Bringing Jacob Into The World

Hello everyone, I am pleased to be able to tell the story of Jacob's arrival. As you know we went in on Wednesday Sept. 26 to start the induction. We arrived at the hospital at 0730 and the adventure began. Sara was given medication to soften the cervix and start the induction process, these med's were taken every four hours up until 1730 that evening. She was then given a 12 hour medication so she would not have to be bothered all night long. Sara had a rough night as things started to happen. Jacob dropped quite a lot during the night and mild contractions were starting. Sara did not sleep at all during the night, I felt terrible as there was nothing I could do, so needless to say Daddy got sleep.

The next morning everything was going according to plan. Sara was given another dose of med's to kick up the process. This was not easy for her either. She was in a lot of pain as my fingers can attest to that. At around 1030 she was given a epidural. This needless to say helped with the pain a lot. We waited and waited. We played a game of Cribbage which Sara almost won but I squeaked out a victory. It was a long day with quite a bit of anticipation and worry and excitement.

At 2030 Sara was fully dilated. Contractions were steady and the Dr. was on her way to the hospital. We had a Nurse and two wonderful student Nurses at our aide. We began to push around 2045. Sara did a wonderful job, and the Dr. arrived at around 2115 or so. She checked the progress of Jacob and found that he was face up on his way out. This meant that we needed to get baby to turn so he could make it under the pelvis. Sara was on her hands and knees for a half hour, and bearing with the contractions the whole time. I was by the head of the bed giving her ice chips and massaging her shoulders.

At 2145 Jake finally turned and we began pushing again. Sara pushed and rested for another hour and 15 minutes. It was noticed by the staff that Sara's catheter may not be working, the tried to back flush it, and that did nothing. Then they put a new one in. This too, did nothing, Sara's bladder was not draining and thus blocking the way for Jacob. She was so exhausted and could not go anymore. Her tears broke my heart. It was at this time that Sara was given the option of continuing or a C-section. After a sleepless night the night before and an exhausting day of labor, she could take no more. She was prepped for the operation and and by 2330 I was able to be by her side again in the OR. As the staff worked, I was there to comfort her. At 0006 on September 28th our son was born.

As I watched him come into the world, my emotions ran wild and tears welled up in my eyes. Shortly there after we heard a rather deep cry and Jacob was brought over the the cleaning area. I looked down into my wife's eyes and I saw the joy and the tears and I was completely beside myself. The miracle of life, is so amazing and my life changed at that moment. I now realize what life is about.

Jacob Matthew Tormala: Weight: 7lbs 13oz Length Overall: 19 1/2"

As you can see, Jacob is a beautiful little guy, and look at his mother, isn't she just glowing. I am so happy to have been able to experience this.