Birth Story

Many of you, friends and family, have already seen the stats: Afton Rose Worthman was born 8/23 via c-section at 11:47 p.m., 8 lbs 4 oz, 20 1/4 inches long. But that doesn't tell the whole story. I had a relatively easy pregnancy, but a very difficult birth--they wanted to induce labor for mild pre-eclampsia. We faced decisions at every turn--whether to go AMA and let the baby come naturally (we had prepared so thoroughly for this), to induce, and if so, how? There are many methods. Well, we decided we couldn't accept that risk (that I could develop eclampsia, endangering my own and Afton's life) so went into the scheduled induction. The first try, starting Wednesday, August 15th, didn't work. I was in the hospital over three days before they asked me to go home and rest before another attempt. If it was safe to go home now, then how come we couldn't stay there and wait? More decisions.

We stuck by our original agreement to trust the doctors about the risk and need for induction, so we went in Tuesday, 8/21, for the second try. Nothing really happened until Thursday, when I made it all the way to completion (pushing the baby out!), but she got stuck on the way, and time was running out because I had developed an infection from the doctors prematurely rupturing the amniotic sac (breaking my water). My epidural had worn off, and after hours of pain and labor without progress, we agreed to have the c-section, to prevent further damage from the infection, and distress to the baby from being blocked. It was hard going, physically and emotionally, for those two weeks, and there are many other tiny injustices I've overlooked here, and may want to talk about eventually, and it is nowhere near the birth story I planned and hoped to share, but the result is what matters, in the end, and we have a beautiful, healthy baby girl to welcome so this is a happy story. I also was able to further feel the deep love and support of my family and friends--another silver lining.

We were able to document this momentous occasion of our daughter's birth with a talented photographer, Crystal Turner, Indy Birth Photographer (http://www.indybirthphotographer.com/ ). You may have already seen some pictures from the event already, posted on facebook. But there is a story to tell, and she has done it well with a photograph slideshow, that I invite you to view, and to share with any family or friends who may not have seen this blog.

Please click this link: Afton Rose and share with me these life-changing moments

With my love:
Rebekah (Becky) Worthman

6 months later...

I am 6 months pregnant! My life sort of stopped when I discovered our new addition. I haven't seen my friends in that long either. Guess that meant writing too, not that I was faithful to begin with. I'd like to start again--heck, it's why I started the blog in the first place. I did buy a house for our growing family, and I have spent a lot of time with family, as we went through the loss of my mother-in-law and then the wedding preparations (much happier!) of my step-sister, and the graduation of my little sister and her husband. Talk to you soon I hope!