The induction date
Thank you all for so patiently waiting on me to tell when we're planning to be induced! I'm terribly old-fashioned in that I like everything to be a surprise for everyone - gender, names, date of birth, and so forth. It just seems to add to the fun of it!
But this time around, since we don't get the luxury of being surprised by the time frame, and I am very much in need of prayer before, during, and after the delivery, I'm going to break out of the mold and tell you the induction date, along with the induction plan in hopes that some of you will be so kind as to hold us up in prayer during what could be a very strenuous and difficult time.
Unless I go into labor naturally before then, I'm being admitted to the hospital Wednesday - June 20 - at 8:00 p.m. They will begin Cervidal and monitoring at that time. From there on out, there are many possibilities and we only have a very rough sketch of a birth plan. The rest will be in the Lord's hands.
Our hope is that my body will kick into active natural labor with the Cervidal which would allow me to then take off on my own, need a lot less monitoring, have a much more natural labor, and also mean that I might have less chance of complications. However, if things don't kick in with Cervidal, they'll begin me on Pit. the next morning (June 21). Instead of the usual fairly high doses of Pit. given and ramping it up quickly, they are planning to take it much more slowly, administering half as much as usual in order to try and prevent my uterus from being overworked. They do not plan to break my water so that if I haven't done much by 4 p.m., they'll shut things down and we'll begin again the next day.
That is the very tentative plan. How my body and the baby reacts with my current health issues will determine exactly what happens. I'm trying to go in with an openness to whatever God has planned for this birth. And whatever happens, I trust and rest in His will.
I am very thankful for an experienced and knowledgeable midwife and doctor who want to do everything as naturally as possible without presenting any risk to myself or the baby. They have already been outstanding and gone above and beyond the call of duty to help me and work with me and my body and I'm so thankful for that. I'm also so thankful to have such a great coach in my husband. He was terrific last time around and I know he's up for the challenge this time around. I'm also thankful I was allowed to wait until Wednesday so that my mom and my sisters could be at my birth. It will be helpful to have additional cheerleaders there for me and both my mom and sister have been to many births, assisted midwives, and worked as doulas, so I couldn't ask for better support!
And I also am thankful that I will have many, many people praying for me. My experience in the hospital last week really demonstrated to me how powerful your prayers are, and I am humbled that many of you have already committed to pray for me during the birth. This is such a comfort to me going in. I plan to post updates myself from the hospital for as long as I am able, and then my sister will take over. I will post some specific prayer requests I have on Wednesday for the birth itself but until then would very much appreciate prayers for peace, for strength, that I would keep my eyes focused on the Lord, and not fear.
But this time around, since we don't get the luxury of being surprised by the time frame, and I am very much in need of prayer before, during, and after the delivery, I'm going to break out of the mold and tell you the induction date, along with the induction plan in hopes that some of you will be so kind as to hold us up in prayer during what could be a very strenuous and difficult time.
Unless I go into labor naturally before then, I'm being admitted to the hospital Wednesday - June 20 - at 8:00 p.m. They will begin Cervidal and monitoring at that time. From there on out, there are many possibilities and we only have a very rough sketch of a birth plan. The rest will be in the Lord's hands.
Our hope is that my body will kick into active natural labor with the Cervidal which would allow me to then take off on my own, need a lot less monitoring, have a much more natural labor, and also mean that I might have less chance of complications. However, if things don't kick in with Cervidal, they'll begin me on Pit. the next morning (June 21). Instead of the usual fairly high doses of Pit. given and ramping it up quickly, they are planning to take it much more slowly, administering half as much as usual in order to try and prevent my uterus from being overworked. They do not plan to break my water so that if I haven't done much by 4 p.m., they'll shut things down and we'll begin again the next day.
That is the very tentative plan. How my body and the baby reacts with my current health issues will determine exactly what happens. I'm trying to go in with an openness to whatever God has planned for this birth. And whatever happens, I trust and rest in His will.
I am very thankful for an experienced and knowledgeable midwife and doctor who want to do everything as naturally as possible without presenting any risk to myself or the baby. They have already been outstanding and gone above and beyond the call of duty to help me and work with me and my body and I'm so thankful for that. I'm also so thankful to have such a great coach in my husband. He was terrific last time around and I know he's up for the challenge this time around. I'm also thankful I was allowed to wait until Wednesday so that my mom and my sisters could be at my birth. It will be helpful to have additional cheerleaders there for me and both my mom and sister have been to many births, assisted midwives, and worked as doulas, so I couldn't ask for better support!
