Nathan's Birth Story Part 2

NATHAN'S BIRTH PART 2

We left off and we were being told we couldn't be visiting together. You have to realize this is not like the US, you don't visit people in the hospital to say hello and warm wishes and bring them outside food and have a picnic in the waiting room. But we didn't know that we weren't allowed to visit. So my day is going from good to bad to worse. And James told the doctor that he would just take me home. We had come to the hospital on Monday and again on Tuesday and they had said they would break my water but alas nothing. They pushed and pushed for me to check in at the hospital because I was effaced and dilated fully. So we did on Tuesday. Now it was Wednesday, and I was just waiting around the hospital. She told James that he had the right to take me home but the moment labor starts, I wouldn't have long before he would be born. She continued to tell us that she was going to send me for an ultrasound in an hour and if everything looked good, she was going to take me up to delivery and have my water broken. This was news to me! I knew about the ultrasound but didn't know about the latter.

I couldn't believe my ears!! I really didn't believe her because they had said they may break my water before but really had no intentions to intervene. But I told James, to go home with the kids, I would call my awesome friend Cassie to come over at 1:30 and he could come back to the hospital and we would go from there. I really wanted to go into labor on my own. It's silly but I enjoy the surprise of it all, and the baby coming on his own. But I also had peace about having my water broken.

At 1pm, as promised, they came and got me for an ultrasound. The ultrasound tech remembered me from last time and was super sweet. She let me look at the screen at my squishy face little guy and said everything looked well. I called James and let him know that and a little while later the doctor came in my room to tell me to pack my things and get ready. I was all packed but told her I had a few bags and would need some help. In my defence, part of it was for James and the baby. 

She walked me down to the first floor, and I called James to ask where he was. He hadn't left yet. What?! I wanted to kill him. :) It was past 2pm and things were now happening fast. They had me sign a few more things and told me to get toilet paper and a towel. Here's where it gets real. I thought they were simply breaking my water but they were "prepping me for labor".

It's their practice here to prep women for labor. Not a job I would desire to do. That includes- shaving the mother, an enema, and a shower. I had heard of this but thought it was an old practice because they didn't do this to me when I was in labor with Macy a year and a half ago. And other friends didn't have this done. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting this at all. In the middle of all this James calls me to tell me they aren't going to allow him in delivery because of the flu epidemic. WHAT?! So I'm in agony in the bathroom, and I just hung up the phone. My head was spinning trying to grasp all that was going on.

I paused for a moment and was about to start crying like a baby and lose it. But I had to keep it together. I had given birth here in Russia once already and once in the States, both naturally and unmedicated. With God's help, I could do this. I had to focus on little Nathan being born. This was what we had prayed so hard for and wanted more than anything. The end result would be my squishy son in my arms and that's what I focused on as I prayed and prayed.

Before they took me up to delivery, they gave me a hard time about how many bags I had. I didn't understand what I was suppose to do about it or why they couldn't just leave them there. Just then my OB showed up and told me to stay calm. She was going to be with me the whole time but that wasn't much of a relief since she didn't speak any English. But it would be nice to have her there. I was starting to feel really overwhelmed about this bag situation so I called James and just then he walked in. He was upset and they were trying to hurry me away. I asked him to take care of the bags and for a  kiss. He kept apologizing but I knew it wasn't his fault.

On my way up to delivery, I heard a newborn crying and saw the snow gently falling outside. It was the encouragement I needed. As they broke my water, I could still hear the newborn crying. It was like sweet music to me because that's what I focused on. I wanted to hear my sweet little boy crying and in my arms. The doctor asked me if my stomach hurt and I said no. I later learned that means "Are you having contractions?" But I didn't have pain, so I kept answering no.

I laid on a table (bed) as they strapped a monitor to listen to the baby heartbeat for 45 long minutes. Hers would last almost 2 minutes and take a long time to wear off and before I knew it the next contraction would begin. 



I loathe laying down when I'm in labor but I couldn't really ask for them not to do it. As I laid there, I looked at my son Jacob's little car. I brought it as a visual aid to focus on. I put my phone away and tried to focus on relaxing as the contractions began. They were much like my oldest son's contractions, like an ocean wave. It started small then it would peak and gradually wear off. Much easier than my daughter's contractions!

Then about 15 minutes of laying on the table I see this blue figured man come in the room. Then I heard his voice. It was my amazing husband!! I truly couldn't believe it. He sat down next to me and grabbed my hand and asked how I was. I started to cry as I just said "You're here!" What a great God.

