Hazel Ann Harcar was born March 3, 2020 at 6:50 pm. She weighed in at 8 lb 9 oz, and measured 21 inches long.
Pregnancy this time around was so much different. While we were so blessed to get pregnant again, the 9 month road was a bit more complicated than I had originally hoped for. I shared my experience along the way, regarding my Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) diagnosis, and the ongoing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) issues I had postpartum with Griffin. (Read the full story here.) Needless to say it was rough on my body. I for sure thought I was going to go early with her, but week 38 came, and still no baby. Instead, I was faced with a decision I wasn’t prepared to make. Read on for the complete birth story.
The Week Before
During my 38 week appointment the doctor brought up something for me to consider. Because Griffin was a 9 lb baby, and I had a 4 degree tear, along with the PFD…he wondered if it might be in my best interest to deliver at 39 weeks (be induced) to ensure she doesn’t get as big, if not bigger. That way the probability that the above things happening again would be less likely. My first thought was no way, but then I realized that I could be sacrificing my recovery, which I did not want to go through again.
I had no intentions of being induced. Griffin was 4 days late. Honestly, I’m not really a fan of it. Of course, I believe if there is a health reason that makes sense, and you need to do it, by all means! I just feel like Mother Nature should take its course, and a baby will come when it’s ready. I dunno. Either way, I was conflicted. I felt so scared and nervous to do something my body wasn’t quite ready to do. After a lot of tears were shed, I finally decided that I needed to be selfish and think of myself. I knew she would be ok…many babies are born at 39 weeks. So if there was a possibility of it helping me in the end, I needed to give it a shot.
We scheduled the induction for March 3 at 6am. The one thing I was super grateful for was that my doctor was going to be there to deliver her. He was not able to with Griffin, so this was reassuring.
Induction Day
I didn’t think I would be able to sleep the night before, but oddly enough, Garin and I slept like rocks. Probably all the crazy emotions I’d been feeling the days leading up wore me out. We awoke that morning at 5am to call to make sure there was still a bed ready for me. The hospital confirmed and we were good to go.
By the time we filled out paperwork, answered questions and I got changed into a gown, the induction probably didn’t even start til 8am. Once the Pitocin was flowing, it was all a waiting game. I started feeling contractions around 9am. Finally around noon, the contractions got more intense and I asked for an epidural. (Side note: I had to get the epidural 3x with Griffin! It wouldn’t stick, and only worked on 1 side) They assured me it may happen again, but I was hopeful. Sure enough, the numbing only worked on 1 side, but after about an hour of laying on the opposite side, we finally got some numbing. Then, when I’d move back to my back, it would go away. I decided I wasn’t going to get it again this time…I’d make it work.
Progress
At about 3pm, they checked me and I was only 4 centimeters. I was worried. Everyone told me that induction sometimes comes with a very slow timeline.
At 5pm, I told the nurse I was starting to feel pressure in my butt. She told me that was a good sign, and that if it continued, she’d check me again. Only about a half hour later, I told her it was continuous. She checked me and low and behold, I was 10cm and full effaced. We were ready to have a baby!
Garin and I were in shock! Just 2 hours ago, I was only 4cm! This is when Garin’s nerves kicked in. He started pacing and freaking out. I told him it’s fine, it’s ok, we are good. It’s funny because Garin is usually the calm one, but I felt peace at this moment. I was ready to meet our baby girl!
The nurses got everything set up, they called the doctor, and I started pushing about 630pm. Hazel was born 15 min later with the blackest hair I’d ever seen. We were in love!
The Nitty Gritty
Upon delivering, my almost immediate question to the doctor was “how’s it look down there?” Haha. I mean, after all, the whole reason I had given birth to her early was to avoid all that business. Things were good!! Only a 2 degree tear this time around, which is rare for how big she was, and because she was sunny side up. (Fun fact: Griffin was also sunny side up. I pushed for 30 min with him.) I couldn’t believe it! Honestly, I’m not sure how big she would have been if we waited another week +. I was so relieved. It was then that I knew in my heart of hearts that I had made the right choice.
Hazel Ann
She is everything we needed to complete our family of 4. Quiet and sweet like her Dad, and beautiful, just like her brother. Griffin is so adorable with her! He tells her she’s so cute on the regular, and likes to get super close to her face and talk as loud as he can. I’m so proud of him and how he’s handled the adjustment. He’s eager to help, and fast to love on her. We have been blessed more than I deserve.
<3 Laura
If you love a good birth story, read more about Lauren & Olive’s journey here.