And I also am thankful that I will have many, many people praying for me. My experience in the hospital last week really demonstrated to me how powerful your prayers are, and I am humbled that many of you have already committed to pray for me during the birth. This is such a comfort to me going in. I plan to post updates myself from the hospital for as long as I am able, and then my sister will take over. I will post some specific prayer requests I have on Wednesday for the birth itself but until then would very much appreciate prayers for peace, for strength, that I would keep my eyes focused on the Lord, and not fear.
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:00 AM
39 Comments:
I will be honored to pray for you. Just let us know what your heart says we need to bring before the Father. As a side note, I was also induced for both of my pregnancies (due to low amniotic fluid levels). I was given a Cervidil insert overnight, and pitocin was begun the next day. Both of my babies were born around 9:00 p.m. that night. I am a doctor myself, and it sounds like you have a good, medically sound plan. I know that you will be such a powerful testimony to the hospital staff, who unfortunately are not used to taking care of kind-hearted individuals like yourself who actually live what you believe. I take care of many patients in the emergency room who are rude, curse at me and the nurses, and constantly complain. I live an hour away from the hospital where I practice, and I am always shocked when the nurses tell me, "That patient and their family are known in the community as big-time churchgoers." Well you would never know it! How refreshing to see someone like yourself who actually walks the talk. I would love to have you as one of my patients!
Valerie
You most definitely have our prayers, Crystal. Under the circumstances, the plan sounds good. It won't be long now before that precious little one is in your arms!
I will be praying.
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth--
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.
Psalm 40:1-5
I have been/will be praying for you at this time. Comfort yourself with 1 Timothy 2:15
"Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
God Bless you!
Not too long now! Hang in there! I'm praying for you, Crystal, and will continue praying. We are all in His hands.
So glad you told us, Crystal. It will be a blessing to be praying on that day for you! I know He will work it out for His good. In His Grace,
Mama Russell
I'll be praying for you! I was induced with pitocin both times (without epidurals) and was flat on my back in bed the first time because of high blood pressure. It was intense the first time, but not TOO bad. The second time there wasn't a huge rush for me to deliver, so they gave me less pitocin and I found that to be very comfortable. Just a word of encouragement. = )It may not be as bad as you think. (Not that childbirth is ever easy, but... =D ) I'll be anxious to hear your news!
Thnaks for letting us know when you will be going in to have the baby.From personel experience I hope the baby comes w/o pit but am glad to see that the docotr wil turn off everything by 4PM.I had that happepn for my second delivery and it was so much better because I was able to get some rest ,change gowns,wash up and get ready for day 2 which didn't take but 4 hours from when the pit was turned back on and baby came.Thje first one was done all at once ,I was tired and cranky so by the time the baby came.
Crystal, I'm so excited for you, though I can definately relate to your fears concerning an induction. I can honestly say after going that route a couple times myself, it's not as bad as it sounds and I've had tolerable labors thus far. I was admitted to the hospital beforehand, too, and given things to help my cervix fully ripen...well, it did start cause me to start some contractions on my own, and by the next morning I was in the early stages of labor and dilating. They still started Pitocin on a low dose, just so the labor didn't stall, and very gradually increased the dose. It still hurt, but it was all over within seven hours on average the various times I've been through this. Not bad at all, considering that I was starting from square one, barely dilated at all each time. :-) In most cases I think your water naturally breaks on it's own, just from the pressure and everything, and I think it's good that they are waiting to do that as a last resort. From my experience, it does intensify the labor right away, so unless you are about to push and the bag of waters is keeping baby from descending, there usually isn't a medical reason to break it.
I'm going to really be praying for you this week. You'll do great! Hang in there and keep us posted of your needs.
You know, it may not be as difficult as you think it will. I've been induced twice. The first time WAS hard, simply because there were several of us in labor on the same floor at the same time and they were rushing to get everyone delivered while the doctor was making his rounds. They increased my pitocin way too fast so that my body couldn't adjust. I think all told I was in labor for nine hours and didn't have an epidural, just a little Demarol in an IV.
The second time it seemed like the nursing staff was much more patient and skilled and slowly increased the Pitocin so I didn't need that much to kick labor into high gear and get down to business on my own. The labor was seven hours and my little one popped out with two pushes! Looking back, I would certainly go that route again without a worry if the need arose again.
Hopefully next week at this time you'll be able to look back on the experience and smile, thinking of the adorable baby that came of it all!
