Barefoot in the Kitchen: Korbin's Birth Story

I went in to have you on September 7, 2012 at 12:00 am.

I had to sign some papers. I was shaking so bad that Jeffrey almost had to sign my name for me. I was so unbelievably scared out of my wits. You know how it is when you don't know exactly what is coming or what to expect. I was scared of the whole process. I know that some would say we should have done a birthing class; however, after much debate we decided against it for my own good. We were afraid that it would give me even more anxiety about giving birth than going in without the preparedness of a birthing class.

I was a bundle of nerves, physically shaking hands at not knowing what to expect. The night nurse named Becky was so great with me-so sweet and kind and gentle helping me to ease my fears. The first thing that they had to do was give me an IV, and really that was the worst part of the whole experience. What was really crazy is that I was having contractions (pretty strong) according to the nurse and never even felt them. I attribute that to nerves and adrenalin. Around 1:30-2:00 am, I finally got my first dose of Oxytocin.

I fell asleep for a while and woke up a few times to go to the bathroom. Around 6:00, I had a really strong contraction, one that made me realize that I was having one. Then, I felt water. I was like did I just pee on myself. I woke your daddy up and said, “Jeff, either my water just broke or I just peed on myself. I kind of hope it is the first.” Jeff was getting ready to call your grandparents when they actually got there (around 6:45). The nurses switched shifts at 7, and I got a new nurse. The contractions were really strong now and frequent. Then, came the relief, the epidural. I was shaking so hard. The nurse was so great and helped me through it. It didn’t really hurt as much as it did scare me. Truly, the IV hurt worse. After that, I was good.

Jeff decided to give me one of my push gifts. I have a pandora type charm bracelet, and he bought the carriage charm for me to put on it. (After Korbin was born, they both gave me a push gift. I don't have a picture of it here, but it is a heart shaped necklace that he had specially engraved "The keys to my heart" on the front and "Love your Jeff and Korbin" on the back. Inside I get to put a picture of both of them).
It meant a lot since Korbin's nursery has a key to my heart saying in it.

I slept til the doctor came in at 8:30 and checked me. Then, came the shocking part. I was ready to push. All those days I wished would hurry and come, instantly I wanted some of them back. I was so scared-again with the shaking.

The nurses got me started pushing and told me that your hair was black. Can you believe it? Mommy had a dream the night before about you and you had black hair and would curl up into a little ball when I picked you up-which is exactly how it was.

The doctor came in around 9: something. You arrived in a whirlwind at 9:18. They laid you on my stomach, and I cried. I cried tears of joy. Most of the people in the room were crying, including a practicing nurse who was shadowing another nurse. We were all so happy that you were here. During the rest of the day, you learned to latch with help of a consultant who also put us both to sleep (there are pictures below) with skin to skin contact. You slept well, and we were in love.