Michael David's Birth Story Part 2

Disclaimer bodily fluids.
I had started getting stronger contractions since June 3rd and was relieved we were going to be induced the next day. I was a little nervous about it, just cause we were making him come out. Overall though I had a peace about the situation and my body was telling it was time. I was also super excited to finally meet my baby boy!
We left a little late and got checked into the hospital at about 11:30 am on June 4th, 2017. We met our nurses and had two because one was training. The midwife came in to talk with us about what to start and check my cervix. We were excited to hear I was almost at 6 cm, 80% effaced, -1 station and anterior. She suggested trying pitocin to start contractions more before breaking my bag of waters. I agreed with that and said I was ready. Once the nurses got my IV in and started some fluids. By 12:30 pm my pitocin was going and I could start to feel them coming. My contractions don't feel any different when on pit except they are longer. Of course our pain management plan was breathing techniques and relaxing. Lucas is such a great coach and support! I was munching on ice and having him read me this really awesome birth affirmation with scriptures I found on pinterest.

I also offer up my pain for people needing prayer. It is just something that helps me to focus on others suffering so I don't feel sorry for myself or let the pain control my emotions.
Every hour the nurse would come and up my pitocin which only happened once. They had not raised the dose again because during each contraction his heart rate would go down. It was like that for an hour and we figured out the monitor was not close enough to my belly because I would lean in when I would get a contraction. His heart rate would actually go up during a contraction. Once we could monitor his heart rate for a bit she was going to come and raise the pitocin. I labored on a birthing ball for about an hour. The nurses were at lunch, when my contractions started to pick up and really get longer. I was really feeling nauseous by now and needed to go to the bathroom. I was really starting to get tired and thinking I should ask for something. I know my body and my mind goes there when I get close but we had not been there long at all. I didn't think it was time for him to come. Once I got back in bed our midwife came in and said she would be breaking my bag of waters, that was around 2 pm. I had a few more contractions and at 2:45 pm in the middle of probably the strongest contraction I had felt thus far, in the silence of my breathing there came a pop! Like a balloon just popped in the room. Lucas said to me what was that?! I continued to breath and in between said I think it was my water. He looked under the blanket and said oh no the fluid looks green.
We then called the nurses, our training nurse and one from triage came to check. They said definitely your bag of waters and it looks like some meconium. Call the NICU and let them know. I got another short contraction and told her I felt pressure. She said it was normal since my water broke. I got a little frustrated because this is not my first rodeo and that feels like a baby is about to come kind of pressure. So off went the nurses. I got another contraction where I felt a ton of fluid rush out and told Lucas go get the midwife he is coming out! He ran out and I turned to my side because that helps me not feel the urge to push. I sent a quick prayer that I would not be alone when he came out. Lucas came in and said there they come. Our nurses came in first and I told them please hurry he is coming. Midwife came in and said let me check you. Once on my back I could feel his head right there. They saw the pad had fluid and definitely meconium. Looked at me and said well he is coming. Everyone started rushing around getting everything ready. I had already began trembling as I do right before I have my babies. Quickly got the plastic pad under me and said on the next contraction push if you are ready. Haha, so ready lady! It hit me and the urge to push was so overwhelming. Out came his head and told try not to push because he had the umbilical cord wrapped twice around his little neck. I tried to hold him but he just slid on out anyway. At 3:02 pm on June 4th our little baby boy came to be with us, finally.
Hurried to untangle him and sent him with the NICU nurses. Finally heard him cry and was relieved! I was about to deliver my placenta and they said he looked good.

By then I was really trembling from head to toe. I didn't need any stitches which surprised me considering how fast he came out. Got cleaned up a bit and they brought him over to me.

This face is one of excitement mixed with complete shock!

My sweet baby Michael.

Love me some skin to skin!

We had planned to have my mother in law and sister in law be present for his birth, but they didn't make it. So they arrived bearing gifts for us! 

Daddy finally holding his boy!

Michael David

So exhausted from the quick birth he had.

Our little birthday cupcake Grama Georgie brought!