I haven't been keeping up much on your situation lately, but it sounds like you have a bit of a rough time. I was induced with my first and ended up with a C-section. It is NOT the end of the world. We have had five blessings, all of the C-sections, and honestly, I like the predicatability of the C-section. Just take things slowly, relax and trust the Lord. He's brought you safe this far, trust Him for the rest. You will have another little blessing in a few days, Lord willing. So enjoy your family, their encouragement and the anticipation of holding your new little one. God bless you.
Crystal, you will be in my prayers on Wednesday.
It does sound like they're giving you the gentlest induction possible.
I am very glad that you shared this!! I will most definitely be praying!! Just imagine ALL the prayers that will be going before the Lord on that day FOR YOU!!! :) It's an awesome thing to talk to the Lord of all creation!!
His,
Mrs. U
I just wanted to let you know that we're praying for you here in Sweden too!
My oldest daughter Emelie was born on June 20th 1989 - I can't believe she'll be 18 in just a few days!
Even if you can't move around much during the labor, maybe you can give birth on your side instead of flat on your back? I did that with my fifth child and thought it made a big difference, and I didn't need as many stitches either.
Blessings,
Karin, Sweden
Praying for you to have a safe and wonderful labor experience! ~Samantha
Praying for you and baby!
I will certainly be praying for you and the baby. I know that the Lord holds you both in his hands.
Elissa
How neat that you may be delivering your baby on the first day of summer! :-) I know when Kathrynne's birthday is, when is your's and Jesse's?
Praying for you and a safe delivery of your baby. I can tell you from experience that it can be very discouraging to have things not go according to our expectations, but when we put our expectation in God and trust that His will will be accompished to bring honor and glory to Himself, we can take joy in whatever He brings our way! I love the psalms when I'm pregnant and on delivery...perhaps you can be encouraged just by reading some psalms!
Praying,
Amy
We will be praying for you and baby...and for your Jesse and Katherine. And for those caring for you and baby during your labor & delivery! Our God is truly awesome, and deserves all our thanks and praise. What a comfort to know you're in HIS hands!
Sending you 'virtual' hugs!!!
Peace and many blessings dear,
Amy B.
I am praying for you, dearie. Continue to rest in Him. Soon you will be holding your sweet little one!
I will be praying for you and your precious wee one.
Love, Heather
Crystal, many many hugs to you! We will be in prayer for all of you!
Crystal,
My prayers will be going out for you. Rest safe and secure in the Father's arms!
Wow, my baby was just born this past Wednesday; I didn't expect yours to be so close! Praying that all goes well and for the Lord's strengthening.
Heather (mom to 4 dc from 6 down to newborn)
Praying for you in Canada and looking forward to rejoicing with you afterwards!
GrammaMack
hi, dear crystal, i had an induction for #2 and it really was OK! Had the full PIT too... never had an epidural, just a small 1/2 dose of statol while pushing (I never have an urge to push, weird i know)... With all that said,
I want you to know you are no less of a momma or a woman if you need to have pain relief. This is all about you your health, baby too. I get so upset when people act "holier than thou" about natural child birth. Thats great they didn't need pain meds, but they also didn't deliver your baby either and have your exact circumstances.
I don't want to sound rude, I just want you to know that its ok to have the birth you would like and you are not a failure if it cannot be "all natural"... I am rooting for you!!!
I am preg for #5, all signed up for bradley classes and a tub birth in the hospital, BUT, if things change, or I change my mind and feel peace about getting certain pain relief measures, you can be your bottom dollar I will... I am not out to impress a certain group of people or be a super hero..I won't feel any less of a momma either...
godspeed my friend!
I will be praying for you Crystal! Rest in the Lord's care dear sister. Blessings to you :)
I will pray for a healthy, safe adn quick delivery. The Lord is with you, so do not fear.
Hi Crystal,
I've always enjoyed your blog and will be praying right with you.
I have three children (so far) and was induced with my first two. They, also, used Cervidal with me, and I never had to be put on pit. The labor progressed fine without pitocin, so it's possible that yours will, as well! I sure hope so!
One verse, well, make that two verses that have meant the world to me as I have had children are:
"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Ps. 61:1&2
God bless you!
Laura
www.homeschoolblogger.com/lovemyhome
Praying, praying, praying!
I'll definitely be staying tuned for updates!
Good luck for tomorrow Crystal - you're doing really well! I'll be praying for you and your family, and checking back for updates.
I do enjoy your blog - I don't get out much just now due to health problems so find the Internet extremely useful!
God bless!
