A Long Awaited Miracle

When Michael was born a little over 12 hours ago, we were both exhausted. We are only now recovering. We moved up to our postpartum room, rested for quite a while, and started to learn how to feed Michael. Before I rest more, I want to spend some time reflecting on the events of the last 24 hours and share here.

Jean was in labor for a total of 28 hours during which we each only had brief periods of sleep or any kind of rest. We did get a reprieve last night when our doctor evaluated the situation and suggested Jean be taken off the Pitocin to rest, shower, and eat. However, at 6:30am this morning after more than 24 hours of contractions, Jean was still only dilated 5cm. Apparently, labor which is induced in such a way makes for stronger contractions than normally created by the body. It is quite a feat for Jean to have made it that far without any pain relief. By that time though, the pain was just too much for her and the danger of infection was increasing with every hour. We decided to go with the epidural which ended up relaxing Jean enough for her to take a break and nap.

Like our doctor, neither of us wanted Jean or the baby to have to endure a Caesarean section, but we had resigned ourselves to the fact that it was probably the safest route to go now. While I was away less than 30 minutes for a quick breakfast, our doctor arrived and found that she was completely dilated (10cm). What a blessing! Apparently all Jean needed was to be able to relax and let her body prepare itself. Almost immediately, we began to deliver. Unfortunately, because Jean was so tired and because she had little sensation due to the anesthesia, it took 2 hours for her to push Michael out. It was quite the ordeal. The best part of that story though is that the doctor told us we would have to get a C section after all if Jean could not get the baby out in 20 more minutes. Wouldn't you know that threat was all it took and Jean had Michael out in a few more pushes! Special thanks go out from us to our many labor and delivery nurses, Tricia, Kim, Pauline, Cheryl, Lauren, and Wendy, and of course, to our very patient and wonderful doctor, Jose.

For me, childbirth has been a miraculous experience. The sights, sounds, smells, and feel of it all is still so vivid in my mind and heart. I wish I could really share this with all of you, but that would be impossible with just words and pictures. Most of it was pretty tough, even for me as a coach, but the rewards both Jean and I are reaping now are so very great. I have begun to see how much of a wonder and privilege it is to be a parent. I hope to be able to share as much of this ongoing miracle as I can possibly translate to text.

We are so richly blessed by your prayers and support. Thank you so much for the many comments and email replies. Our family is overjoyed to be able to continue the adventure of life together with wonderful friends and relatives like you.