After 40 minutes, I was finally released from the EKG table. Standing and swaying is so much easier than laying down through contractions. By now they were 2 minutes apart and getting stronger. The doctor instructed me to breathe through my nose and out my mouth. To my surprise it was a lot more relaxing to my body then taking a deep breath with my mouth and releasing the air through my mouth. The doctor told us to tell her when I had the urge to push. As soon as she left, I had the urge. She came back in and had me push to see exactly where the baby was at in the birth canal. Then she moved me to the delivery table.

A new doctor who just got on shift came in right as I was about to start pushing. My eyes were closed about 80% of the time as I tried to relax through labor so my memory of her is fuzzy. The new young doctor with thick eye liner, put her arm across my stomach as I pushed and told me to push her arm up as she tried to help push the baby out. Then the doctor at my feet stuck her hand in me during a contraction for some other reason. Which didn't feel good at all. I was confused as to why they kept checking me, checking the baby's heartbeat and shoving an arm on my belly. If all was okay with me and the baby then why wouldn't they just let us birth.

So I began to push and the doctor continued to push her arm down and dig her elbow into my stomach. They had me push two times, and once after the contraction had already stopped. This was wearing me out quickly. I had no time to rest in between the pushes with giving an extra push that wasn't necessary.

Then my contractions started to slow down. So the elbow doctor starts poking at my abdomen trying to get more contractions to start. And the other doctor started pitocin in an IV. The pitocin didn't seem to take effect but he would be born in five minutes. Then they had me grab handles down by my legs, so I used all my own strength to push which was exhausting. I was grasping for some little bit of relaxation in between the pushing. I was sweating and my mouth was dry. It had been an intense 10-15 minutes of pushing and I didn't know how much more I could do. My legs were starting to shake as I could feel Nathan about to be born.  Then they said one more push. So with all my strength I started to push again. I knew I was pushing with my face but didn't care. I tried to channel my pushing lower but it was hard to concentrate now. Then my sweet little guy was born and I didn't even realize it. They had to tell me to open my eyes and look at the baby. I was so exhausted and worn out I didn't even realize I had pushed him out. They laid him on my chest and I just kissed his sweet face again and again. He started to cry and there was my newborn cry I had been longing to hear. I couldn't stop smiling. Then I had to prepare for all the stuff they do to you right after delivery. But I had my son in my arms, and it was all okay.

Looking back, I would have asked James to ask them to just leave me alone and let me labor and to let me push. Labor and delivery was only an hour and half so I really can't complain. The contractions were doable  and I could relax through them. The pushing this time was difficult for me with everything they were trying to do. Pushing with Jacob was my favorite part about labor. It was a relief to push and felt good. I had two people holding my feet, so when I pushed they pushed my legs towards me, which was a huge help. It took some of the work off of me. This time, I was doing all the work alone and it was hard. You're not suppose to push when the contraction has worn off. It's useless and the baby can't descend without a contraction.

God was so good to me and little Nathan. James didn't give up on trying to get to me and that meant the world to me. I had accepted he wasn't going to be there, but he was determined. And there were many many people praying on our behalf. He was able to go to the head of the hospital and explain the situation with the language barrier and she made an exception right away. I'm so thankful James was able to be there to help translate, and to be by my side. Birth is such a beautiful once in a lifetime experience. For us, we seem to grow closer with each child the Lord blesses us with. Children are such a gift. The may take our sleep and energy, but they are worth it. We are truly thankful for this third little babe. What a great God we serve. And thank you to those of you who were praying for us along the way! To God be the glory!

4 Tips to Help in Labor :

1.   Know how you want to labor and have someone there who can translate that if you're in a foreign country.
        Everything happened so fast when they decided to break my water, that I didn't really have time to collect my thoughts beforehand or during. Looking back I would have asked James to ask the doctors to just let me labor and check on the baby only when necessary. 

2.  Prepare mentally for anything! 
     Things happened that I didn't understand and I realized there wasn't anything I could do but go with it. Try your best to relax no matter the circumstance even if there is an enema involved--oy!! 

3. Bring a visual aid or something to help you focus. 
    I have heard testimonies of other women who have given birth on a foreign field and weren't able to have their husbands with them. I always bring a visual aid with me to help me remember the end result. Whether a newborn diaper or a giant bow or a little car. Something that makes you smile and realize that this is worth it! 

4. Practice Relaxing During Your Pregnancy.
    It may sound silly to practice relaxing but this is key to help keep your body to be relaxed and your mind at ease during contractions. Practice breathing techniques to relax your body. 

Becoming Four- Macy's Birth Story

It's hard to believe, a week ago today I was in labor. At exactly this time last week (current time: 10:20pm Monday September 15) our little girl had been in my arms for an hour. Allow me to walk you through that day and we can reminisce together.

My morning started like any other morning. I woke up, laced up my running shoes and was ready to go for a run. I noticed a couple of contractions when I woke up and decided to run only 2 miles instead of 5 just incase. When I got home, I sat down to eat breakfast and didn't notice any contractions. After breakfast, I showered and got ready for the day. I was having contractions about ten minutes a part while I was up and about. They were strong enough I had to breath through them.

