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ew days ago, I shared part two of my birth story. Here is part three…
I pushed for about 30 minutes (three long pushes and then a minute of rest) with only the nurse and midwife and Mr. Handsome in the room. For the final 40 minutes, a few other medical staff arrived, including a nurse who would tend to the baby and a doctor from the same practice that the midwife worked at.
The midwife was very encouraging and continuously told me that everything was going well and that I was doing great. Looking back, however, I have a feeling that the fact that she brought in a doctor at the end meant that she thought there was a decent chance there would be complications. I’m very glad that no one told me that while I was delivering and that I was too out of it to figure it out for myself. 
Pushing with an epidural wasn’t too painful, but it was still a lot of work, and there was a lot of pressure. Mr. Handsome held my hand and talked me through each push. I was so grateful that the baby’s vitals remained strong–that was one less thing to worry about. The process was more calm than I had expected, and the midwife and nurse did a great job keeping me relaxed and focused. When the baby finally arrived and I heard his first cry, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Suddenly, all my fears of having a C-section or the baby having to be whisked away to the NICU had melted away. He was big, but he was healthy and happy.
Mr. Handsome cut the cord, and the midwife laid the baby on my chest. After a few minutes, the nurse asked if she could take him over to the scale in the corner to weigh and measure him, and I said yes. Mr. Handsome followed and took pictures. Baby was 8 pounds 12 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Within a couple minutes, he was back with me. It took about an hour for the midwife and doctor to finish stitching. Needless to say, I was very thankful for that epidural! My emotions were a mess, and I bawled the entire time. I tried to focus on the beautiful baby in my arms, but it was difficult not to think about the discomfort that the stitching was causing.
It wasn’t long before the medical staff had finished up and left the room, and Mr. Handsome were able to enjoy some time with just the two of us and Mr. H Jr. After about an hour of skin-to-skin, which the hospital is a huge advocate of, Mr. Handsome held Little Buddy for the first time, which was an emotional moment for both of us. The nurse anesthetist returned and removed my epidural, a process that was surprisingly quick and painless.
At that point, I had only consumed clear liquids for the last 32 hours and was absolutely starving. We invited Mr. Handsome’s mom and our sister-in-law, who had been in the waiting room, to come meet the baby, and my father-in-law soon arrived with Panera for all of us. In a blog comment, one of my readers accurately said that “there’s no meal quite like the meal that you eat after giving birth.” Boy was she right! I shoveled that food in so fast that I barely tasted it. I was still exhausted and very out of it, so I really didn’t participate in any of the conversation going on in the room around me. In fact, I’m pretty sure I dozed off a few times.
The nurse wanted me to get up and move around, so I packed my suitcase, and our family carried everything to the hospital room where we would spend the rest of our time. The nurse pushed me in a wheelchair with the baby in my arms.
I loved reading your story Ellie. Your baby boy is beautiful! Congratulations again to you and your husband.
Thank you, Regina! Hope you’re doing well.
Ellie
I agree that one of the best thing is the first meal, I not only ate the meal the hospital gave me but also the food my husband and mother order in for themselves. The very best thing is to getting to hold your child for the very first time and seeing your husband hold the child too. I agree also with the epidural, I tore a little too but didn’t feel anything or the stiching up process due to it. That I am greatful for.
I agree. I got so emotional watching my husband hold him for the first time. Wish I had had my phone to take a video.
Ellie
I was lucky to have my phone close by to get a picture. It’s one of my favorites of the hospital pictures
Your an amazing writer ….
I’ve loved hearing about Mr H Jr.s arrival. Hope there’s a part 4 ..
What a gorgeous baby ..
Hoping all is well now …
Thank you, Syll! Part 4 will be about our stay in the hospital.
Ellie
I still find it so strange that you weren’t allowed to eat. It’s actually cruel and unecessary. I have been induced three times and they were giving me food throughout labour. There is simply no evidence to say that women shouldn’t eat in labour and made no difference with women who had to have an emergency csection. I am glad little one was in your arms and is healthy.
