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.birth story.

This is not an outfit post. It's better. Just kidding.
pregnant_woman_with_kissy_lips
Here lies the last photograph of my baby bump (11.10.2018).

I decided against combining my birth story with an outfit post because I am sure there are some that care less about the the details of my labor and delivery. With that said, I promise my next post will be an outfit post! *DISCLAIMER* I know some are here solely for the juicy details on my birthing experience, but I must warn you, this is the longest post I have ever written. Also, there are no pictures of my private parts. Sorry to disappoint some of you. ;)

It took me a while to share this experience with you because there were a few obstacles that I had to overcome. The first weeks after giving birth were tough and as much as I wanted to create content, it was nearly impossible. I also had a hard time remembering everything leading up to our second day in the hospital. In fact, I still have to rely on my husband to clear up a lot of things. I also did not know how I would tell my story. On my Instagram account I asked what you would like to know and I took note of all your responses. I am hoping to answer your questions without sugar-coating because many of you asked that I share as many details as possible, so here it goes.

Birth Plan


I did not have a birth plan because shit happens (sometimes literally) and those birth plans just have to go out the window, so my plan was to go with the flow. There were a few things I knew for sure. Our due date was November 4th, which is also our wedding anniversary and if we went past the 40th week, we would have an induction scheduled about a week later. We were also going to encapsulate the placenta and had the services booked ahead of time. I wanted to have a vaginal delivery without any pain medication. Why? I was with my sister when she gave birth without any pain meds and I thought, if she can do it, I can do it. My husband and I also decided we would have no visitors until after the baby was born. We really wanted to have that moment to be as intimate as possible.

Home Labor


I knew I was going to go into labor soon when I noticed that my mucus plug came out in chunks. Sure enough, contractions started around 8pm. My husband and I knew we would be in for a long night, so we tried to Netflix and chill in between contractions. First of all, I want to know if there are women who can truly function while they are having contractions because even the small ones were intense af! I was laying on the couch and as soon as I felt a contraction coming, I would get on my knees and hug the shit out of the yoga ball.

My husband helped the most with the pain. He applied counter pressure on my hips and it felt soooo good! If he let go even a second too soon I would get extremely mad. One of the things I feared the most was having to go to the hospital only to be sent back home because I wasn't dilated enough. My husband timed my contractions on an app and I tried to labor at home as much as possible until my husband said it was time to go. I pretty much let him decide because he knew how far apart they were. After 6 hours of laboring at home, we finally left to the hospital around 2AM and the drive there was brutal. I regret not going in the back seat because I didn't have enough space to get in a comfortable position. Any small bump or sudden movement was extremely painful.

Hospital Labor


One of my worst fears almost came true because no one knew whether to admit me because I was only 1.5 centimeters dilated. Luckily, they called my doctor and she decided I should be admitted because I was scheduled for an induction later that day anyway. My husband kept helping me cope with the contractions, but every time I closed my eyes to rest, another contraction came. By the time I was 3cm dilated, I was tired, sleepy and pissed off frustrated. I wanted us to get some rest and I started to feel really bad for my husband even though he never complained. I didn't want to deal with the annoying contractions anymore.

During my first hours at the hospital the nurses kept asking me if I was going to use pain medication. I proudly said no each time, which they happily replied "That's really good, you don't really need it." However, I was at the point where I was so tired of waking up every few minutes that I decided to get an epidural even though I was coping with the pain. When I told the nurses I did want the epidural after all, they looked at me as if I had let them down. They asked, "Are you sure? But you are doing so good already." My husband also looked disappointed with my decision, but only because he was worried about the side effects. He was finally on board with the epidural when my doctor explained the possible (minimal) side effects and encouraged me to get it. To this day, I AM SO HAPPY I got the epidural! We were finally able to get some much-needed sleep, but not really.


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This could have been after the epidural haha

Scare #1


I currently have tears in my eyes. I keep saying that everything was a blur to me, but these particular moments playback so vividly in my head and the same emotions come back all over again. At 6cm the doctor felt the baby's cord wrapped around her neck twice. I did not want to let myself worry because I knew deep-down that everything was going to be fine. I was connected to a Pitocin drip to speed up labor and the doctor left.

