What a lucky gal I am! I like my Ob/Gyn, Dr. Joseph Maurice, a whole bunch. (I yelped him too - he's good.) But like a lot of women in big cities, my practice consists of seven docs, so when it came time for my babe to arrive, I knew it would be luck of the draw.
Enter Dr. Maura Brennan. We had never met. I just labored at home for a day, and labored hard for the whole night. I wanted to get to five minutes apart and get most of the work done in the comfort of my awesome bed. I also had planned on natural childbirth, seeing as the hubby and I are only planning on one great kid to spoil, and I consider myself to be a BSH. (That's Brick Shit House to you.) I read all the books, packed all the gear for my relaxing day of breathing and willing this baby into the world. I have one great contraction in the parking garage of Swedish Covenant, and when I walk in the door all labor stops. Like having stage fright when you have to pop a squat in a parking lot. Nothing.
I'm no psycho; I didn't write my "birth plan" in blood. I didn't write it at all, in fact. So Dr. Brennan tells me I'm dilated to four and my BP is a little elevated. This makes sense to me since my pain level was about a seven for the last ten hours. She suggests we have this baby today, and a little Pitocin will make this happen. As soon as I hear the word, I know an epidural is probably in my future. Dr. B says I may not need it, we'll see how I do. I lasted two hours on the Pitocin and got the shot. What was I thinking?! I know women have babies in the field and keep working and all that bull shit, but I look around, and I am in a hospital. It's a no-brainer at this point.
The important factors for my birth experience were maintained. My baby came into the world with no overhead crappy light, awesome. My "chill labor mix" was playing us soft, sweet tunes all day. And the only people there for most of the pushing were me, my hubby holding one leg and Dr. Brennan holding the other one. (There were also a few nurses in and out.) Dr. Brennan eased our little girl out with no rushing, no stress. She told me "you're super numb, so we can take our time." This means no tearing for mama, which in turn makes everyone happy!
I had an amazing pregnancy, guided by the wonderful nurses and Dr. Maurice at Swedish Covenant, and a wonderful delivery experience thanks to Dr. Maura Brennan. It seems a shame to only do it once.... read more