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My birth story
My mom was due with her first child (me!) around October 20th, but by the 14th she had been in labor for several days. Finally, at her last OB check up, the doctor was merciful and told her that several days worth of contractions 5 minutes apart was enough reason to send her in to the hospital. They scheduled her induction for the next day, October 15th.
Once she got to the hospital (San Leandro Memorial Hospital in California), they started her on pitocin. When she was about 3 cm dilated, they broke her water. Mom was laboring in a shared room, and the lady in the bed next to her was moaning constantly. Mom was determined not to be loud like her neighbor, so she quietly endured her pain. The nurse happened to notice Mom biting her hand, and asked he if she was in a lot of pain. “Um, Yes!” The nurse figured she’d check Mom’s progress…..and there was my head. And a cute head it was.
The doctor was called, Mom was swiftly moved into the delivery room, and everything was in a frenzy. No time for drugs. The doctor walked in, slipped into his gown and gloves, and reached down to catch me as I was born. Mom was in the hospital for about 2 hours, and in the delivery room for less than 10 minutes before I was born, at 12:24 PM on October 15. I was 8 lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long.
My mom remembers that the doctor was still wearing his white pants and white patent leather shoes (he figured Mom would be laboring for a lot longer than she did, so he didn’t have time to change!). After I was born, the doctor exclaimed, “Didn’t get a drop of blood on me!”
That’s when Mom started to hemmorage. Again, the room switched pace and everyone started working quickly. My mom could hear the blood gushing with each heart beat. (They were able to get the bleeding under control after my birth, but Mom almost died after my next sister was born 4 years later. Luckily, they were prepared for the next babies and got it under control before it was a problem).
Mom stayed in the hospital for 3 days and two nights, where she spent most of her time in the hospital bed watching the Oakland A’s (the local team) win their 3rd World Series. She really got into it that year.
I still have the pink blanket and the little pink dress from those pictures. In fact, that pink blanket came with me to college and didn’t get packed away for good until I became a mom myself.
***
Because two of my good friends are doing it, I decided to jump in and participate with Mommy’s Piggy Tales’ 12 week challenge to Record Your Youth. Come back next week to hear me reminisce about my preschool and kindergarten years (and my first kiss!).
What do you know about your BIRTHday?
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I love that you know so much about your birth! Even after I asked my mom about it, she didn’t share anything significant. Thanks for including some pictures. Good times! :)
What a sweet story (well, most of it, the part that isn’t scary).
Happy almost birthday.
I don’t know much about my birth but my 4 daughters- oh yes, indeed! Love the baby picture!
Thanks!! I don’t feel old. In fact, I was picking up my TEEN last night and was introducing myself to her friend. I told her friend that she could call me Laura because I still don’t feel old enough for people to call me “Mrs. _____” Funny. I AM old enough, technically. ;)
Amazingly, I have known most details of that story my whole life. I guess it was something we talked about a lot growing up. I had to check with her about a couple of things. :)
Darn! So much for taking after mom. You’ll have to ask her about the other details to see if you matched up anywhere else!
It’s worth asking about. It’s fun to learn!
Wow! You made quite an entrance into the world! Love the baby photos! Have I mentioned that you look fabulous for 36?! I would’ve never guessed that was your age!
It’s amazing that your mom was able to provide you with so many details of your birth, what a great treasure. Have fun with Mommy’s Piggy Tales, I did the first round and although in some moments it seems overwhelming, it was an amazing journey!
Amber :)
What a fun idea. I don’t know much about my birthday, other that my mom was only in labor for like 12 hours. When I was pregnant I thought I would have the same luck. 26 hours for me. Bleh.
I don’t know that much about my birth story!! I love that you posted yours :)
Happy, happy birthday!
Yep. In exactly a week, I’ll be closer to 40 than I am to 30. Sad. ;)
awww.. how cute you look. Your birthday is just around the corner. Happy Birthday…..Mine is this month too. What a cute idea to reminisce about your childhood days. How fun.