She had gone in the morning of December 8th for an induction, nine days before her due date, because this baby was quite a large baby and everyone was concerned about being able to deliver him safely. The induction did not take well, and progress went very slowly.
Of great concern, baby’s heartrate would sometimes dip with a contraction. After a day of labor, the drugs were turned off so that Herself could gather some strength and try again in the morning. Because of concern about baby’s well-being, Herself was strapped into the fetal heart monitor all night long. The nurses would come in periodically to check on her, and would lower the volume on the monitor “so you can rest.” Herself would surreptitiously raise the volume as soon as they left, so that she could be sure to hear baby’s heartbeats.
Early on the morning of the 9th, the induction was begun again. Baby showed increased distress, and Herself was truly frightened by the inverse bell curve of his heartrate with each contraction. Simultaneously alarming and comforting was the sudden rush of many people into the room in response to baby’s distress. Voices were sharp, decisions were rapid, a quick trip down the seemingly-miles-long hallway was made, and one Cesarean section later, all nine pounds, thirteen ounces, of Offspring the Third was delivered, squawking at the indignity of the bright lights and the cold air. Alive and well. Blessed relief.
Today’s song, Sarah McLachlan’s Angel, is for Offspring the Third.
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