James had wanted me to go into labor during the day but I didn't think that would be possible. Babies come at night when you least expect them to come, that's just how they roll, right? So it looked like James was getting his wish! We decided to get our bags ready for the hospital. And I did what every woman who thinks she is in labor does-- curled my hair and made sure I looked cute for the pictures.  (Oh vanity!) 

The contractions continued as I FaceTimed my friend in Alaska, Hi Emily! She told me if I laid down on my left side and the contractions continued, then it was active labor. I didn't want to do that because what if the contractions stopped?! I listened to my wise friend. And when I laid down the contractions became further and further a part. Ho hum... not active labor.

I was torn with two choices. I could either try to "speed up labor" by exercising/walking or I could listen to my body and rest. It made more sense to rest and wait for active labor to begin. Labor would happen when it was time. We all took a nice long nap. And by then the contractions had stopped. I decided it was time for a walk. As I walked I didn't have any strong contractions. It was about 3:30 in the afternoon and I just prayed that something would happen within the next hour. It was killing me to be so close to going into labor but not being in labor! Well the next hour went by and nothing. So I sat down and rested some more with James.

At 5:30 the contractions started again as I was sitting down. I wasn't sure what to expect so we planned to go to the mall. The contractions were about 6 minutes a part and soon 3 minutes a part. By 6pm I sat in the tub to labor in the water. It was very relaxing in between the contractions but the contractions were getting stronger. My contractions went from being 3 minutes a part back to 6 while I was in the water. So after 15 minutes I got out. I thought it would be silly to slow down labor if this was the real deal. As the contractions continued, I found it hard to relax and find my happy place. I prayed for wisdom to know whether or not to go to the hospital. At that same moment, James suggested we drop Jacob off and go to the hospital. Prayer answered.

It was close to 7pm as we loaded in the car and drove to the Jones' house. The contractions were strong and I was starting to feel really discouraged. I didn't know if this was active labor or not or how much longer I would have to wait for my princess to be born. I wanted to cry and decided I needed a focal point. I grabbed a newborn diaper, a big bow, and my pillow. I would look at these in between my contractions to remind myself what the end result was--- our sweet little girl!

There was a lot of traffic but I was prepared to get through my contractions in the car. When the contraction would come on I began to cringe and bear through it. I found it took almost another minute after the contraction had passed for me to feel relaxed. As the next few came on, I breathed through them mentally telling myself to relax. It was difficult to relax but it made the contraction so much more easier to handle. I asked James if he could help remind me to relax as he saw me having the contractions. When the next one came on he told me to relax and reminded me of sunny Florida and putting my toes in the sand. If I wasn't having the contraction, I would have laughed. But it was working. We pulled into the Jones' and thankfully their daughter was down stairs waiting to bring him  up. I had just had a contraction and wasn't ready for small chat. My friend Jess hung out the window all excited and happy for me. In my couple of minutes of relief, I was able to talk with her. I told her I can understand now why ladies get epidurals. I wasn't sure I would make it much longer!

7:45pm: Another contraction came on as we were entering the hospital. I stopped in the entry way which doubled as their smoking area and tried to relax and breath through this contraction. Nothing like the smell of smoke, I thought to myself. We walked down the hall to check in, and it smelled like beef and cheese not much better than the smoke. I just wanted to get off that floor and in our room. The two ladies that helped us were their sweet cordial Russian selves. And by that I mean, they were pretty rude. :) Thankfully, the language barrier kept me from understanding what they were saying to James and I could concentrate on getting through my contractions while inhaling beef and cheese fumes. They gave me this awesome garment to wear and had me sign a million forms.

Now in their defense, the Russians usually don't have a lady coming into the hospital in active labor. The ladies all check themselves into the hospital about a week prior to their due date and wait to have their babies. It's like a college dormitory filled with preggos!

We got through the painful process of checking in and headed upstairs. Where I could finally go to the bathroom that wasn't being hogged by another pregnant woman. The doctor was very very friendly (no sarcasm this time!). She asked me how I was and I said good. She laughed when I said good and gave me a hug. It was very motherly and soothing :). I got up on the table and she checked me and broke my water without asking. She told James I was 10cm dilated and would have the baby soon and that my contractions may get stronger now that she broke my water. And I thought we were friends! When James told me the good news, I was so relieved!! It was about 8:15pm and I couldn't believe I was fully dilated!!

