Introducing Bryson and Kylie: Kylie’s Birth Story (Disclaimer: It’s a long one)

As I was anxiously awaiting my induction date (c-section…maybe/maybe not), I was glad that I still had almost two weeks for Kylie to turn back around so I could have her naturally. I started having some strong contractions on Friday night, October 5^th, when I was out with my friend, Amanda. We were at Olive Garden and on occasion, I would have to stop talking and let the contractions pass. I didn’t think anything of it, because the same happened with Bryson for a few weeks before he came. So after dinner, we went walking around Toys R Us so Kylie could get Bryson a few big brother presents. After about 30 minutes, I had to call it quits because I wasn’t feeling so great.

The next day, we took Bryson to the park and played outside because the weather was amazing. We figured we wouldn’t have many more nice weather days, so we had to get some park action while we could. Everything was fine other than the occasional contraction…again, totally normal.

However, when we were eating dinner that night my contractions became much more intense. They started around 6:00, and by 7:30 I was calling the doctor concerned that I was in labor and Kylie was still breech. She told me to come to the hospital to get checked out.

Since this wasn’t my first rodeo, I knew these contractions were the real deal. Especially when I thought I was going to die during each one. That was the biggest indicator. We woke up Bryson, loaded him in the car, and headed to the hospital. I called my parents to meet us there so they could keep Bryson during this exciting event. My Mamaw and Papaw were also on call so they could stay with Bryson during the night so my parents could come back to the hospital while we were having Kylie. They were all a huge help!

So we get to the hospital at 8:30 (longest ride to Nashville EVER) and my contractions had moved to every 2 minutes. I didn’t want to rush Mike to drive faster because he was already going over the speed limit, but it felt like we were moving at a turtle’s pace the entire way to the hospital. Ugh.

We got checked in to our room around 9:00 once they confirmed that I’m in labor. I guess they didn’t want to take my word for it. That’s fine, they were quick about it. I immediately asked for the epidural, and they said they had to wait for my doctor to get there so she could determine if I needed a c-section. If so, I needed a spinal tap. If not, I could have the epidural. They told me that my doctor was on the way and would be at the hospital in 25 minutes. Although I was relieved she was coming so quickly, the fact that I couldn’t have drugs until she got there was not comforting.

I’m pretty sure she’s secretly a super hero, because she got there in record time. She comes in and immediately starts the ultrasound to find out which way Kylie was turned. And yes, she was still breech. To the operating room, STAT! They dressed Mike up in some awesome scrubs and wheeled me into the OR. They made Mike wait until I had my spinal in and was prepped for the surgery. As soon as I got in the room, it was very bright and there were at least 15 people in there, all with their own tasks. There were 2 anesthesia doctors, two NICU docs since she was two weeks early, one regular baby nurse, my nurse, my doctor, and the rest were strangers that I don’t remember. It was super intimidating, and I immediately started crying because I was terrified. My doctor held my hand and said nice things to calm me down, which I was so thankful for. The spinal made everything better instantly. It also gave me some crazy, uncontrollable shaking. Therefore, I got this nice blow up heat thing. That’s the best way I can describe it. It helped somewhat.

Mike was allowed to come back finally, and I was much calmer once he got back there with me. When they put the sheet up so I couldn’t see anything, I realized I could see the action in the huge mirror light above me. I had to remind myself several times not to look up. I was also scared because I could feel people touching my stomach. I kept telling my doctor I could feel it, and she said not to worry. Not to worry, huh? How would you feel if you knew you were going to get cut open and could feel stuff?! So I worried. I’m pretty sure I told her I could feel her touching me at least five times. Then I asked her when they were going to start, because I wanted to prepare myself. She then said they already started and were almost to the baby. Really?! I was amazed. I couldn’t feel anything other than some strange tugging, so I was relieved to say the least.

I don’t know how long it actually took for Kylie to come, but it felt like maybe 10 minutes or so. It could have been faster or longer, I have no idea. But at 10:28 PM on October 6, our daughter was born. She weighed 7.11 pounds and was 18 ¾ inches long. They pulled her out and said she looked great. The doctor said the cord was wrapped around her neck, not tightly though thank goodness, and that’s why she wasn’t turning. Poor thing! I wanted confirmation she was a girl, you know, just in case the ultrasound tech got it wrong. She was right…it’s a girl! I was instantly in love when the doctor held her up for the first time for me to see her sweet face. Her eyes were wide open and she was very alert.

The NICU nurses took her and did whatever it is they do. When I heard her first cry, it sounded like a large dinosaur had entered the room. She has a strong set of vocal cords, that’s for sure! Mike kept going over to her, then back to me telling me I was doing great. He was the best coach a mommy could ask for! And I know I was just lying there, but it was still comforting to hear him say I was doing good. J Then Kylie was wrapped up and handed to Mike. He brought her over for me to see her, and my heart melted again. I wanted to hold her so badly, but it wasn’t really possible since they were still working on putting me back together during all this. That took an extra 30 minutes or so.

Mike was set on not looking at the c-section process, because we both assumed it would look like a crime scene and is not meant to be seen by parents. However, when she was being taken out and the doctor said here she comes, Mike stood up and watched it happen. I’m so thankful he didn’t make any horror faces or pass out, which would have freaked me out completely. He can recount that side of the birth story if you ask him.

So finally, here she is. Introducing Kylie!