It seems like different hospitals have different policies. I agree that it’s odd though.
Ellie
There is a very good reason that most hospitals don’t allow a laboring woman food. If a c-section is needed, it is not uncommon to vomit due to anesthesia, patient lying on back, and the surgery itself. If the patient vomits and aspirates the stomach contents (vomit goes in the trachea and towards the lungs,) she can die.
They actually have done numerous studies on this now. They have found the evidence for a labouring woman to have access to food was deemed better and resulted in less interventions ie csection. Subsequently those that do have csections, the results were not significant enough to continue with this antiquated practice. Many hospitals around the world let women eat during labour despite csection risks. It’s an outdated practice!
I am so happy for both of you guys! is the baby a boy or a girl ?
Thanks, Grace! A boy. 🙂
Almost 16 years ago, I had my first little boy, and his stats were the same as yours. Brought back a lot of memories – similar birth story experience. I’ve had 8 children, and nothing compared to the road of healing after the first one – and I had a set of twins too. So, praying for you as you heal, recover, rest, and EAT!! Don’t try to do too much, that newborn phase lasts for a blink, enjoy!
That’s very encouraging, Sarah. Wow, 8! That’s impressive.
Ellie
He is so beautiful! I’m glad you and he made it through labor and delivery just fine! All the best to you guys!!!
Thank you! 🙂
Ellie
Congratulations on your baby boy!! God bless you and your family.😊
Thank you, Cynthia!
Ellie
Aww, I’m sorry about all the stitches, no fun. I know you’re still only a couple weeks out from your delivery, and at this point are probably still uncomfortable from them, but just know everything WILL go back to normal, it may take a little bit, but it will happen.
Thank you! That’s good to hear.
Ellie
Your story is so similar to mine. The doctor spent 45 minutes stitching me up after my first one. I didn’t think he would ever finish, and it was so uncomfortable! The good news is that with my other two deliveries I only needed a few stitches, so I hope that will be the same for you.
Your baby is a handsome little guy! Enjoy these exhausting days because they go so fast!
Thank you! Yes those stitches are pretty traumatic. Not as bad as birth, but challenging in their own way. Good to know that your other 2 deliveries were. better!
Ellie
That was a much anticipated finish! And it is still just the beginning! It was so nice of you to tell these interesting installments. Sometimes people see the heart warming pictures of a baby and parents and it looks so sweet. But this is a less usual situation because all readers can go way beyond just a sweet sympathy and get/got to know you and Mr Handsome through your blogging. So these stories and pictures mean a lot to readers. And are looking forward to all of your future blogs.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Ellie
I think a responsible doctor should go into your room. He can look everything over and check if he sees something others may not see. And couldn’t he be there just to be with you even though its all good? That’s what I don’t like about health care, its always for the sick people. Healthy people need attention too. I don’t think you have to justify him being there.
What a great looking baby!
Thank you! 🙂
He looks just like HIMSELF.
You done good, Ellie. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently. The goal is to push that baby out, and you did that. Everything else is just window dressing. Arguments about this and that?? Let them float right over you and out that same window.
In the next 20 years, you’ll get tons of advice, sought and offered without your asking. Learn to toughen up and ignore the ne’er do wells, and simply thank them for their advice, and do whatever you want after they leave. It’s YOUR baby, and Mr. H. No one else’s (well the God you believe in, of course). You will know what’s best for him, no one else. I raised two beautiful boys that way, and they are happy healthy men today, with families of their own. I did it my way. No one can argue with that. Have a little bit of fun every day. That’s my only advice. Don’t forget to laugh, and only fight the battles that are worth fighting. Be well, and take care of both your men! Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. Great advice! How old are you boys now?
