As I was re-reading Jillian’s birth story from yesterday, I was struck by how similar my children’s births have been…and yet, how different.
1. The length of deliveries was very similar for the first two, and very different for the third:
Jillian, 5 hours from water breaking to delivery
Sullivan, 6 hours from water breaking to delivery
Xavier, 12 hours from water breaking to delivery
2. The nurses reactions to me:
Jillian, the nurses patronized me. They saw me as a first time mom who didn’t know what she was doing. They sent my only support person off when I was starting to hit the heavier contractions. They told me not to make noises, that I was being overdramatic, that I was not in as much pain as I was telling them. I was irritated.
Sullivan, they didn’t believe me when I told them how fast I would deliver. They patted me on the shoulder and assured me all would be well. Truthfully, I don’t remember much from his L&D…but well, you’ll have to wait for more details…his birthday is in 13 days.
Xavier, more disbelief from nurses at how quickly I could transition. Granted, he decided to linger even after my water broke, but I still dilated really quickly once things started moving. Another case of a doctor barely having time to get properly attired to attend a birth!
3. Panic Mode!
Jillian, I wore an oxygen mask because I was going numb and tingly in my fingers and toes, and I was seeing spots…
Sullivan, I had a paper bag put over my face for the same reason.
Xavier, I think I had an oxygen mask..can’t remember, but I know I still got that tingly numb sensation and hated it!
4. Rocking chairs were my friends through all three L&D’s.
5. If I’m not mistaken all three kids had very similar APGAR scores….all were slightly off in color, but all for different reasons.
Jillian had her shoulder stuck for a period and that caused some distress.
Sullivan had a KNOT in his umbilical cord, which probably caused some issues with getting oxygen to him during delivery.
Xavier …I think he just rushed through the birth canal, honestly. 
In any case, a mother’s meanderings. Funny the things one remembers.