James had to fill out more paperwork before she could deliver the baby. At the moment that was fine because I wasn't feeling the need to push. They monitored the baby's heartbeat and had me lay on my side. Laying down on my side was a lot easier than laying on my back, but I would have rather been standing. Meanwhile, a nurse came in and took my blood, another nurse was answering her phone while in my room, and the best part was hearing the lady in travail in the room next to me! My room door stayed open the whole time. So I got to hear this lady screaming through her contractions. Which kinda made me laugh.

James came back in and I asked him if I could get a drink. They didn't want me to drink much but I could have a few sips of water. I found that odd because in the States they kept me drinking water throughout my labor. I was so thirsty but the doctor wanted me to wait since I would be pushing soon.

The doctor had me hold my legs and push. Again this was odd for me to hold my own legs and push, but I did. I believe she was checking to see where the baby's head was. She wanted me to stand up and have 4 or 5 more contractions while swaying my hips to help the baby move down. 4 or 5 more?! I was ready to die!  Okay it wasn't that bad, but I was hoping to be on my way to pushing. By now my contractions were very close together, so the time passed quickly. We heard the lady next door screaming again, and James kept saying he was so glad I wasn't like her. He later told me the nurses were yelling at her to shut up and relax. I should have loaned her my Hypnobirthing Book.

The doctor had me push one more time holding my legs and said I was ready to go to the delivery table. They wheeled my little bed over to the bigger delivery bed and had me crawl over. They kept telling me not to sit on my bottom but lay on my side and then roll over to my back. So I did my best to do just that. (They said sitting on your bum may push the baby back up.) There was now four ladies in the room all geared up to catch this baby!

9:00pm Pushing time! I was pushing against the stirrups rather than two people holding my legs which was a little more difficult. James grabbed my one leg because I was almost kicking the doctor each time. Oops. After two contractions of pushing her head was out! With each push I heard my doctors sweet little voice "Davai, Davai, Davai!" Which is "Come On". It made me smile as she would say it. Next the shoulders. The shoulders were almost out when they told me to stop pushing. What?!! Stop pushing! I feel her shoulders and need to get them out!  I looked up at James so confused and in pain. The nurses and doctor were all saying different things and telling James to translate. Push--- Don't Push. They had me wait until the next contraction came on and then finally relief! She was born! That was a pretty painful 30 seconds of having her shoulders almost out but I got through it.  I couldn't believe I was now holding my girl!

At 9:20 she was placed on my chest. Macy Kate Pranger, 7 lbs 21" long and perfect! I couldn't believe she was here and in my arms!! Then the worst part came. They started poking my belly without warning. That was the first time I was really vocal. It caught me off guard and I wasn't ready for that. I asked James what in the world they were doing. I knew what they were doing but a little warning would have been nice! Sheesh. The doctor asked how I was and I thought, much better than the lady next door! But I said, great! She smiled and gave me a hug and kiss. She was so sweet!

Well there you have it-- my first birth experience in Russia! The Lord truly blessed every aspect of my labor and delivery and I give Him all the honor and glory! I was so thankful there was no tearing or anything that went wrong. I felt great afterwards! With Jacob I felt like I had just given birth but with Macy I felt fine! All that running must have paid off! And the best part was we were able to leave the hospital before noon the next day! Thank You, Lord!

**Read Jacob's Birth Story Here**

What I liked about giving birth in Russia as opposed to the States:

1) They are more naturally minded. They don't offer you pain medicine but you can get an epidural if you ask for one. In my birthing class the lady talked about your mind controlling your body and being able to relax during the contractions.

*I loved that! That is exactly what I had taught myself when I was pregnant with Jacob and was able to do with this birth. Birth is mostly mental. You must mentally prepare for it and teach yourself to relax your body through pain. It can be done! :)

2) They left us alone in our room all night long! In the States they poke and prod you and your baby every three hours or so. No one gets any sleep that way. And we were thankful to get some sleep that night. After the drunk man stopped yelling "I love you, Tanya!" at 2am. I thought it was another lady in labor telling her baby she loved them trying to get through the contractions. haha

Dislikes about birth in Russia:

1) My private room wasn't too private during labor. But I managed to get through it anyway!

2) We heard every noise and sound in our room that night.

3) The garments and linens they used were very used. They had stains on them and were just hideous. They sanitize and sterilize everything so they look at it as clean. But it was pretty yucky to see stains on the clothes I was wearing.

All that aside giving birth in another country wasn't bad at all. The Lord truly blessed it all and I am so thankful. We are just in love with our little princess. It's so weird to say "the kids" but we love it! God is good!

Getting ready to go to the hospital! Let's do this!

Just found out I was 10cm dilated!!

Just gave birth! Can't believe it! She's here!!

My awesome doctor! :) And Awesome daughter!

Ah fresh out of the womb!

This was funny to me.
They wheeled me like this to our room.

Daddy holding his daughter for the first time!

The next day after we left the hospital-- first family photo!

So in love!