The Plylers: April 2013

Delaney Grace Plyler

April 17, 2013

7lbs 11oz

20 3/4 inches

I knew I loved you before you were born...but now I love you more than ever!

I can't believe this was less than 2 weeks ago. I was very pregnant. My back ached. I was contracting all the time (never getting longer or stronger) and I was ready to meet my little girl. I do love being pregnant but that last month is the most uncomfortable! Just a few days later I was talking with my doctor about a date for an induction. There were concerns of mine and the doctors that made us go ahead an want to induce rather than wait it out. I was concerned that she would be really late and really big because her brother was 9 pounds at birth (and that was a day before his due date...also induced). The doctors were concerned about blood pressure and making sure the baby was not affected by it. With that, we decided to induce. Dan and I chose April 17th, just two days after our doctors appointment and a day before her due date. We picked that day because it's the same day as Dylan's birthdate. Dylan and Delaney both were due on the 18th and came (because they were made) on the 17th. Dylan is December 17th and Delaney is April 17th. Not sure how we will make that happen for baby #3...but we have plenty of time to plan that one out!

I wasn't nervous until the morning of the induction. On the way to the hospital, Dan took my hand to hold and all of a sudden my emotions took over. I was trying so hard all morning long to keep it together and my nerves took over in the car on the way to the hospital. Tears rolled down my face and Dan asked, "are you okay?" I just shook my head no. Then he asked, "are you scared?" And I shook my head yes. He squeezed my hand and tried to comfort me. He knew why I was so scared and I'm sure he was just as nervous but he held it together for me.

Dylan's delivery was sooooooo hard! My epidural didn't work, I pushed forever and it hurt (I still remember the pain very well). I prayed that the epidural would work this time and that I would be able to enjoy this experience. Dan and I went to the hospital with a plan. We would tell Dylan's birth story to everyone and anyone who would listen with the hopes of everything working out this time. I believe everyone was very sympathetic to my story and could probably see the fear on my face. My nurses, nurse Erin and Christen were unbelievable. They were comforting, supportive and very informative. Their enthusiasm and kindness helped me feel safe and secure. Dr. Williams, my anesthesiologist, came in, sat down, and listened as we explained our past experience. Then he explained to us what he believed happened and how he would make sure it would work this time. He said that I possibly have a narrowing in my back that prevented the medicine from going down where it needed to be. He said to fix that he would place it as low as he possibly could with the hopes that it wouldn't pool in my spine and make me numb in my chest. Thankfully, it worked! I could feel my belly contract but nothing else which was wonderful. Dan said that I was even laughing while I was having pretty strong contractions. It was great! Here I am, after the epidural, with a big smile on my face!

I believe that God heard our prayers and provided me with the best help at the hospital!

For a long time I contracted on my own pretty regularly at about 3-5 minutes apart...all the way up to 7cm (I came into the hospital at 4cm). It wasn't until after the epidural that my contractions began to slow down to 7 minutes apart (Nurse Erin said that usually happens) and we decided pitocin would help get her out faster. And, boy, did it! I was probably on pitocin for about 45 minutes and the contractions were really hurting again! I told Dan that I felt tired like my blood sugar dropped and I needed something to eat. That made Dan nervous so he called for the nurse. Nurse Erin came in, watched me through a contraction and decided to check me. Yep...I was complete! My emotions ran wild. I was excited to meet my little girl and I was scared it was going to hurt again. Everyone got into place. And before long I was holding my pushes, waiting for the doctor to get there. But to everyones surprise I didn't have to push long at all. Three contractions and just a handful of pushes later my Delaney was laying up on my chest, crying and beautiful. I got to watch Dan cut the cord which he did not get to do with Dylan because the cord was wrapped around his neck. That was pretty special to watch! It was the most amazing feeling meeting Delaney for the first time!