Ellie
What an awesome comment! Can’t agree with this advice enough. Congratulations, Ellie, and thank you for sharing your birth story. I had a rough first birth (with stitches too, yeowch!) but the second birth was MUCH easier (with no stitches!) and I pray the same happens for you. 🙂 Enjoy your adorable little snuggle bug!
Love this advice, have a little fun everyday, brilliant!
I’m glad the delivery ended so smoothly. I really thought you had to have a c-section because I believe you mentioned somewhere you were in the hospital for 4 days? Was that due to all the stitching or was it an offering for new moms for extra support?
The extra 2 days were due to some complications with the baby. He had jaundice.
Ellie
My babies always have jaundice. But they were always able to go home after 24 hrs. We try to stay the least we can .
We do have to go to the hospital alot in the first week to get their heels pricked and to the doctor. With one son we had to bring the bili blanket home and keep him unclothed and under the light for days.
I’m glad that his numbers were better and you were able to go home. There’s so many test they do on newborns that makes me nervous. Like the hearing test. My last son almost didn’t pass it. The person doing the test said he’s not going to pass until we started praying and he passed. It’s definitely an emotional time.
Hmm, I wonder if it’s genetic. Wow, how neat that he passed his hearing test after you prayed! Ours didn’t pass the first time (although he came very close), and they had to redo it the next day.
Ellie
I’ve never thought about if it is a genetic thing but will all of my children having jaundice maybe it is. I’m not sure. I know I feel bad about getting their heel pricked constantly. We spend days going back and forth to the hospital lab.
I’m glad your son passed his hearing test the second time. It’s definitely not my favorite test. I know it’s needed but there could be a few factors why they don’t pass.
All three of mine had jaundice too. They let us go home, but we had to go back to the hospital the next day for blood work for our oldest. If her levels had been one point higher they would have put her back in the hospital. Instead they sent a home care nurse to our house. We had to put our daughter naked and blindfolded in a light box. We could only hold her every two hours when we took her out to feed her and clean her up. It was awful! We had to make sure the blindfold stayed on, so the light wouldn’t damage her eyes. It was extremely stressful. I am glad you were able to stay in the hospital with your little guy until he was better!!! Looking back I wish they had put our daughter back in the hospital. It was a scary time! Our other two didn’t have jaundice as bad. We were able to just put them by a window for a few days.
Do you live at high altitude? My second baby had jaundice and was born in Colorado, and we were told it’s more common there because of the high altitude.
We don’t, but that’s really interesting.
One of my clearest memories post birth was the wheelchair journey to the antenatal ward with my precious baby in my arms. It makes my eyes prickle to remember. I just remember thinking: “I’ve done it! I’ve done it.”
Yes! I felt exactly the same way! And I wondered why the everyone wasnt clapping or cheering or something! Or looking at me strange. I felt like I had a glow that just lite up the whole hallway 🙂
My husband says one of his favorite parts of the births is my reaction the first 15 minutes. I kinda come unglued each time! Laughing crying talking crooning and doing it all over again! …
I totally agree- people should be clapping and cheering!!! Well done Ellie
Congratulations Ellie and Mr Handsome. your baby boy is gorgeous. I am praying you have a speedy recovery. I’ve loved reading your birth story and can’t wait to read your adventures of motherhood xxx
Thanks so much, Bethany! And I appreciate the prayers.
Ellie
Oh my, look at the rolls! Such a cutie! Congratulations to you and Mr. Handsome. I am so happy for you.
Thanks, Ella! Yep he was a chubby little thing from day 1.
ELlie
That’s a precious picture of you holding your son. There’s nothing like holding your baby for the first time. It makes all of the pain worth it .
Can’t wait to hold my son soon, Lord willing.
I’m excited for you, Jessica! Let me know when your son is born, once you’re feeling up to getting back online and posting a comment. 🙂
Ellie
Thanks, we are much anticipating his arrival. I will definitely do my best to share a comment when he’s born.