The baby's heartbeat was being closely monitored. I was half-asleep all three times the nurses came rushing in to move me around because they couldn't get the baby's heartbeat. Again, I tried not to worry because we learned in our childbirth class that any movement from baby or mom can cause the heartbeat to not be monitored adequately. I was given an oxygen mask and was instructed to not take it off. I asked the nurses to turn up the volume on the monitor, so that I can hear it clearly. I was going to try to stay awake to make sure I didn't move, so that the nurses can have a better reading. I reminded myself to not worry because everything was going to be okay.


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Oxygen and chill.

A few minutes passed and I heard one of the scariest sounds of my life. I heard my baby's heartbeat go from a fast WOOSH-WOOSH, WOOSH-WOOSH gradually slow down to WOOSH-WOOSH...WOOSH.....WOOSH.......WHOOSH..............WOOSH.................... Just when I thought I wasn't going to hear the baby's heartbeat anymore, the nurses rushed in again and moved me around for what seemed like an eternity until the baby's heartbeat sped up to its normal speed. I remember feeling scared, but I really wanted to do everything to help my baby's heartbeat come back. I am sure that was the only reason I did not break down and cry.

After this I couldn't sleep anymore, my husband stayed up and prayed when it happened again. WOOSH-WOOSH...WOOSH.....WOOSH.......WHOOSH..............WOOSH..................... This time I broke down hysterically crying and trying to move myself to make the baby react even though I was paralyzed from the waist down. Nothing worked. I felt that if I didn't do everything in my power I was going to loose the person I loved the most even though I had not met her yet. I don't even know where my husband was or what he was doing. I was truly freaking out and the nurses finally came rushing in again. This time they turned off the heartbeat monitor and I panicked even more. 

Scare #2


As they were flipping and moving me around, my doctor finally arrived. She checked me and said, "The baby's heartbeat has been dropping because you are fully dilated and effaced. You are having a baby right now." My water also broke before the doctor got there, but I did not realize it because of the epidural. Everyone started rushing and all of a sudden there were a bunch of people in the room. Suddenly I was in position with my legs up and was told to push as if I had to poop. I pushed, but the umbilical cord wasn't allowing the baby to go through.

They attached a vacuum to the baby's head. The doctor pulled the vacuum as I pushed, but it popped off and hit her in the face. The doctor then did an episiotomy hoping that would allow for more room for the umbilical cord and the baby. She used the vacuum again, but it popped off again. She cut me a second time so that she can fit her hand inside of me and try to unwrap the cord herself. The doctor used so much force to unwrap the cord that my body jerked each time she tugged. This is why I am so happy I got the epidural!

I remember the look on my husband's face. I can tell he was worried. I knew the baby's heartbeat was irregular and that she wasn't getting enough oxygen. I knew how these complications can turn out. As scared as I was, I think the adrenaline didn't allow me to react on my emotions, but to keep on doing what needed to be done in order to ensure my baby's health. The umbilical cord was still not budging so the doctor just went in and carefully cut the cord herself. 

I was instructed to push one more time and I heard the doctor say, "Okay, do not worry, she is going to look blue and she probably won't cry..." The doctor didn't even finish her sentence when I heard her beautiful cry fill the room. I immediately looked up at my husband because I couldn't believe she was finally here. The happy tears in my husband's eyes confirmed it all. I scanned the room and saw her little blue body being passed to a nurse or a doctor and then I couldn't see her anymore. I heard someone say, "her legs are still blue" and I remember feeling anxious. I kept trying to look through the group of doctors and nurses to see if I can get a glimpse of her.

I didn't have to push in order to deliver the placenta because it came out on its own. The placenta was placed in a container and that container was placed in a styrofoam cooler with ice. The doctor stitched me up while I waited. A nurse came over to unbutton my gown and finally placed my baby's little cold naked body on me. I finally had her with me, but all I could think of was how cold she was. Her body finally warmed up. I looked at her face and it hit me. This was the happiest moment in my life. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I couldn't help but cry. Those that follow me on Instagram saw a clip of this moment in my baby bump transformation video.


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Someone asked me how painful giving birth really was, but since I had an epidural I have to say it was not painful at all! Again, I do not regret getting an epidural, especially because of all the complications that happened. I don't know if I would have tolerated all the cuts and tugging without the epidural and I don't care to find out! However, I was in a lot of pain after the epidural wore off. My crotch felt like it was on fire and going to bathroom was torture. Don't even get me started on breastfeeding! I would have to write a completely different post on breastfeeding, recovery and my overall experience at the hospital, but if you are interested in reading about this, let me know. I promise I am not trying to scare you! Having a baby is incredibly tough physically, mentally and emotionally, but you will hear this again and again...it is so worth it!


