NavigatingLifeWithLMS

Have you ever just known something was going to happen, like intuition? While pregnant with my third child, there were a few things I knew for sure, despite the unknowns. First, this child would be born on May 29th. Second, I was determined to have a natural childbirth…no drugs. Lastly, I was going to exclusively breastfeed.

Often times, your best layed out pregnancy, birth, and motherhood plans don’t go as expected, unless you’re lucky. I can honestly say, my child was born on May 29th, it was my first natural childbirth, and I exclusively breastfed. Life may not come with guarantees, but sometimes intuition steps in. This is my natural childbirth story.

Pregnancy

I knew there would be a third, I just wasn’t planning it so soon. Life has a funny way of showing you what you need. If it’s meant to be, it will be. And for that same “if it’s meant to be” reason, we had our baby tested for LMS (a rare syndrome our daughter has). Luckily, the test came back just fine. It wouldn’t have been a huge deal, but definitely something we would want to know about in advance.

My due date was early June. Given my history of delivering in the 38 week mark, intuition told me this kid would be born on my Mom’s birthday, May 29th. My mom passed away when I was young, and I was hoping to bring life back to May 29th.

The last few days of my pregnancy were miserable. On the night of the 26th I began having contractions 3-5 minutes apart. They slowed way down, but didn’t completely stop. I went into the hospital on the 27th with more contractions, and was sent home.

On the evening of the 28th, we stopped at a park to walk before heading to the hospital. I was determined I wasn’t going to leave that hospital without a baby this time. After walking at a steady pace that triggered contraction after contraction, we went back to the hospital. This time, I was dilated to 6cm. They had no choice but to keep me.

Delivery

I was determined to stay strong and not get an epidural this time around. My mind was set on natural childbirth. Because I was getting impatient, I did let them break my water around 11 PM. With little sleep the few nights before, I was ready to get it done and over with.

The contractions got stronger after my water was broke. For a while, they seemed fine. The doctor and nurse kept looking at the contractions on paper and looking at me in disbelief because I wasn’t even flinching. Somehow, I was able to remain calm through the first bit of labor.

Around 8cm the back labor started to kick in. I felt like swas stabbing me in my lower back and crushing my bones at the same time. I can honestly say, I wasn’t a fan. Even with the stabbing bone crushing pain, I was still determined to squeeze this kid out of my lady business without an epidural.

Soon after the back labor was in full swing, I felt the urge to push. The nurse wanted me in my back so she could accurately check how far I was dilated. The contractions kept coming strong, making it hard to move. At this point, I felt like a beached whale struggling to roll over. I finally got back onto my back. As it turns out, I was dilated to 10cm!

Time to push, right? Nope. They didn’t want me pushing until the doctor got in the room and she was ready. Do you know how incredibly hard it is to try and hold back every muscle in your body from pushing a baby out of your Lady bits?
Once the doctor eventually moseyed on in, I remember saying something like: “I don’t mean to rush you, but could you hurry it up?” It came out as nicely as I could manage.

Once it was time to push, it was a whole new ball game! I’d never done this and actually been able to feel it before. The doctor at one point told me “it’s more effective if you push instead of scream.” She was right.

I got myself focused and pushed for what felt like an eternity. Let me tell you, that ring of fire business you hear about, yeah, that’s not a joke! It burns so bad you feel like someone set your lady bits on fire.

Finally, at 1:05 am Lakoda was born. He weighed in at 8lbs even, and was about 19 inches long. My biggest baby. Go figure, the one I decide to push out naturally would end up being the biggest of the three.

After Birth

Lakoda was handed to me, and his cord was cut. He was perfection in a cute little package. His dad looked at the rolls on the back of his neck and said: “he’s going to have a ferocious appetite.” Truer words have never been spoken.

This new little guy was also a pooing machine. They say baby has to poop before going home. Well, he checked the box of the list in his first few minutes. He nailed me three times before someone finally put a diaper on him.

While I was so wrapped up in my new baby snuggles, we still had to get the placenta out. I had no idea I was one tug away from the umbilical cord snapping and the placenta being stuck. Luckily, that didn’t happen.

Koda took to breastfeeding like a champ and was in perfect health. After a day and night of little sleep, we got to go home on the 30th. I was more than happy to bust out of the hospital. I really did miss Jace and Kailanie.

What I want Koda to know

If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing, my wee little Kody Bear. We share a very special experience and a bond that could never be broken.

When I look at you I still see perfection. Every feature, every detail, makes you who you are supposed to be. Your silliness, intelligence, and big heart shine bright.

I would give anything to make life more normal for all of you. It saddens me how hospital life is second nature to you because of everything your sister has been through. But, It makes my heart smile to see your love for her. As soon as you could, you became her voice and her legs when she couldn’t manage it herself. You, my little bear, are what this world needs more of.

The way you look after everyone and pay so much attention to detail amazes me. You never let Jace leave the park without his water bottle, and make sure Abby has her backpack in the car. There is so much grown up in you, my Little Bear.

You are so adventurous and smart. A lover of life, except when you need a nap. I hope learning always comes easy to you, and that you never lose your thirst for adventure and fun. I can’t wait to see where life takes you! Something, maybe intuition, tells me you’re meant for great things.

We love you more than you will ever know, my little Kody Bear. Happy Birthday, Koda!!