My Epidural- the good, the bad, and the ugly

The good... for 8 1/2 hours of my 12 hour labor I felt nothing and could even sleep.

The bad... Ethan came out with his head sideways. I almost had to have a c-section but in the end had an episiotomy and a vacuum was used to pull little man out. According to my doctor, if I had not had an epidural I could have labored in some different positions to get his head to turn.

The ugly... my left knee is still numb. 9 weeks later I still have numbness. It was very numb right afterwards, but it has been tingly and itchy and recovered some feeling. I still have a band of numbness right above my left knee-- it feels funny when I shave. The nuerologist said my nerves could be bruised, much like skin bruises and it may take a little while to get feeling back. He wants me to come in and see him if it doesn't go away.

In hindsight, I think I would do it again. My labor at the beginning was so painful. My contractions were about 30 seconds apart. I think that was worse than the actual labor part. Now, if I had to have a c-section I may be telling a different story right now. I think I would rather have natural labor than major surgery.

Thank goodness we ladies only have to go through labor a few times in our lives!

Neela is here!

Jaya - mom #3 had her baby early this morning at 4 am ish. Here are some pics. Neela- you do not know how good you have it!

Honestly, only Jaya takes pictures of herself going to the hospital after being in labor-- she is the picture queen! Don't most people want to hurry there stopping only to pick up the bag packed by the front door?




Neela Jill Birdwell and Jaya Ruth Birdwell.


Tim and Neela- I think he loves her. :)