We had an ultrasound last week because of some things that turned out great so it was nice seeing how big he was estimated and his hair and all of that. God’s blessings are so amazing. I don’t know how anyone can look at the miracle of life and not believe in God.
Aww how fun! How many weeks are you?
I’m 38 weeks. We have never gone past 39 weeks, so Lord willing he will be born soon. Within the next two weeks. My children are not patient and can’t wait for his arrival. Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. But I know he will be born at the right time. There’s no relaxing until he’s born, I imagine I might relax a little more once he’s born.
I agree, the waiting is so hard. I didn’t expect it to be that difficult. I’m sure you’ll do great! I’ll be praying for a smooth delivery.
Ellie
My son was born today. He is 6 lbs 14 oz. It’s amazing how God worked it out. Yesterday I was sent home from the hospital because I was not in labor. I was 3 cm. Today I was 10 cm when I got to the hospital and he was born a few minutes later. God answered so many prayers during this delivery. I didn’t know if I could do it, imagine being in the car and trying to get inside the hospital fully dilated, it was very painful but amazing. He really could have been born in the car. And I would have been very scared. I was already crying and all of that and I didn’t know I was fully dilated until a few minutes later and all of the nurses were bringing the baby stuff in and the midwife told me.
Also the cord was wrapped around my son’s neck three times and God worked it out and he is completely fine. It’s such a relief to go through labor and delivery and have God bring you and your baby through.
Congratulations, Jessica! How exciting! Wow, sounds like you arrived just in time. God is good! Glad to hear you are both healthy. Thanks so much for taking the time to share an update. It means a lot. When will your other children get to meet the new baby?
Ellie
My children met their baby yesterday a few hours after he was born. But we are home from the hospital. If the baby and I are doing well we go home after 24 hours. But we visit the pediatrician the next day.
I’m sure that was a wonderful moment, introducing the baby to your children! Enjoy your family time. 🙂
Ellie
Jessica can’t wait to hear about your baby boy. I’ll be praying you have a smooth delivery .
Thank you for taking time during these special first weeks to share your birth story with us! Job well done, Ellie ❤ Congratulations, he’s beautiful!! Praying for a quick and restful recovery!
Thank you, Melinda! I appreciate the prayers.
Ellie
Is his name Buddy or is that just a nickname? He is adorable!!!!
Thank you! That’s his nickname, but that’s what I’ve been calling him. I haven’t really used his name yet. Lol
Ellie
Mr. H Jr. is adorable! Are you ever going to tell us his birth name or do you like calling him Mr. H Jr. 🙂 I enjoy reading your birth story and looking at the pictures. Can’t wait to see more pictures of the Handsome family. Take care… Jane
Thank you, Jane! I like the nickname 🙂
Ellie
Ooooh, I can still remember the stitches from one of mine. After that epi wore off…whew…i had to live on that spray stuff they give you for pain down there and taking baths…sitting in the tub…seemed to help. I don’t know how women could take stitches yet on top of birthing pain if they didn’t get a epidural. ?!?! It’s beyond me. Anyway, I’m so glad and thankful for you Ellie that you didn’t need a c-section!! I was almost sure you had to have one after hearing you were in the hospital that long but I wasn’t thinking about the baby at the time and I’m so glad it actually wasn’t that way! Hope your days are going alright for you and that you’re adjusting well to everything.
Lol yes, stitches are rough! We’ve been adjusting well. Just trying to enjoy every moment.
Ellie
Ellie he is precious. Congrats to you and Mr. Handsome!! I read your blog all the time. Love the Duggars and Bates blogs and your personal blog. Love hearing about your delivery. So happy firvyou
Thank you, Lynda! Glad to have you as a reader. 🙂
Ellie
I’ve had a few natural births and one where I had to get stitches. What is even worse than the stitches is the needle they give you to numb the pain first in that area. That was awful.
But everything is worth it. And it’s good we forget some of the pain to an extent.
It’s funny what we women go through.