Michael David's Birth Story Part 1

Disclaimer of bodily fluids mentioned.
Our due date was June 11, 2017. I had been dealing with preterm contractions since 26 weeks. After 7 weeks of figuring out what would start contractions and irritate my uterus, my midwife suggested trying a topical natural progesterone cream. It was very rough those 7 weeks because I was in so much pain which made it emotionally difficult. Once it came in, I was already 34 weeks along. It did work wonderfully though and I was able to get a break from being in pain at least until 37 weeks when I could stop the cream. I didn't stop applying it until almost 38 weeks, but the contractions started coming again.
At my 36 week appointment on May 16th, I was 1cm dilated, 60% effaced, his head was at -2 station, and my cervix was anterior. The midwife said that was typical for how far along I was and given it is my fourth pregnancy. Also told me, my platelets were dropping again which required a blood draw every week until I delivered. I went home comfortably knowing it was not quite time yet, but worried my platelets were dropping. Continued contracting again for five more days and that night felt him shift downward more into my pelvis. The next day had so much back pain and pressure in my pelvis. On May 23rd had contractions on and off all day took tylenol at night and applied heat to my back which helped me sleep. This was Ezekiel's birthday our second son, but I carried on his little celebration plans. We went to daily Mass to pray for him and got a special blessing from Father for labor. On the 24th contracting a bit during the day, but in the late evening started getting consistent, strong contractions. We went into labor and delivery that night. We had been having great nurses in triage until this night, she was just not that great. When she checked me she said I was closed and firm. Claimed I was dehydrated and sent us home. I was not able to sleep very well, because when we left I was still contracting lots. I had an appointment the next day, which was great because I was still contracting. I asked my midwife if your cervix can close back up because according to that nurse I was. She said no you can't and when she checked me I was 3 cm dilated, 70% effaced, -2 station, and anterior cervix. She stripped my membranes to get things going because I was in a lot of pain. My platelets had gone up from last week, so that was great news! Heard the prodromal labor term again and knew I had to just hang in there. The next day my mucus plug came out in the morning, still contracting. By 12pm they had been coming consistently and had gotten stronger for 4 hours. We left to Albuquerque at 1pm, got a little break from the contractions for five minutes in between and got some food down. As we got closer the contractions started to space out a bit, so I pleaded with Lucas to stop at Ross which is right next door to our hospital. We got down, went to the bathroom where I had three contractions and then they started up again. We walked around just looking and I began to really get them. We found a cool mug and some candy to buy. The line was quite long so we decided if I couldn't wait we would just leave. I made it, barely, lol. Got into triage at 2:50pm and had to wait for a bed to open up. Still getting contractions and checked to be the same as the day before, this nurse noticed the bloody show. So she had us walk around for an hour and get checked again. She was an awesome nurse and so grateful we had her. We walked the hospital for an hour, ate some dinner and went to get checked. I was now a 4 cm, but still 70% effaced. Went walking some more, came back and was then checked by the midwife on call. Still the same, so off to walk for another hour. I was beginning to get tired and still getting contractions. After the hour we went back up and she checked again. Still the same other than his head at a -1 station, talked a bit about what to do. Decided to just go home and rest. The next day still contracting and had more bloody show.
On the 28th went in again to triage cause I thought my water broke and was having really strong contractions. No water broken and still not much to do, so sent home again. We decided to hang around Albuquerque went to breakfast and Mass, since it was Sunday. Continued contracting during Mass and after. We just went on home since they were not that close together. Still kept contracting on and off until my next appointment on June 1st. We had discussed inducing at 39 weeks before and thought I would not still be pregnant by then. There I was at 38 weeks 4 days saying I want to be induced right at 39 weeks. I could not take anymore trips laboring to the hospital only to be sent home again. We asked everything we needed to about being induced. I had a favorable cervix and have had to be augmented with every pregnancy with pitocin, so we figured why not. We scheduled it for Sunday June 4, 2017 at 11am. I felt relieved to have a plan in motion, especially since my parents were planning to drive up to be with the kids.
The weekend came quickly and I was trying to finish up things around the house. Still continued contracting on and off, which made it difficult to be fully rested. My parents left Sunday morning to be here by the time we had to leave for the hospital, it is a 5 hour drive for them. We had the car packed up with all our bags and things we needed.
Once my parents got here we gave them the instructions for their allergy medications, how to turn on the TV, and money for some happy meals. Gave all the kids hugs and kisses we were off to have our 4th baby! Part 2 coming soon!!

One last belly bump shot! 39 weeks

Our family excited to meet baby #4!

Karissa helping me labor, but I had to rub her back, lol.

The kids sibling bags!

Birth Announcement Baby #4

Presenting 

Michael David Hibler

Born: June 4th, 2017

Weight: 7 lbs. 1 oz. 

Height: 20" long

Birth story to come soon! Thanks for all the prayers and love!!!! :) <3

 

Baby #4 Name Reveal

We always have names picked out for our babies so as soon as we find out the gender we can call them by name. In case any one wonders Hibler's are known for making more boys than girls so logically we have more boy names. At the beginning of the pregnancy I felt it was a girl, mainly because of how sick I was and also thought twins. My hcg levels were elevated and I was having trouble with my thyroid. It is not a fun thing to experience at all. We also only have one in there. Thankfully to our Lord's healing I am feeling much better now and we both are healthy!

When we first got married and began praying for a baby to grow our family, I had a dream that we had three boys. So when the ultrasound technician announced instantly that it was a boy, I was really excited! I did want a sister for Karissa, but the Lord knew we needed another handsome boy!!
The name we chose this time is after both our Daddies because we admire and love both of them so much! The meaning of their names are beyond perfect and helped us really decide on them. Michael means who is like God and David means beloved.
It is so exciting when a new child enters our family because it forever changes the dynamic of our family. I am so honored to once again carry one of our children and be their mommy! Please keep us in your prayers!! :) <3