Anthony's Birth

    It was a cold and rainy December morning when your mother went to the doctor’s office for a checkup. Her liver enzymes were elevated and her doctor felt that it was time for you to come. She was happy.  She knew that she was in good hands and that you would come soon. At 11:45 a.m. at Providence St Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Washington Margot began  having her labor induced through a pitocin drip. She knew you were on your way! It was even more special because your Daddy had come from working in Afghanistan to see your birth. He was ready to welcome you into the world.

Pitocin drips can take awhile to work. That night your Mommy and Daddy decided to rest so I went home. They needed  to sleep for the big event ahead. Everyone decided that you would probably come the next day. That night was a stormy and windy night in Puget Sound. Your mother was able to relax in her quiet room while she was waiting for her labor to start.

Saturday morning everyone knew you were on your way! The doctor decided that morning to break the amniotic sac surrounding you. This was to help you to come a little faster. After they did your mommy labored faster than anyone could have imagined! Her contractions accelerated after that! They were very intense! Your mother did not get an epidural until 7 cm! She was a real warrior, and she was in transitional labor almost right after the amniotic sac surrounding you was ruptured.

She danced with your daddy and she rocked on the birth ball to ease the labor pain. Laboring is very painful and she decided to take a small dose of the epidural. She was very careful not to have too much medication because she wanted for the labor to go well and for you to be healthy. They came in to do her epidural and when I went into the room I could tell your mother felt better. She looked peaceful. The epidural was scary but it helped her to relax. She felt better after that and while we were waiting on you to come we talked about the army and different things. Mostly we talked about you.

She relaxed so much that you decided to rush your way into the world! Her dilation went from 5 to 10 cm very fast! Even the nurse Cindy Hill, RN was very surprised at how fast you were coming! Everyone was ready and waiting to meet you! As fast as they were trying to get ready for you, you were faster! Maybe one day you will run marathons and win races! From the time your mother’s water was broken, till the time you were born was about three hours.

Your mother pushed only for 14 minutes in all. She felt you turn and twist as you tried to make your way into the world. Dr. Sears, your mother’s OB was there to catch you.  As soon as your head was out your mother got to reach down to touch your head. Your head was perfectly smooth and round because you came so quickly.  Then you were born. Dr. Sears  suctioned your mouth and handed you to your mother first. They wanted your first contact in life to be with her. They carefully put you on her chest so that you could warm up. She gazed and admired you during your beautiful first moments of life.

Dr. Sears waited for your umbilical cord to stop pulsating before it was cut. She did this so that you would be able to get all of your cord blood. Then your father took the scissors and cut your cord. You were here. You were born and now your parents added another beautiful boy to their family.

A few minutes later your placenta was born after you were. Your separation from your mother’s body was complete. Your placenta was beautiful and healthy. It showed no signs of HELLP syndrome, calcification, or gestational diabetes. It was a perfect placenta that had nourished you for nine months. It was smooth and complete. Your mother’s doctor was very pleased to see that it was so healthy. After your mother looked at it they took it away. We were happy to admire how healthy the placenta that sustained you had been.

The staff was very nice, and they let you bond with your mother and father before checking your weight and length. They allowed you, your mother, and father quiet time to meet each other.  After several minutes the baby nurse came in. Her name was Beth Jonis, RN.  She decided to wait to give you a bath because you were a little cold. She made sure that you got plenty of skin to skin contact with your mother before she took you to the scale. She put you on the warming bed for a few minutes to warm you up. Then she took your weight. You were 7 lbs and 3 oz at 36 weeks gestation! You were 18 inches from head to toe. Your head was 14 inches in circumference.  You were a big boy for 36 weeks!

Everyone was well and your mama wanted to get you to nurse. It took you a few minutes to get the hang of it. She patiently held you and caressed you while you tried to latch. She gave you the time to figure out what to do. Soon you were nursing and your mama was so happy. You were so tiny and perfect.