While your dear family is trusting that God makes all things beautiful in His time(Ecclesiastes 3) and works all things toward good to those that love Him(Romans 8), we will continue to approach the throne of grace concerning prayers of the Lord's will for you, too, as the wee one is born. What a precious time this is ~ what memories it brings to mind for moms! Above all, for God's glory, the Lord Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceeding on your behalf. Isn't it glorious to be in the grip of His grace and mercy as His workmanship? Blessings and hugs to you, precious ones.
Crystal, I'll be praying for you too. I had a lot of hassles and such towards the end of each of my pregnancies too, and it does get wearying going to the doctor constantly or spending time in the hospital....but soon you'll have that new baby in your arms and it will all be a memory.
Hello All,
I just wanted to ask for prayer for my family. And I know this blog reaches thousands of readers across the globe who know and trust God and that he can do wonders things.
This is an updated email on my dad from my mother, and the search and trials for a new kidney. Please keep us in your prayers that his will would be done.
Love Nichole
www.nicholejordan.blogspot.com
Well Good morning all,
I tried to do this yesterday but found out I was not that smart about distribution lists. But I finally got it right!. SO this is a prayer request and a update for our family and Karl.
I have decided to make a distribution list to send out one mail to those who are praying and asking for more information. If you received this mail as a forward and would like to be added to the distribution list please email me and I will add you to our mailing.
A few updates
First of all we (Karl and I) want to thank everyone who has prayed for us. And a special “thank you”, to all of you who have called the transplant hospital and volunteered your kidney as a gift to Karl. That is the most generous thing a person could do for another and we are greatly blessed and humbled by your gift to us. Leslie, his nurse said she has never had so many people call and want to give their kidney to one man. We have a growing list! Praise the Lord.
Second, Timothy our oldest is the wrong blood type and no longer a candidate for transplant. Thus far we have had four people who volunteered to donate been told they were not candidates to donate. So it is a little harder to find one than we expected. So the search for the right candidate continues.
Third, we are in need of a good second car that gets better gas mileage (as some may know we have a 12 passenger van, it is parked, 11 miles per gallons). The hospital is around 50 miles from us. Last week we were there 4 times. So we are in the market for a good used vehicle. Please pass that information around.
Fourth, All his test last week went great. The specialists all agreed that there was nothing wrong with him (they are looking for cancer) and he was a good candidate for a transplant. The tests they did on his heart showed no problems with the heart.
Fifth, If all the paperwork and test results are in to Leslie by Friday he will have a appointment with the surgeon on Monday and get a recommendation form him. Then on Wednesday the 27th his case will be presented to the transplant board for review. They either agree to let Karl have a transplant, or they deny it.
Sixth, I called the insurance. We have complete coverage for the donor and Karl. The information we received earlier was false. We have great thankfulness for that.
Seventh, If all works out well with a donor he could have a transplant within three months. The goal is under three months.
Specific prayer requests
Pray for the donors and the testing on them. It is 48 hrs in the hospital. And for the kidney donors family.
Pray for his glucose levels to return to normal. It is still high, 140 in am after fasting. He does not want to be a diabetic.
Pray for the donor selection. Who ever is next and how the doctors choose him or her.
Pray for the Doctors and surgeons. And the transplant review board!
Pray for me.
Terrie
But My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Hi Crystal -
Are you getting excited!? Soon you will hold your tiny precious one in your arms.
I was induced with my 2nd child - a word to the wise - don't forget to ask your doctor/midwife at what time you should stop eating or drinking.
Trust me, you don't want to go into an induction with a full tummy. It ain't pretty! You really don't want to add vomiting to your discomfort if you can help it.
You will do great! Our love and prayers to you for the 20th & 21st!
Crystal,
I just read your most recent update and noticed your comment about a stomach bug. I have read, and also know from experience, that stomach upset can be a sign of impending labor! Maybe this might be the case for you??
Regardless of how your labor begins over the weeks, you will continue to be in our prayers! God is so good and seeing how He has worked in your life over the past few weeks has been such a joy to experience through your writings. I can hardly wait to hear what other blessings He has in store for y'all! :o)
God bless you and your family! Happy Birthing!
Crystal, you have quite the team of prayer warriors! Add me to the list!
Hi Crystal, I just read your most recent post about the surrendered wife documentary and I wanted to say that it sounds to me like you have a loving, happy marriage where both partners treat each other the way two people in love are supposed to. I know that journalists like to sensationalize things and make them seem different than they are in order to get ratings, and I'm sorry that had to happen to you. (I think a similar kind of thing happens, for example, to the women on the "Bridezillas" program, where the production team lies to them about things going wrong in their wedding and takes things out of context.)
I hope everything goes well with the delivery of your child. I have nothing but good wishes for you and your family.
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