your protecting!!! :-)
Let someone ELSE do it! :-D Praying for you and your little one.
I have had five unmedicated births, two of which were induced. I noticed NO difference in the pain of or length of labor with induction. All of my labors are short. My first (natural) was five hours start to finish. The others all a little shorter.
I can't wait to hear of your healthy birth and babe!
Momma
I was induced with my last pregnancy, and I have to say that in spite of the pain of labor, it was SO nice being able to plan and work out all the logistics of child care and such. My Mom came over early that morning to stay with my son, and I had all of his clothes, meals, etc. planned and laid out for her and also for the day my husband had him once the delivery was over. I was able to clean the house, wash every piece of laundry and my husband picked up a big load of groceries before hand. It was so convenient to not have to leave in the middle of the night, but rather go in rested and prepared. I can't say the induction necessarily was quicker than a normal birth, but for me it went fine without a hitch. It is easier the second time around to deal with the pain! :-)
I was induced for one of mine, and for that one I allowed them to talk me into 'pain relief'. It was the hardest of my labors, but I firmly believe it was the medication for pain that made it worse. All it did was knock me out between contractions. I woke up in the middle of each one, at their peak, so never had time to relax adn breath in between. The induction itself would have been MUCH better if I'd foregone that pain medication!
I wanted to encourage you about your upcomming induction. My daughter in 16 months. I was induced the day after her due date. I had planned to birth as natural as possible in the hospital, but I wasn't sure what to expect from labor with pitocin. I was determined that God was my source of strength. I had a fairly short labor (about 14 hours fron the start, only jusst over 5 hours of "hard" labor. I stayed focused on the Lord and had a beautiful birth. It's such an amazing memory.
Now, here I am typing with one hand, holding my newborn son, who was just born at home night before last. It was another beautiful birth. Praise the Lord!! I will definately continue to pray for you during this time of pregnancy an birth, and new baby and all...
I had twin boys naturally the first time. My labor was so quick that I didn't have time for drugs. Ha ha. The second time around, I had to be induced (the baby was almost a week overdue). I did have an epidural this time. (I realize you won't be having one). It was great as I never felt one contraction. The only side effect I felt from either the induction or the epidural was that I shivered uncontrollably if I layed a certain way. It was like I was cold, but I wasn't. I went in at 9 pm, didn't get induced until 10:30 or so and had my son by 5:30 am. All in all, a great birth! Hope that gives you some hope!
Crystal,
I was scheduled to be induced, but had the baby the night before the appointment to be induced! :-)God knows and even if that does not happen for you, we can all be praying that you start to dilate on your own. I hear that supposedly helps with inductions. But again, the Lord knows.
May all go smoothly and both of you remain healthy.
Blessings of continued peace and rest,
Theresa
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