I have neglected to post an announcement about my daughter’s birth. I was thinking that I would have a birth story ready to post within a few days of her birth, but clearly that is not the case. Actually, in addition to her birth story, I will be drafting additional posts related to this crazy birth experience and a couple of guest posts for other blogs. Stay tuned! For now, here are some stats for your enjoyment, and a picture of my latest love bug.
Gillian, day 2
- Gillian, born Tuesday, July 12 around 5:30 am
- 8 lbs, 14 oz
- 21.5 inches long
- 15.5 inch head!
- HARD labor commenced at 7pm on Monday, July 11, about 5 hours after a second dose of castor oil while pumping, at 41w4d gestation, the same day I cancelled the ‘required’ 41.5w cesarean (scheduled for 1:30pm on July 11)
- About the only thing that was physiologically NORMAL about all of this is that she came out of my vagina and I was not given pitocin (well, not until stage 3)
I must give particular thanks to the women of ICAN and Birth After Cesarean for lifting me up, particularly during the last trimester of this pregnancy. The last week of my pregnancy was sheer emotional hell, and I wouldn’t have made it through without these networks of amazing women.
The Trial of Labor 
You did it! I am very excited to hear the details.
Congratulations!
congratulations!
Congratulations!! Welcome, Gillian! Can’t wait hear your story.
Congrats!! Can’t wait to hear about it!
I’m so excited for you. 🙂 Welcome Gillian! I look forward to your story.
From what you’ve said on ICAN lists, it sounds like this was a traumatic birth too in some ways, even if it was a VBAC. It’s normal for that to take a while to process. Take all the time you need before you post your story. We’ll still be here.
My first VBAC, while still very exciting and thrilling, was traumatic in some ways too. I totally get that mixed feeling…..thrilled that you had a VBAC and that you don’t have to endure another surgical recovery, but also pissed that you weren’t treated with respect or that there were complications or too many interventions or whatever.
I think the important thing is to celebrate the VBAC and take time for your recovery and your bonding with baby, and yet still honor your ambivalence by working through the complexity of your feelings about all this. It’s NORMAL to have mixed feelings and NORMAL to not quite be able to fully articulate those feelings for a while, even to yourself. It will come clear in time. Trust yourself.
And give yourself the gift of time after this birth to just BE for a while, to enjoy your baby, and to not have to figure everything out immediately. You’ll know when it’s time, and you’ll work your way through things when you are ready. Give yourself the gift of time and space to do so.
She is beautiful! Congratulations mama! I am looking forward to hearing your story!
Long time no so/read (used to be Bijou Girl) but what a wonderful surprise! Congratulations!
Congratulations! I am so glad she is here. Take your time to process your birth. I look forward to reading it when you find the time to write and post it!
Yes, give yourself time to process the birth before writing your story. I’m so happy you got your vbac, but sorry it had to be “against the odds.” You are strong, powerful and amazing. Enjoy that sweet baby!
Congratulations! She’s adorable and you’re getting me right broody with that picture.
I’m looking forward to reading your posts, whenever you feel ready to share. It is possible that a vaginal birth is more traumatic than a c-section – in my case it was (and I felt more disempowered with the more “normal” birth) so do take the time to rest – and to enjoy Gillian!