The light at the end of the tunnel

Yikes! Yes, I am still here, and yes, I am still pregnant (watch out, stay back when you ask that question...You're likely to get hit...) By all measures, I really should be holding my little boy by now, but he likes it so much in his cocoon he is choosing to stay a little longer. And I have agreed (with a lot of hesitation and doubt) to agree to start an induction. I go in tonight at 9:30 and am hoping by tomorrow I will be gazing into his eyes. I am actually very excited. I know induction can sometimes be a dirty word, especially because I have planned (and still do) to have a completely natural birth using HypnoBirthing. But, after a lot of deliberation, I feel right about this, based on these facts:

• I am already effaced 80% and dialated 3cm, the baby just hasn't descended much and contractions aren't starting. This is most likely because he is BIG, they tell me. I should be ready to go once I can get a pattern of contractions started.
• I am assured they are going to start with the gentlest forms of "encouragement" first and pitocin is about the fourth or fifth measure they will try only if the others don't work
• As Dan reminded me, this kid has a history of doing it on his own and making us cancel scheduled medical procedures. We're going with our superstitions on this one.
• I am SOOOOO done with swelling, heartburn, carpal tunnel syndrome, constantly itching skin, lugging around all this extra weight, and my achy pelvis. I just want to get this over with. Horrible and selfish, but true.
• This one grates on me the most: My midwife has a vacation planned for this weekend. If I want her, the person I hand picked to support me in my plans to have a gentle birth, we need to do it before Thursday because she wants that day to pack. Otherwise, I would be in perfectly capable hands with the on-call OB. And he HAS to be born by this time next week anyway, so why not just do it now? GRRRR! That is the worst reason to do this, but I do really want her there, so I am giving in.

Wish me luck!!

Comments

[MsPrufrock]

I thought it had to be about time. Very best of luck, and I'm looking forward to reading the birth story and dare I say a photo?

Again, good luck!

[DD]

Of course I wish you the best of luck. Actually I thought you had already delivered and were living happily in the afterglow of new baby-ness.

Don't you second guess for one minute the induction, or think that you are being "horrible and selfish". It's just as good for your baby as it is for you to get things progressing. This is for both of you.

And I agree with Ms. Pru: pictures are required.

[korin]

woo hoo!! good luck! sending easy labor vibes your way. picture please :)

[rachel]

wow! i'm so excited for you! have some fun with the nipple stimulation :)!!

[cat]

Whoot! Hopefully by now you are holding him and in that blissful state of non sleeping well... bliss. Good luck.

[Robin]

I hope the birth went wonderfully well and that you and your family are having a wonderful time getting to know each other. Can't wait to see photos of the little guy!

[victoria winters]

Wow! Good luck and please keep us posted!!!