He is so beautiful!!! Congrats Mama!!! 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂
Ellie
Our daughter will be 3 in April, but reading your posts makes it feel like yesterday! He is so cute, and I know you’re exhausted but in love! Also, I ordered three meals from hospital room service after giving birth, and the guy who took my order judged me. Dude, you stay in labor for 13 hours and see how hungry you are!!
I’m thankful your son was born in Tennessee since it is only one of 6 states that screen for Krabbe Disease at birth. Krabbe Disease is a genetic neurological disease that affects the white matter of the brain, so speech, swallowing, breathing issues, walking, crawling, moving on their own, causes lots of nerve pain and other issues. It is normally fatal by age 2. However, with screening for it as part of the Newborn Screening Program, they can find out early enough and can do a cord blood transplant. It isn’t a cure but can help slow down progression or even avoid progression all together. I wish all states screened for it. Only 6 do: Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and New York.
Wow, that sounds scary. I wonder how common it is.
God is wonderful! This plan of life is so perfect and amazing! These times just make people remark on the remarkable!
Amen to that!
Congratulations! Your birth story shares some similarities with mine. My first was also a big boy, 8 pounds, 6 ounces, ended up with an epidural. Also a long labor and a lot of pushing. He was also jaundice and needed treatment for that. And everyone commented on how beautiful he was! My second child’s delivery was completely different, was so short and easy ! Unbelievable difference! Enjoy your family, I never believed it when I was changing all those diapers and people told me how fast your children grow up , but now that mine are grown I realize how true it really is! I know that yours will be a home filled with love. Enjoy the hugs and laughter. Remember to make eye contact with your children. I miss those golden days when the kids were little. I lost my husband in a horrific car accident when my children were 15 and 18. God got us through, and the closeness we developed as a family through the early years kept us together through the tragedy. Always remember how precious life is, and that family comes first after God. I know you will!
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry for your loss. That must have been so tough!
Ellie
After all the stories on here I thought I’d share something that happened to me …..
Many years ago after my first baby was born ,induction,19 hrs labor ,,enough stiches for the entire maternity ward ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, the kind young nurse thought using a heat lamp would be a great idea to help with my healing …… but she forgot me ,,,,
So sunburned / stitched vagina I had .. I can assure you this is most painful…
At the time I swear I was never going to use that area of my body again ,,, but I went on to have more babies ..needless to say no heat lamp or stiches (lucky me ) again …
It was so traumatic at the time ,but by Gods grace we forget a little ..
your little Buddy is gorgeous..
Hope this finds you healing well
Best advice ::
Relax and do your pelvic exercises …..
And remember next time will be so much easier …because you’ll know more ..anyway enjoy him now and don’t think about your future pregnancies until they happen xx
Oh my, that sounds traumatic. Thanks for the advice. 🙂
Ellie
Congratulations on your beautiful son.Praying for a quick healing.God bless you all,
Thank you so much, Stacey!
Ellie
I wonderhow many others really gave a little push when they read this, or am I the only goofy one?
What a lovely birth story and very lovingly told. Mr Handsome jnr is a great looking boy and the pictures of all three of you were lovely. Ellie you seem to be such a hard working but extremely organised lady and I admire all you are achieving. Best wishes to you all and I hope all the grandparents are enjoying your son as much as you are.
Thank you, Alison! You are very kind. The grandparents are loving him!
Ellie
Congrats on your baby boy. He’s beautiful.
Thank you, Khiana!
Ellie
He is beautiful! I love reading birth stories. My kids are nearly 16 and 17 and this takes me right back. With my first I had to have a 4th degree episiotomy and the recovery was very difficult, I remember the pain of sitting down for at least a month after birth. Totally worth it and my second birth was a walk in the park, so you really never know how each will go.
Enjoy him! There’s nothing like a new baby.
Thanks, Tifany! That sounds difficult, but I’m glad to hear you made it through.
Ellie
He is so cute! Thanks for sharing your birth story. He looks so cute in your arms and Mr.Handsome arms.
