Hi friends! I’m sitting here in my rocking chair while the rest of the family is napping/having quiet time. Little Alden is in one of his deeper sleep cycles, so I have a little bit of free time!

Our beautiful boy came into the world November 7th, 2020 at 4:17 in the morning. Nine days past due date, and boy was I ready for him!

My last birth with our second Kingsley was a C-section due to him being in the breech position. He was born safely, which was all that mattered in the end. BUT, healing from another C-section was something I wanted to avoid if possible this go round. With the support of my Doctors I was encouraged to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) I had some good factors that made this a reasonable option…

• Had one previous vaginal birth
• Had 2.5 years of my scar being healed before another birth

In the end I would have been fine with another C-section had it been needed, really safety and health were my only concerns. But I am so thankful that we were able to have a successful VBAC!

It started on November 6th around 5:30 I started feeling some contractions. I had false labor WEEKS before this so I was getting a little frustrated and just waiting for the real thing to start. When these contractions started this Friday night I defientley thought it felt like the real deal and not another tease. I was hoping it would happen on a weekend, and I guess my wish came true. After an hour of them coming every 3-7 minutes I called my Dr. He said to drink lots of water, lay down and if they were still coming to go to the hospital in another hour.

At this point I had already told my husband that we better get our things packed in the car and get the kiddos situated at Gaga’s and Papa’s house. Less than an hour later we gave hugs and kisses to Scar and King, left them to get spoiled, and set off on our drive to the hospital.

In the car ride my contractions seemed to ease up a little and I was worried that they might not admit me to the hospital yet. We stopped to get some drinks and snacks to bring with us because due to Covid we were not permitted to leave the hospital during our stay. After that we arrived at the hospital, contractions still coming every few minutes but not crazy intense yet.

I walked around the parking lot a little, then we decided to head in and atleast get checked out. The nurse said I was having good strong contractions, and was at 3cm. “Looks like you won’t be going home!”

It was now about 9pm, we were admitted to our room for the stay. I got all my monitors and what not put on by the nurses, and we were left to labor. We watched Gilmore Girls on our laptop for a while, I had Arnie pressing on my back during contractions that were starting to get more intense. The nurse had asked if I wanted the epidural and I said, I think that sounds great! I decided to take a warm bath first and walk around a bit, because after the epidural I knew I’d have to stay in bed.

Contractions became more intense and I felt like the front of my belly and previous scar were on fire. I put on a gown and the anesthesiologist was in promptly. I had a spinal tap before for the C-section and the epidural was definitely much easier than that, I barely felt a thing. The anesthesiologist joked about us getting married in Junior High with us already being on baby #3. I felt like I was in such good hands, all the nurses were so kind, helpful, and relatable telling about their own births, babies, and families. I felt comfortable in this atmosphere.

Now it was midnight, and I noted that my baby was going to be born on the 7th, my favorite number. By this time Arnie and I were both so tired, we were used to getting the kiddos to bed early and ourselves no later than 10pm. The epidural made it so easy to relax and rest while my body did all the work. It honestly was the BEST experience in that regard. Arnie dozed off on the couch/bed and I tried my best to get a little shut eye too.  Dr and nurse came in and said I was at a 5cm, and decided to break my water to get things to speed up. Afterwards I rested more, finding comfort in the little beeps that were my baby’s heart rate on the monitor screen next to me. Everything was right on track.

I woke up and shifted, looked at the screen and my baby’s hear rate was quickly dropping. I moved and it went back up and seemed to stabilize. I wondered if it was just my positioning. Again it dropped, and then went back to normal. I pressed the button for the nurse saying something wasn’t right. Suddenly our quiet room had a whole staff in there in a matter of seconds. They moved me, gave me some oxygen, and said to relax. Baby is fine, I was assured. I couldn’t stop shaking and my heart rate was getting high. The nurses were so sweet and helped me to calm down. I was checked and now an 8cm. Baby’s heart rate was stable. Within 20 minutes later they said I was at a 10cm and could push.

It’s a strange thing to push a baby out when you don’t feel any pain or much more than a sensation of pressure far off. But I did it, and it beat the alternative of being in crazy pain. I pushed four times and he was out. The whole thing was less than five minutes. Everyone’s faces seemed so sober, I was just waiting for something to be announced.

Then I heard his beautiful little cry, he was placed on my chest, and someone started singing Happy Birthday. Crazy love, gratitude, and relief ensued. Apparently his fast arrival produced three tears that had to be stitched up.  The Dr said he had the cord around his neck, so it had to be cut right away. But baby boy was so strong and vivacious, he cried some more and then quieted at the sound of my voice.

Within a few minutes he wanted to nurse. Here he was, this little person already knowing what he needed in life.

My perfect Boy!

Alden Bear Klassen

7lbs 130z

20.5 inches long

We are now 6 days postpartum. I was pretty sore the first couple of days, but have been pleasantly surprised at how good I know feel. It’s been my easiest birth recovery and I feel more adjusted earlier on. Breastfeeding has gone great, and things seem so natural. I have a sense of peace this time around, maybe it’s experience? I am so grateful for my husband, and how much of a help and support he has been. For the meals made by family, and how well the kiddos have adjusted. Praise God. I am sure I have lots ahead of balancing being a Mama of 3. But so far, I am just in awe of how much happiness I feel adding this little one to our fam.

Love you so, Aldie Bear.

 

Thanks for stopping by, for all the love, comments, and well wishes!

xo

-Caitlin