Susie is adorable. If you don't believe me, just check out this picture from the afternoon before Holland was born:
As you may recall, the little tyke had tried to peek out several weeks earlier, but never made it past 3 cm. Then suddenly, during an overnight expedition (during which Susie fought valiantly with the help of Hypnobabies), Holland made it as far as 7+ cm.
The next day at the doctor's office, it was surmised that, if the waters were to be parted, the baby would join us after a few pushes. So, the journey that began 41 weeks and 2 days earlier brought us to Dixie Regional Medical Center this fateful afternoon. Accompanying us was the ever vigilant doula, Jennifer:
(Here it should be noted that she never lost her fabulous smile, no matter how daunting or perilous the journey). Through the help of the more-experienced, the less-experienced were given tips to help ease the pain incurred during the final passage:
The next 12 hours passed as though a dream . . .
. . . some would say a bad dream. To save you time, and to cover for the must-have-been-sleeping photographer, we'll let you imagine what happened, as you scroll down.
The doctor parted the waters . . .
. . . imagine a valiant woman in labor . . .
. . . and a small child inside, pondering what might be just outside . . .
. . . regular contractions, increasing in intensity . . .
. . . especially as the doula pulls tricks out of her bag of . . . tricks . . .
. . . making the contractions stronger, and the "pressure" more prounounced . . .
. . . imagine this for oh, about 12 hours. Now remember that the previous night was spent mostly in labor at home, with little sleep. During an especially vigorous set of contractions, the doctor says, "those noises sound like a woman who's about to give birth. Have them come get me when you're ready to push it out." He checks the baby's progress, but doesn't mention what it might be.
After another hour of especially intense labor, the doctor checks the progress again. Now, recall that the doctor had previously said that a few short pushes should help the baby arrive after the water was broken. Imagine how Susie must have felt when, after about 26 hours of unmedicated labor, and going on about 4 hours of sleep during the last two days, the doctor comes in again to check the progress, and with a resigned voice says, "I have to be honest, you haven't progressed at all since I saw you in my office this morning."
SAD FACE.
Using a sort of pressure sensitive device, it was determined that, in spite of all of the pain and hours of labor suffered, the contractions weren't strong enough to actually push the baby out. The contractions needed to be stimulated to be stronger, or the risk of a c-section could be very probable. "This is why women used to die during childbirth," stated the physician. But, an increase in contractions caused by artificial means also meant a significant leap in pain. And it was obvious that she was almost pushed to her limit already.
"I just want a break," was the extent of Susie's complaining.
As you are pondering what the mother-to-be must have felt at this moment, consider what the doula Jennifer, who had untiringly pushed, consoled, advised, and in every other appropriate way aided and comforted the pregnant woman, must have felt as she gazed on her friend's face. And think about the husband, who was mostly sleeping the night before while his wife labored away at home, and who snacked on Wheat Thins (TM) and rested frequently during the hospital labor, watching the women do all the work. Even HE was tired at this point.
And that is why, after careful consideration and thoughtful prayer, it was decided to take advantage of modern medicine to help complete the labor process.
Whilst enduring contractions every minute, and at the fear of convulsing inadvertently at any importune moment and becoming paralyzed for life, an epidural was administered, followed shortly by pitocin. Finally, relief came in the form of a good nap, and Susie got the break she so desperately needed.
Even at this point, however, the worst was not yet over. While Susie was resting, Jennifer was watching vitals expectantly, and soon began to become concerned as she noticed a dip in oxygen levels. Knowing that this could lead to more complications, and increase the possibilty of a c-section, she said a fervent prayer in behalf of mother and child. Shortly thereafter, levels stabilized.
Many tiny miracles combined to form one great miracle, and after a brief respite, contraction levels were consistent and at a level strong enough to push the baby into position. Mother woke up, and the nurse helped coach the baby down, while daddy and an assistant helped with the "legwork." Shortly thereafter, in the words of one witness, a baby "larger than a doll," was born at 4:15 a.m.
She was adorable!
She weighed in at about 0.5 ounces under 10 pounds:
Daddy wiped the sleep from his eyes and said, "what happened?"
Mommy loves her instantly.
The Goebel heritage appeared to be prominent.
In the words of another observer, "she's a tute tid."
Mommy and baby spent a few days in the hospital to make sure everything was O.K. Many friends and family stopped by to wish them well.
Susie is recovering well, and Holland is very healthy! She is very thoughtful and good-natured, just like her mommy! We feel extremely blessed.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers! We love you!!
