Matthew Christopher
January 29 4:36am
21 inches long, 8lbs 5oz
We arrived at the hospital at 8pm on January 28, and I was dilated to 4cm and 100% effaced. Progress was slow from there... Around 2am, the nurse informed me that I was 6cm, and Matthew was posterior. So, I tried some new positions (cat/cow and the pretzel). By about 4:20am, I was only 8cm dilated and had reverted to 50% effaced due to swelling of my cervix. But, I really felt like I needed to push. The nurse and the doctor both agreed that during a contraction, I was dilated to 10, but after the contraction, my cervix would revert back to 8cm. Since I didnt have an epidural or any other pain medication, I couldn't fight the urge to push very long. The doctor was really concerned that my cervix might tear, which would lead to a lot bleeding and pain during repair. Anyway, I pushed with the contractions, and Matthew was born very quickly after. I was fortunate that everything remained in tact, and there was nothing to repair!! I guess your body knows when it's ready!
We didnt know that Matthew was a boy until he was born. I really don't think it was worth the wait!! His gender was an afterthought for both of us. We were just excited that he was born healthy! If there is a fourth for us, I think we'll find out early just as we did with Ellie and Kevin!