Thank you! 🙂
Happy every thing worked out fine. The baby is beautiful. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Thank you, ladies!
Thank you for sharing your story Ellie! It was a joy to read! It caused me to think back on the births of my own children!
Forgot to say that the pictures are beautiful!
Thank you!
Mr. Handsome Jr is very handsome indeed! Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! You are blessed!
Thanks so much, Sandra!
Ellie
Happy to know it ended well!
When I had my first child, I had contractions every 2 min, for 12 hours. I didn’t have a epidural, but I did considered it. However, just as I was going to get it, my water broke and the baby started pushing. 20 minutes later, she was in my arms. Only for a few minutes however, because I started to lose a lot of blood and the medical team had to take care of me. So my husband did the skin-to-skin with her for a while. When they were done with my blood loss and the stiches, I was extremely tired. I had been awake for about 36h. They put me in a wheelchair to take me to my room. I realized a few days later that I didn’t remember how my baby got to the room. I knew she was not in my arms, I was too weak to hold her. I had completely forgotten my husband carried her in his arms.
Luckily, it went better for our second daughter. I pushed for a total of 4 minutes. I did have stitches but no blood loss!
I loved reading the both story part 1-3. I’m looking forward to part 4! I’ve got a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old boy both were inductions and both were 9 pounds and both I had epidurals and lots and lots and lots of stitching! When I read that you were crying through the stitching process while the baby was in your chest my heart just went out to you! Know that you are in good company. It’s not fun at all to go through but being a mom is worth the price of admission as I’m sure you know already! I healed quickly with my first and but it took a good month before sitting / standing / walking felt was pain free with my second. I say that to let you know if the recovery is slow not to be discouraged – it will get better! I ended up running a half marathon 8 months post Partum and another one before his first birthday. The body has an amazing ability to recover. Another way that Gods design in childbearing blows my mind.
Hi Justine. Glad you enjoyed the posts! Wow, one month of pain. Good to know that that’s normal, in case it happens next time for me. Congrats on running 2 half marathons before your son’s first birthday. That’s a huge accomplishment! I have tried to get into running a few times in life, but it’s rough. My legs always get so itchy, so it’s pretty torturous.
Ellie
Also I found the not eating part fascinateing – I’m Canadian and I don’t know of anyone who has fasted during induction /labour / delivery (except for my cousin in Kentucky).
Hmm, interesting. Are you able to eat anything during labor, or are there some restrictions?
Ellie
I live in Alberta, Canada. Prior to delivery, I was encouraged by my doctor to bring plenty of snacks with me to the hospital in my hospital bag, and I ate throughout the whole experience.
Thanks! We’re over the moon excited to have him here. That must have been nice to be able to eat. I was SO hungry.
i’m canadian as well. Never in my life have I heard a birth story which involves fasting. I was even encouraged to bring snacks for labour in my hospital bag.
Everyone in the medical community has good intentions and their well meaning advice is always appreciated, of course. However, something like fasting (which seems so intuitively unnecessary) might be worth researching and questioning further. Midwives and doctors are wonderful helpers…but YOU are the one who delivers your baby. You are the star of the show and you should at least feel in charge of the decision making, especially if you’ve researched it prior.
Congratulations on the beautiful baby 👶🏼!
Hi Ellie!
Congratulations on your baby. He is beautiful! Have you and Mr. Handsome picked a name? Just curious.
I myself, would love to have more children, if that is in God’s plan, I’d like to be married first tho. I’ve had two miscarriages, both boys, so that is overwhelming sometimes. And all the thoughts that go with it.
Blessings to you, Mr. Handsome and Jr!
Thank you, Anastasia! We have picked a name, but I don’t call him by it. He’s “Little Buddy” to me. LOL. Praying that God will grant you the desires of your heart. Miscarriages would be so hard.
Ellie
Congratulations!
I am excited to read part 4!