Harrison Glenn Williams

Thursday, August 2, 2007 at 7:30 PM

7 lbs. 4.8 oz. 21 inches long

Harry was born via c-section after determining that he would not fit through my pelvic bone. He was positioned "sunny side up" and he got stuck!

The story begins on Thursday morning at 8 AM. I went in to the hospital so that Dr. Bowman could break my water and gets things rolling. I was already dilated 4 cm and 75% effaced for a week. The doctor felt confident that I would dilate fairly quickly after breaking my water.

By noon I was still 4 cm and nothing was progressing. He wanted to start Pitocin which would intensify my contractions and help me dilate. I agreed after having an epidural. I was very scard to have the epidural. Needles are my biggest phobia and the thought of a HUGE one in my spine was terrifying. Surprisingly it didn't hurt! I was sweating like crazy because I was so nervous. After that, it was smooth sailing. I went from 4 - 10 cm in only 3 1/2 hours and we were ready to push!

This is where the trouble began. After an hour of intense pushing (but no pain) the doctor looked worried. He said Harry was not coming out that way. He gave me my options... try the vacuum, forceps, or a csection. Trying to avoid an operation at all costs, he first tried the vacuum. No sale. Then the forceps. Not gonna budge. The only option left was a csection. I gave in. I was more than terrified. In a matter of minutes I was being wheeled into surgery and Steve was dressing in scrubs. Thank God he could be there with me. They upped my dose of epidural juice and I was totally paralyzed from the neck down. FREAKY. I was hooked up to monitors and such. They began to cut me open and get Harry out! I didn't feel pain. Only some tugging and the WEIRD sensation of them removing my son from my stomach. I felt so empty. Then it happened... I heard that first cry. It was amazing!! No longer was I scared or worried. I knew my son was okay and I was okay. Steve got to watch the whole thing. He later told me how surreal it was to see them remove my uterus, stitch it up (outside my body) and put it back in. Crazy!

After Harry was born he was immediately taken to be weighed and given some oxygen. I was stitched back up (took about 30 minutes). Steve went to be with Harry. It was scary to have him leave me but I was in good hands. I felt no pain. It was so nuts.

After I was done being put back together I was wheeled back into my room. This is still a blur to me. I was on so many drugs. :( They brought Harry in and I was so out of it I think I jut said "aww" and fell asleep. When I woke up in the night I saw him laying by me and I was never happier. I tried to feed him and surprisingly he latched right on! I haven't had much of a problem with that. The next day when I felt myself (generally speaking) again, the feelings of love and happiness were almost too much to control. I was so in love with this tiny little person. I can't explain the connection or feeling it's just... overwhelming. I am so happy to be a mom and to have this little boy in my life.

Although things did not go as planned, I can honestly say I don't even remember much of the fear and worry. Looking back I know it was the right thing to do and I'm even a little glad because my recovery was so easy. I am still in some minor pain (it's been almost 2 weeks) but nothing crazy. I would do it again in a heartbeat. :)