My Birth Story: Aarav Krishan Patel

My due date for my second son was May 2, 2021. As I approached the 38 week mark, I knew it was almost time. I certainly didn't think delivery day was going to be a full two weeks early. However, our little guy had other plans! After working a full day on Friday, April 16, I went to bed early-ish as I usually do these days. Sleep is a precious commodity when you are this pregnant. At 1:45 a.m. on Saturday morning, I woke up with contractions. I went to the bathroom as usual, because, #pregnant. However, I couldn't get back to sleep like I did every other day. The contractions kept on coming. At this point, I wondered how long I could go without waking up Amar. Eventually, I made the call it was time to stir the husband.

We started timing the contractions. After one hour of contractions less than five minutes apart, we decided it was go time. This entire pregnancy, as the end approached, I told my coworkers, I can go into labor any time, as long as my Mom is in town. She was planning to arrive on Friday, April 23. But, once again, baby had other plans! Before we could leave, we had to arrange for care for Aadil so he could continue peacefully sleeping all night. Our incredible neighbor came over right away when Amar knocked and stayed the whole rest of the night until Aadil woke up in the morning. We are so thankful for their help and support.

By the time we got to the hospital, my labor had slowed. Better put: it wasn't progressing quite as fast. The triage nurses and on call doctors said I could either stay at the hospital, or be more comfortable at home and come back once I was further along. By this time, it was 8:30 a.m. The promise of a little something to eat and a chance to sleep in my own bed sounded perfect. We stopped to get a quick breakfast before heading home. I couldn't eat much. I did manage to enjoy the most delightful chocolate chip scone from Wealthy Street Bakery, though. Thankfully, I got a couple solid hours of rest before I was woken up again with contractions. This time, it was go time for real! The bags were still in the car from earlier. It was time to hit the road again.

Once we arrived at the hospital, I was quickly moved from the maternity triage floor to our birthing room. In the triage room, I received my first COVID test. Luckily, it was quick and not the giant swab I'd heard horror stories about. We had been updating Cassie, our doula, the entire time since my labor began. She met us at triage when I arrived the second time and was with us until baby was born. After laboring for hours at this point, I wanted my epidural and I wanted it fast. I asked for it and received it shortly after. Once I received the epidural, I was considerably more comfortable. If you've delivered a child, you'll understand what I mean. During my first delivery, it was December, and late at night, so it was dark and cold outside. This time, the entire feel of the labor and delivery room was different. It was the middle of the day and bright sunshine was streaming into the room.

At some point after receiving the epidural and before baby was born, Amar was starving so he went to the café to get himself a sandwich. Not a moment after he left, I heard someone in the room say, "You might want to call Amar, because it is almost time!" By the time he got back with his meal, it was pushing time. My second experience pushing was totally different than my first. With Aadil, I pushed for an hour and a half. With new baby, it was only ten minutes! In no time at all, Aarav Krishan Patel was placed on my chest for skin to skin contact. He was born on Saturday, April 17, 2021, 6 pounds, 2 ounces, 19.5 long. Our beautiful baby boy knew he was ready to make his debut in the world.

Because I was Group B Strep Positive, I had to receive antibiotics during my delivery. But because Aarav was born so quickly, I didn't get to receive the full dose of the antibiotic before he arrived. As a result, we had to stay two midnights at the hospital. Thankfully, our stay was wonderful and we were very well taken care of. I want to recognize and thank each member of the staff who assisted us and provided care during my labor stay. From the triage staff who first checked me in, to the woman who guided me to the whirlpool, to everyone in between, the medical staff at the maternity ward of Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital is unbeatable. When you are recovering from childbirth, you appreciate being asked if you need more water, food, comfort measures or simply being asked: How are you doing? This time, a different OB delivered Aarav than Aadil from the practice I see. But just as before, I was so impressed with the professionalism, kindness, patience and keen eye for my well-being and my whole family's demonstrated by the doctor and whole staff. I'm so grateful to Amar and Cassie, too, for keeping me motivated, focused and supported during every step of the process.

When Monday finally rolled around, we were ecstatic to finally bring our bundle of joy home. Introducing Aadil to Aarav was one of the most special moments of my life. I will never forget the tender kiss Aadil gave his brother and how excited he is to see him whenever he gets home from school.

Our first visit to the pediatrician on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

Day by day, we are getting adjusted to being a family of four. I'm so thankful to have my Mom here to provide us with an extra set of hands. Aarav is a blessing we are so grateful for. He was early, and eager, to make his debut in the world and we couldn't be happier.