Sydney Philippa Wuehler was born at 4:22 pm weighing 8 lbs 11.7 oz and 21.25 inches long. Let me tell you about her journey to this world! Apparently by the fourth child my womb has been primed to be a most comfortable, happy place because Sydney Pippa was in no way interested in leaving. Many a well-meaning person would chirp at me, "Almost there!" leaving me infuriated with this doo-wah who did not have a creature kicking at their ribs from the inside and running after 3 tinies on only 2 hours of sleep while everyone eyed their physique and felt they had a free pass to make comments on it (ie "You look like you're ready to POP!"). My merciful OB not only scheduled an induction, he moved it up a couple of days when there was an opening. And openings were scarce since all the Valentine's Day love children are due... about now.
I checked in with a bag of hot bagels for the staff and began the long day. By far the worst part for me was having the IV placed. I had an experienced nurse and a student. The student quickly volunteered to do the dirty deed and something inside me said I should politely request the nurse. I should have followed my instincts because she didn't know what she was doing so finally the nurse took over. Man alive, I HATE needles!!! From there it was increasing doses of pitocin and penicillin until the contractions were really grabbing a hold. They went from my lower back and moved into my pelvic floor which was new for me. I asked to be checked because I figured if I was close I'd just skip the epidural, put on my proverbial big-girl pants and breathe my way to the end of it. Hell, if Kate Middleton can do it, I can do it, right? I was dilated to a 5. Screw the natural birth movement, call the anesthesiologist. NOW!!!
For the first time, I was in labor in a hospital that allowed Brent to be in the room for the epidural. I was excited about that from the moment I found out months ago. Turns out, when I'm in excruciating pain and someone is sticking a needle in my back (I HATE needles!) he morphs into the most annoying person in the world. Let me be clear, my sweet husband was really trying to help. He had my phone and kept checking it to see if I'd received any new text messages. I snapped at him to put the stupid phone down and focus on ME for a minute. Then he grabbed the remote to the tv and started flipping through channels as I was desperately breathing through a really bad contraction. I snapped at him again and he explained he thought the distraction would be helpful. Just a couple of minutes after the epidural was placed, Brent morphed back into my wonderfully supportive husband. I was relieved that it was the fastest, most pain-free epidural I've ever had.
This was also the first time I was in a hospital that allowed me to eat! As we entered the afternoon, I chowed on a juicy, thick cheeseburger and fries. The amount of energy that cheeseburger gave me cannot be underestimated. I entered a period of happy peace where I was conscious of the contractions but not in pain and energized. Then it began to snow. With my sweet husband by my side, I relished the beauty and quiet of it all.
Something told me I was close and I was getting the urge to push. The resident checked me and said I was fully dilated but still had a bit of cervix that needed to clear before I should push. To our surprise, she said she would check again in an hour. A team of residents as well as my OB came back in 15 minutes and suggested one more check. Since I was good to go, I did a practice push and well, they didn't even have time to break the bed. After the excruciatingly long wait, Sydney quickly greeted the world. Another thing I loved about this experience is I didn't do coached pushing; I pushed when I felt like it which worked so much better with my body's instincts.
Sydney had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (very common) but she was in no way choking or suffocating on it. She made it clear she didn't appreciate being evicted from the womb. They handed her to me and immediately covered us in warm blankets and here's another thing I loved- they let me hold her for a really long time. With every other birth I've been given a special moment or two before they whisk the baby away to be measured, poked and prodded. Not this time. The moment I saw her face I knew she was our Sydney Pippa. She's at once similar to her sisters as well as her own baby.
Her weight was a big surprise to everyone. I was hoping she'd be just under 8 lbs. When my OB and residents felt around, they thought perhaps she'd be just a tad over 8 lbs. No one was anticipating the 8 lbs 11.7 oz.! However, she handily filled her diaper 3 times in 90 minutes and her weight dropped to 8 lbs. 9 oz.
I'm so relieved she's here safe and sound. I once mentioned to my father I wasn't sure what the Lord's plan was in having this baby we were already planning to have come so much sooner than we were prepared for. He wisely said, "You'll know why when you finally look into her face." He was right. Our little family is here and now that Sydney Pippa is a part of it, I can't imagine life any other way.
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