[RinkMom]

Our little guy was due to enter this world on Dec 15 (or 20th) I had 2 dates. I had Gestational Diabetes and was on insulin shots 2X a day so the Dr told me I would likely be induced. In the last 2 months we were being seen at the high risk unit on a biweekly, then weekly basis where they would do a non-stress test and an US to check on baby. My only concern with being induced was that I be home for my other DS's 2nd birthday on Dec 11th.

At 36 weeks, I was leaking some fluid and the Dr's checked my amniotic fluid, which was on the low side. They discussed inducing me but did an US the week after and the fluid level was better.

On Dec 8 I had another High Risk appt but was quite optimistic because my sugar levels were really good -- I hoped that meant that I wouldn't have to be induced after all. Well, come to find out, the sugar levels start to even out when the placenta starts to disintegrate. An US showed a barely functional placenta and hardly any amniotic fluid so Dr asked, "how would you like to have a baby this week". I was happy that I would go in the next day, be induced and likely be home by the 11th. After all, this was my 3rd baby and things go fast, right?

Wrong!!! I got there about 8 the next night and they administered cerivigel (helps ripen the cervix). I had been at a 1 1/2 for weeks and that didn't change. 12 hours later, no change so more cervigel. 12 hours, lots of walking, no contractions later, no change again -- I wasn't even open enough to get my water broken. The Dr on that night basically said that we had one more option -- the cervical balloon and if that didn't work then it was a C-section.

Well, it took him over 12 tries to insert the thing -- over an hour of me on my back spread eagle while he held my cervix open with a speculum to get the thing in. It was the most painful and humiliating thing ever in my life. And it didn't work!! But I think that somehow there was enough progress that they could start me on pitocin.

By 5am on Dec 11 (my DS#1's bday) I was finally contracting. DH slept through the whole thing and was surprised to learn that I had been in labour for hours when he finally woke up. By 9 I couldn't take the stress any more (I had been awake for over 48 hours) and I asked for a pain reliever.

I was given Demerol which was the biggest mistake. I make me very tired and stoned and cranky. The nurse even said I wasn't a nice person. I couldn't stay awake and I couldn't sleep, it was the most awful feeling.

Of course, then I started to get stomach sick -- a sure sign for me that labour was progressing. I was feeling very weak and couldn't tolerate the pain and the nurse suggested an epidural. I should have had one in the first place because it was magic. I finally let them break my water after I got the epi. I got the epi at noon, they broke my water. By 1:15 I said I needed to poop -- but I actually was feeling the urge to push. The nurse started to call the team and said I could push. So I did and out popped my little boy. She was surprised at how fast it happened. He was 6lb14oz and had to go to NICU because of the diabetes. I was so woozy that it was good he went. DH took him after I nursed him and stayed with him there. I slept.

So both my boys were born on the same day, 2 years apart .. I didn't plan it that way.

[LJD3Tdance]

I 100% feel you on the Demerol, Idk if that was what I had, but it was an IV thing of that sort, and it did that same thing to me.

TFS, great story

[JessP]

I never had demoral. Glad you didn't have a c section though. Wow two december babies. Thanks for sharing.