RX's birth story

**Before getting started, I want to say that dealing with infertility and infant/pregnancy loss is devastating. I have experienced terrible losses and I will share them at some point. RX is my miracle baby because through it all, he made it here, and made me a mommy. This post highlights a very difficult process but my hope is that the positive result gives someone hope. I find that talking about my experiences has been extremely therapeutic. I’m happy to be a listening ear for anyone.**

When I was growing up, doctors always told me it would be difficult to get pregnant. I was diagnosed with PCOS and always dealt with heavy, irregular, and painful cycles. I controlled my symptoms with birth control until Hubby and I were ready to start the difficult (or so we thought) process of trying to conceive.

I stopped taking birth control in March of 2011. By my birthday in May 2011, I was pregnant… WHAT?? I immediately thought of this little seed as my miracle baby. We were overjoyed, but very cautious. We didn’t even tell our parents until early July. There was no need to get everyone’s hopes up. My bump started growing and things were going so well. His favorite food was chips and salsa. Hubby felt him kick for the first time sitting in a Mexican restaurant (our second home).

And then..

It was a sunny day in early November. I remember it was sunny because I was working 2nd shift at the hospital and was trying to get some sleep. It was difficult in such a bright room. That day I had a routine check up scheduled with my doc (located conveniently by the hospital) before I was supposed to go in at 3p. I never made it to work because around 11a I woke up to incredible pains across my lower abdomen and back. I thought nothing of it until it happened again about 8 minutes later. Something wasn’t right. I called my doctor and they told me to come in early. I miraculously drove myself to the doctor; Hubby met me at the door. I was hooked up to monitors and quickly learned I was in active labor at only 26 weeks. At this point, things began to move quickly. I was admitted to the hospital and started on every labor stopping medication. It wasn’t enough.. I was put in an ambulance and rushed to a different hospital that could care for a 26 week old baby in case all efforts were unsuccessful.

I was terrified! There were so many doctors and nurses in and out of my room. Most times they didn't say anything because they were always on a mission. It was unsettling because it seemed like there wasn't an answer for what was happening to me. Terror turned into guilt. I thought of every possible thing I could have done differently because I couldn't blame anyone but myself, right? I started putting ridiculous scenarios in my head. Maybe I shouldn't have eaten those fries or help turn a patient while I was at work. The biggest weight was put on my shoulders in that hospital bed. The only relief was going to be a healthy baby. Cue determination..

After nearly a week, I was sent home on strict bed rest. I was only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom, take a shower, and relocate to the couch in our upstairs loft. I went downstairs once a week to go to my weekly check up. Thank goodness, I was equipped with the garage door opener to let in my sweet family and friends while Hubby was at work. I would have starved without them and my stocked mini fridge.

2 weeks later...

I followed every rule, but due to an incompetent cervix, I was admitted to the hospital again. During this stay, doctors were trying to keep me in the hospital until it was time to deliver. I was committed to doing ANYTHING to deliver a healthy baby but staying in the hospital for 10 weeks was NOT going to happen!! I begged and pleaded to be sent home. On Thanksgiving Day, I got my wish and was sent home in time to have dinner with my family. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

My family let me come downstairs for a baby shower. My mom had to buy clothes for me to wear considering oversized T-shirts were the only thing I put on.

Finally...

January 19th, I made it to ‘full term.’ I had been having contractions for the past 11 weeks. Making it to 37 weeks was quite the accomplishment, and I was thrilled. I learned I was 2cm dilated at my weekly check up and it was GO TIME!! Now, would you believe that after 11 weeks of trying to get out, RX decided he was quite comfortable?! After 24 hours, I never got past 4 centimeters. I was in so much pain because pitocin contractions are the absolute worst! I was exhausted and just couldn’t do it anymore. My body had done all it could do and it was time to get him out. My miracle baby was delivered by C-section at 2:09pm on January 20, 2012.

He was absolutely perfect in every way. I (almost) forgot about the pain and frustration of the past 3 months. I was in complete awe of what my body was capable of. I was in complete awe of what Hubby and I created. I cannot believe this was all nine years ago. He is still perfection (most of the time). I’m proud of the little man he is growing into. I’m so happy he chose me to be his mommy! Happy Birthday RX! We love you so much.