Riley's Birth Story

Sitting down to write this I realize just how different my experience has been to become a mom. Her story-journey is the complete opposite of her brothers in every way.

September 10 2013

We knew today was the day we would be meeting our baby girl. She had been breech for 10 weeks and we had scheduled a c-section for (39w4d).

Having the event planed brought some relief in that we could plan, pack, and prepare for the exact moment. It wouldn't be the chaotic 'I'm in labor' scenario. Although the waiting was hard we were anxious for the big day.

We arrived at L&D two hours early to get prepped and wait!

We met with our Dr whom I had been with since 16 weeks, love him! Had one last u/s to make sure she was still breech, and off I went to get prepped.

It felt like forever but 20 min later once I was all numb and ready to go they brought D back in right as the Dr was coming in to start.

The next part was quick and I was really nervous. My heart was beating really hard and I asked anesthesia if I was OK and it was just nerves.

I heard the infamous 'OK now there's going to be a lot of pressure' and man it was. They lowered the curtain and I saw my baby girl for the first time and she started crying right away. She was big and healthy.

NICU came in to check her out (customary for a first c section). They stayed for maybe 5 min and left, relief! No NICU stay this time.

D walked over to see her and take pictures. I kept asking if she was OK and they were telling me her stats.

Riley Sam Helvey
8lb 1oz
20in

Finally D came over with our baby.

I asked to have her put to my face so I could touch her and kiss her. She was perfect.

Soon after I was sewn up and my cerclage taken out. It was quick!

They put me in my transport bed and handed me my girl for the first time. I spent an hour in recovery doing skin to skin with her.

We made our way to our room to get settled in and get to know Riley.

We asked our families to come visit once we called them when we felt ready. We wanted time with her before anyone came and it was perfect.

A few hours later we asked them to come and meet her and Brayden was first. Our family of four!

We spent three days in the hospital to allow me to heal and although it was a rough recovery I got to spend each day learning more about Riley.

The first night was really special for me, I stayed up most of the night bonding with her. My heart just magically expanded to allow room for two. It's amazing how that happens.

We are now home and she is growing like a weed. She changes every day and I can't imagine ours lives before her.