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You've made it all the way to the end! Thank you so much for reading and for your lovely comments on my last post. I really appreciate you and I promise I am finally getting back into the groove of things, which means more content and interaction with you! 2018 has been a lovely year and I look forward to sharing this upcoming year with all of you.

Happy new year!
-PerlaGiselle

71 comments

  1. WOW. What an informative and eye opening post. I am glad you had the epidural too. It makes me angry how they pressure women to tough it out. Pain will just make things more difficult. And yes like you said the complications thank God you did. I am sure if men gave birth they would have invented AI robots to carry and deliver the baby.

    So glad it all went well in the end. I have had repeated abdominal surgeries and had surgery on my bladder. It is painful but you will heal. And you now have your beautiful baby girl! Yes I remember my friend had a lot of problems breast feeding. She had to use a breast bump. Oh and advice for the future. Do not use the children's 24 hour cough syrup. Why? It does not work. It wears off after about 8-10 hours and then you can't double dose. This happened with my friend when we were all on a trip together. I thought at one point we going to have to take her daughter to the emergency room as she was coughing so bad. Better to use the 6 hour and give it to them every 6 hours.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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    1. lol @ the AI robots comment! You're right though, there is a lot of pressure to "tough it out," but I admire those that do... I don't know why they do it, but good for them! Lol Thank you for the advice and your kind words. I truly appreciate it! <3

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  2. I have to say wow and god bless you and your precious angel to be able to go through that bump and be with each other. You are already a great mother those worries and fear of wanting your newborn to be ok as well as your husband he is already a great father knew what to do with you and how to embrace that moment. Is always a blessing when a child is born Merry Christmas this is your greatest gift you both have. May god bless you all in the New Year.

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    1. You are so sweet! Thank you for your kind words! I hope all is going well for you this new year!

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  3. Oh my gosh! Thank you for sharing your birth story, Perla! What a journey! Whew! So happy that it all turned out great in the end. TBH, when I got to the hospital, the first thing I said was "Where is my epidural?" hahaha...I think I said that for all my three kids:D You had a few scary moments for sure, but you and your hubby did great and did everything right IMO. It really is worth it all the end.:) Luna looks so precious:)
    Belated Merry Christmas to all of you, and here's to a fab 2019.

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    1. Oh man, it's a pleasure and I'm glad I'm not the only one taking advantage of the powers of the epidural lol. Thank you so much for reading! I hope the new year is treating you well! ♥

      PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com

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  4. Such a cute baby! You look fabulous on your labour journey, so good to hear your story. Happy New Year!

    www.busyandfab.com

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  5. Thank you for sharing your story! You and your baby look so cute together x

    Laura
    https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/

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  6. Luna Bea is an adorable baby! Congrats! It was lovely to read your birth story. You were so brave. I know it must have been scary when her heartbeats slowed down, but it is good to hear that it all ended up well.

    https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

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    1. Yes it was scary! Thank you for the kind words!

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  7. So wonderful to read your birth story hun, I know how different each one is having had three of my one. You and you baby look gorgeous. Have a fabulous last few days of 2018 and here's to wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year!!!


    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  8. Interesting to know this story.
    Glad you're okay and your baby is too beautiful!

    https://www.heyimwiththeband.com.br/

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  9. Wow, what a journey! Thank you for sharing! It's a shame that you felt pressured to say no to epidural. My best friend felt that way too. Glad you went for your gut!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  10. wow! thanks for sharing your story, reading it got me teary eyes during your scares. I am glad she is healthy! She is so beautiful and you are glowing when she is in your arms! yes please do share about the breastfeeding process because I would def love to read your honest feelings about it!

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    1. Awww thank you Yuka! I will write about it soon!

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  11. Such a cute baby. Your birth story really educated me. i am eager to hear about the breastfeeding part.

    Ngumabi xxo | ngumabisglam.blogspot.com

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  12. Awe congrats you look so beautiful
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  13. This is a story full of love!
    I wish you all the best, Luna Bea is the cutest ever!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

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  14. Congrats! Your daughter is so cute! What an eventful birth story too! I'm glad you were able to get some sleep and everything was okay in the end! When my first son was born he had the cord around his neck and they had no heartbeat from him either - it was scary having to push and feeling I couldn't do it but knowing if I didn't it would be fatal. He was blue too and not responding so they rushed him away for a bit, but he came off oxygen pretty quickly and we made up for lost time with lots of snuggles. That first cry is such an amazing sound!

