Mason James Andreason

On a warm April day, we were preparing for our biggest adventure yet – we were going to be admitted to the hospital that evening to welcome you into the world.  We spent the day enjoying the sunshine, each other, and the blissful pondering of what was to come.

We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 PM, bags packed and in tow.  We were as ready as we could be! We settled into Room 11 in Labor and Delivery and the reality of your arrival became much clearer, as this was the room we would be meeting you in.  It was the largest room on the unit with a bath tub.

At 7:30 PM, after being assessed and monitored, the doctor placed a Cook catheter (dilation balloon) to dilate my cervix before inducing labor.  The monitors showed I was having consistent natural contractions upon arrival, but they weren’t very productive yet.  The dilation balloon caused the contractions to become more uncomfortable, so I labored throughout the night switching from walking around, bathing, and relaxing in bed.  Your daddy was the perfect coach giving me plenty of positive affirmations and counter-pressure, which worked wonders for the back pain.

The medical team came in throughout the night to check the progress of the dilation.  At 1:00 AM, I was still only 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced, which is what I was upon admission.  We did not let that discourage us, as we were told it could take up to 12 hours for the balloon to take effect.  At 6:10 AM, they checked again and I was 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced, which meant the balloon could come out! Great news! Pitocin was started at 6:40 AM, to help my natural contractions be more rhythmic and productive.  My water was broken at 8:00 AM.  Things really started to pick up after this.  The contractions became much more painful and much closer together.  They would last about 1.5 minutes with 20-30 seconds of break in between.  Again, I labored walking around and bathing, with the help of Daddy as my coach.  By 11:20 AM, I decided it was time to relieve the pain.  I was given an epidural and was able to relax and enjoy the company who had come to visit us.  By noon, I was 6 cm dilated.  By 2:00 PM, I was 7+ cm dilated and 90% effaced.  Getting close!

At 5:00 PM, they checked me once more and found I was complete.  You were not positioned well for delivery, so we gave you time to turn your head from the side and settle down in the pelvis.  I lied on my side to help you turn, which also made it so all the pain relief was gone from one side of my body.  Daddy helped apply counter-pressure for the hour we waited for you to get ready.  By 6:00 PM, they checked your placement, and you were ready!

At 6:26 PM, I began pushing.  Each and every contraction was productive and so motivating.  I could tell things were moving along by watching your daddy’s facial expressions.  He was getting really excited!  I pushed through about 10 contractions before it was time for you to be delivered.  Daddy gowned up and gloved up, in preparation to deliver you.  “This is it!” “Here he comes!” With one long push, out you came at 7:26 PM! Daddy caught you and placed you upon my chest.  In that moment, nothing else seemed to exist in the world.  You cried immediately, which was one of the most beautiful, reassuring sounds we had ever heard.  Once the cord stopped pulsing, it was clamped and Daddy cut it.  You made it known you were hungry and ready to eat, by squirming and rooting around on my chest.  At just minutes old, you nursed for the first time like a champ!  After we were settled, the nurse weighed and assessed you.  Daddy put on your first diaper.  The next several hours were spent bonding with you and soaking up our new life as a family of three.  You were perfect. Our hearts were full.  Our lives were changed forever.

Photo Credit: Karen Richards
http://www.karenrichardsphotography.com/

Mason James Andreason

Born: April 3rd, 2015

Weight: 7 lb. 15.3 oz.

Length: 21.25 in.