Childbirth story (2/4): The epidural, or how to become nice again instantly

Childbirth story part 2 of 4

I knew when I left that the epidural would be “mandatory” for me. When you give birth to twins naturally, you have to be prepared for everything from a major extraction to an emergency c-section. So we are being asked to be frozen. Point bar.

The anesthesiologist arrives accompanied by a resident. It seems that the two of them manage 911 calls directly. Always on the phone discussing a case with another health professional. The resident has the misfortune to discuss a case on the phone during one of my contractions. Let me say way too loud: “We're so sorry you had a hockey accident! ” My boyfriend is trying to make up for my rudeness by asking the resident if he can continue his discussion outside my room? Well no, they have to manage an emergency package at the same time as they perform my epidural.

Once the medicine was flowing through my veins, everything became beautiful, everyone was fine again in my eyes: I no longer felt any pain! It was 2 pm; darling, who had been by my side since early in the morning, was finally able to get her hand back. The monitor showed us contractions that were even more intense than anything I had experienced so far, but I didn't feel anything. I took the opportunity to order my darling to go eat and take a walk. Me, I take the opportunity to doze off!

But how do some women do without this during childbirth?

It is at suppertime that I am transferred to the delivery room (a twin delivery does not take place in our room, but in the delivery room, you know, the one with the big neon lights on the ceiling). I should start pushing shortly, baby #1 is coming! However, Dr. Zen informs me that she has visitors for dinner at home, that she will not be the one who will accompany me in my final sprint. I am a bit disappointed, but I am still confident. Life gets the right people at the right time in our path.

To start, they suggest that I start labor by only pushing for the contractions that work for me, so as not to burn out too quickly.

Since I barely feel them, it is the nurse who informs me about the onset of a good contraction and who lets me decide whether to push or not. After 1.5 hours of work, baby #1's head had improved, but his heart monitor shows us decreases that are beginning to be worrying. Baby is getting tired of the contractions. The doctor is called; he is worried, the heart rate is going too low, this baby has to get out of there...

After discussion we decided to go with the suction cup. In 2 minutes, at 8:30pm, I had my first guy on my stomach. I am thrilled, but around me, people are worried...

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