Thursday, April 8, 2010

Induction: Canceled

Our activities today included a trip to the Maple View Farms General Store for ice-cream.
I love the rocking-chair ambiance...

Dear Readers,

I guess I forgot to mention that at an appointment over a month ago, we had to schedule a date for induction at the hospital in the case that Giovanna went overdue. We scheduled tonight, the 7th of April to go in for the inflatable catheter bulb to be inserted in order to "ripen" my cervix. And tomorrow was our induction date, with the pitocin drip scheduled to start at 7am.

Which is a big deal because instead of that thrill, I spent a great night at home eating homemade soup, a big salad and grilled sandwiches with Marcos' parents and my mom. We watched a movie and made cookies, which ranked far higher on my happiness scale than sleeping in the hospital with an inflatable bulb nestled up into my nether regions.

After a day of praying, and some tears, and frustration, we decided to cancel the induction and hope that by giving Giovanna another week we will be giving her a chance to make her debut on her own terms. I wish there had been some crystal ball that would have given us the right answer of whether or not to go through with the induction, but we had to wrestle with feelings, and search for peace, and pray like crazy and weigh the pros and cons. It was the hardest decision we've had to make in a really long time.

And it was really, really hard.

But we have come to peace with our decision to cancel. When we originally planned today's date for induction over a month ago, we didn't actually think she'd last this long, so stumbling into our "deadline" was not something we had anticipated (ha! here's to the illusion that we were in control of this process!). I have been so thankful today for the support we have felt from our parents who are in town, and are primarily here to see a baby, and yet were still supportive of our decision to wait and let her come on her own terms. I am also thankful for amazing, level-headed, wonderful Marcos, who has been a reminder that I need not feel pressure to birth on command, that nobody else's agenda matters, and who has had chats with my body about our giving it permission to birth on its own time-table. It is such a blessing to have support through this process, which is unlike anything we've ever experienced.

11 comments:

Katy said...

dearest Metta and Marcos, good for you guys. This was sort of your first parenting decision, and a tough one at that. We are holding you all in our thoughts and sending lots of love and support your way. love, Katy

Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...

Enzo was due on the 12th and was born on the 27th. I was WAY over due.

The only reason why I decided to get induced with Maria Aurea was because my insurance ran out on the 18th so I induced on the 17th (1 week over due) and had to leave the hospital by noon on the 18th. I didn't even get 24 hours in the hospital, joys of our health care system.

she'll come and she'll be healthier because of it.

Abbie said...

I'm adding my support. Let her come when she and your body are ready! Your great parents already. I went a week over with both babes. It was so hard! Sending love and loads of Oxytocin your way!

Bush's said...

Giovanna is so lucky to have you two for parents! Lots of labor vibes your way! I was going to suggest curb walking again but the trampoline is WAY better! I can't believe you didn't go into labor right there. Love you guys!

Angela said...

It's great that you want Giovanna to decide when she's ready. Keep us updated and know you have our prayers in the mix too!

The Kammeyers said...

Definitely keep us updated! Thoughts & prayers sent your way at this exciting time. :)

Headle said...

Metta and Marcos! Wow!! I have to tell you how impressed I am with both of you! Most first time parents don't show that kind of patience and maturity. Well, maybe I'm only speaking about myself :P

You are already showing what fabulous parents you will be! I love how Marcos reassured you and helped take away some of the self imposed pressure. You two are such a powerful team for good! YAY! I'm sooo excited to meet Giovanna! She's coming to such a strong and beautiful family!!!!

Good luck Metta! I'll be praying for you!

Kristi said...

good luck Metta and Marcos! We're sending you all our good vibes right...now! ;)

Mariko said...

I also was overdue and everyone wanted me to induce. I was healthy, the baby was healthy, and it didn't really make sense to do something to change that!
You'll know, and luckily medicine/doctors/bulbs in the nether regions are there to help out when you want/need it.

SiN CiTy StRoBeHnS said...

Wow, I am so proud of you two for following promptings like that. That is a very hard one to decide! You are in our prayers!

Anonymous said...

If you remember Ren. He was way overdue, we scheduled the induction on the 42 week, and contraction started the day before that. Baby's time table, Lord's time table, and our time table are different.I guess... I pray for you all!!