#vrikshambirthstory

Hi Anu akka,

I gave birth to a baby boy yesterday vaginally. My birth story is a little elaborate.

I’ve had an IVF pregnancy and considering the pregnancy and my age every time doctors would suggest that a cesarean is the safest way to go. However, I had clearly told my doctor my desire of having a natural birth even though I couldn’t have a natural conception.

On 19th of July at 37.4 weeks I had my final scan which showed that the single loop of cord around my baby’s neck had tightened a lot. The weight then was 3.5kgs as per scan and my pelvis assessment was done over scan which showed that the head is difficult to come out.

On the very same day my doctor asked me if I can get an internal examination also done. During the internal examination the doctor found that I was 1cm dilated and the cervix is softened. She said although there is a substantial risk involved, I can go for a natural birth if I wanted. However, she said waiting for natural labour is risky and the cord is quite tight. So, she asked me to go for an induced labour.

I wanted the labour to start naturally, but fearing any risk due to delay we decided to go ahead with induction. On 23rd morning I got admitted and at 8 am cerviprime gel was applied. Till 10am I had no feeling of any progress. From 10 am mild period like cramps started. At 11 contractions started getting slightly stronger. At 11.45 my water broke and it was clear. I was very calm during all these stages and did all breathing exercises to keep my self calm and relaxed.

After the water broke, I was around 3 cms dilated. At this stage pitocin was started. In a few minutes my contractions got really intense and very strong. From 12 to around 1 I had severe contractions every 3 to 5 mins. From 1pm the contractions got very very strong and completely unbearable. I couldn’t bear the pain anymore and asked the doctor to give me epidural.

At 2pm doctor checked me and I was fully dilated and the baby’s heart rate was under stress. Doctor said we cannot wait anymore and must proceed to labour room immediately. There was no time to give epidural also. I was shifted immediately. And then time came to push out the baby.

By this time, I was very much out of energy. But I was very determined to deliver the baby vaginally. I started pushing at around 2pm. The pain was excruciating and there was no pushing sensation. Since the baby was under stress, I had to push the baby out whether I was getting the sensation or not otherwise we would have had to go for a cesarean.

I put all my energy and concentration and started pushing with every contraction. The baby’s head was constantly getting stuck in my pelvis and moving inside back again after every push. Not matter how hard I pushed the baby’s head was getting stuck in the pelvis. At this time my heart rate also started dropping and I could hear the doctors discuss that a surgery is risky for my life as well now.

I was put under oxygen and then pediatrician was called. While my doctor gave injections and did an episiotomy to make space, the pediatrician started pushing the baby out. Even then the head was getting stuck.

Then my doctor decided to give the vaccum pump a try and told me, we cannot take any further risk with the baby or you. Both are under danger now. So, you must try one last time with all effort otherwise will go in for an emergency c-section.

I took god’s name and visualized my baby and reminded myself all the effort and hardships I have gone through for my baby. And with all the effort and help of the doctors I gave a final push with all my energy and my baby boy was pulled out finally with a vaccum pump.
I had stitches all over my bottom. But I’m still glad that I was able to get through this tough and complicated labour. And was able to deliver a healthy baby safely.

Your classes helped me get through this tough period. I’ve realised that no matter how much we think we’re prepared for labour, we never are. It is a very tough and difficult experience for every woman and she should get all the love, care and support for going through this life and death situation.

Every birth is special.