Welcoming Isabella: A journey through labor and delivery
It all started with a scheduled induction on August 6. We were supposed to head to Memorial Hospital Labor and Delivery at 7:00 AM, but a quick call revealed a delay until 1:00 PM. This allowed for some extra snuggles with our toddler Ellena and a relaxed morning at home.
At 10:00 AM, we packed the car and set off on our hour-long journey. After picking up lunch and navigating traffic, we finally arrived at the hospital around 2:00 PM. Bags in hand, we checked in and began the induction process.
The induction medication, Cytotec, was administered in several doses: the first at 3:30 PM, the second at 8:00 PM, and the third around midnight. By 4:00 AM on August 7, the final dose was given, and things started progressing. My cervix softened, and I began to dilate.
At 6:50 AM, my doctor broke my water, and the contractions intensified. I labored as long as I could before opting for an epidural, which brought much-needed relief. Confined to bed, I used a peanut ball to help with dilation, a technique that had worked during my first delivery.
After some intermittent naps, I felt immense pressure around 9:30 AM. Hoping it was time to push, I called the nurse, but she informed me I was only 5 cm dilated. She promised to check back in an hour. Just five minutes later, the urge to push became overwhelming. I called the nurse back, and to everyone's surprise, I was fully dilated and the baby was crowning!
The room buzzed with activity as my doctor and multiple nurses prepared for delivery. With determination and support from my husband and mom, I began to push. In approximately six minutes, at 9:51 AM, our beautiful baby girl was born. We named her Isabella Maria Filippini.
The moment Isabella was placed on my chest was indescribable. It's a feeling I wish to relive endlessly. While pregnancy is wonderful, delivering a baby is my favorite part of the journey. It’s the part I want to experience over and over again!
This postpartum experience has been entirely different from my first, but that's a story for another time. Stay tuned!