    Hope that you had a wonderful Christmas :) It was a busy but fun one here as I hosted it this year for my family. We are still eating lots of delicious leftovers, haha! I'm starting to get back to blogging after my little break for a few days.

    Away From The Blue Blog

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    1. Omg! It's the scariest thing! Thank you for sharing your story with me. I am glad you had a wonderful Christmas :)

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  15. Thanks for making it so detailed. I don't know why but each time I read a story like this it's short, doesn't convey any useful information other than: it hurts, but don't worry it's so awesome you won't mind, and is just a little bit of text in between pictures, so it's a nice change that you decided to describe everything in a way that is useful! Congratulations!
    Dorota
    www.journalofdorota.com

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    1. Awww I am glad you shared that with me! I appreciate it! <3

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  16. Aaww, beautiful birth story. I love how confident and unshaken you were with all the scare that was going on with the baby before delivery. And it was so sweet for your husband to pray at that moment. "Prayer always works." You looked beautiful as always even in the delivery room and your baby is gorgeous. God bless your beautiful family and I wish you a happy new year.

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    1. Ughhh it was tough, but I tried my best to be positive. Thank you so much for such beautiful words!

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  17. Wow, you went through a lot in your birthing story...I'm glad that none of the scares turned into serious problems and that Luna Bea was born healthy and happy. She is so pretty and adorable! :) Have a Happy New Year and many blessings for you and your family for 2019 <3

    https://jessysfashionbook.com

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    1. Yes, it felt like a lot, but thank you so much! You are always so kind :)

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  18. First off, congratulations!! Your baby girl is beautiful & so adorable ahhh. What a scary couple of moments you had there, but thank God everything turned out fine! Praying for the continued healthy of you & baby :) I'd love to read about breast-feeding & all the rest! Keep the mommy/baby blog posts coming xxx

    twinklexthoughts.blogspot.com

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    1. Awww I really appreciate it! Thank you so much for the love :)

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  19. What an incredible post! So lovely! :)
    Happy new year!

    Shoot for the stars | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Facebook page | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Instagram

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  20. So lovely story... Your baby girl is so adorable. Have a happy new year! Kisses
    https://chicchedimamma.com/

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  21. You are such a strong and brave woman! I had both my kids with an epidural, and I am glad I did, as I needed to be cut with both of them too, and judging by the pain I was in afterwards I wouldn't have wanted to experience it au natural.
    She is beautiful, just like her mum, and I bet she was more than worth it.

    Anne - Linda, Libra, Loca

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    1. Haha I am glad I am not the only one! Thank you :)

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  22. Beautiful birth story Perla. It's very detailed and informative. Congrats again, Luna Bea is adorable! Happy New Year!

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  23. Wishing you all the best in this new year and I look forward to more posts from you. Kisses!

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  24. This is such a wonderful read dear. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story!
    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  25. Your babe is gorgeous and you look so amazing. Love your story so glad all went well. Happy new year may all your dreams come true beautiful xoxo Cris
    https://photosbycris.blogspot.com/2019/01/eshakti-designed-with-love-customized.html

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  26. Fantastic post!

    Kisses ...Dilek

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  27. What an amazing story, lady- you are so strong and so brave, and now your baby girl is here!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  28. I love this! Congratulations on your sweet little baby!

    www.jessicabroyles.com

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  29. Not that I don't enjoy your outfit posts but this is much better Perlita :) Thank you for sharing your amazing personal journey. It is beautiful and I'm sure your daughter will appreciate the account when she is older. Congratulations again and enjoy every minute with your sweet baby! Happy new year! Wishing you happiness, love and good health in 2019! xo

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    1. Awww I appreciate the advice. Thank you so much for your sweet words!

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  30. Thank you for sharing your story and congratulation on having a beautiful baby girl.

    Her Style Hive

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  31. Awww congrats on your precious Luna. I can never envision myself going through labour. My whole life I've had people telling me the "horrors" of childbirth, the one that stuck the most was when I was 10 (I think) and a friends mother was telling us how giving birth was like squeezing a watermelon out of a hole the size of a coin hahahaha! At the time it must be so unpleasant but I'm sure long forgotten when baby is in your arms. Thanks for sharing you story.

    Sxx
    daringcoco.com

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    1. You are so sweet! Yes, people tend to share more horror stories than the good points Lol Thank you for reading!

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  32. Awww! Well, yes, take your time! Lol

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