31 hours of unmedicated labor and 7 hours of pitocin and epidural labor later, we have Floyd Leroy Aker IV, 6lbs 8oz, 20 inches long at 5:21 pm on June 11, 2018.

My water was broken for all 38 hours. My contractions just weren't strong enough, kept weakening, and I wasn't dilating very much. So, we needed to start pitocin to get this baby out and Momma needed an epidural so she could sleep and be ready for pushing and the next stage of life with a baby.

I tried so hard with all the natural methods for an unmedicated labor and, I mean, I got 31 hours of exhaustion and beautiful, wonderful, labor with help of my amazing husband, Trey. That's an experience I will honestly cherish forever. For.ever. It was so grueling but so so beautiful 😍💜💕👼

But I'm also so so thankful for my epidural. I needed a good bit of pitocin to get my contractions strong enough for dilation and we needed to get him here soon since my water had been broken so long.

Check me out, looking all glamorous for the camera! Also, nipple stimulation anyone?!

Seeing his face for the first time was shocking and wonderful! Laboring and all prenatal care with Dr Bellmann was a freaking DREAM!!!

While I was freaking out that I *really* was a parent now and said something like “Oh my God, he's not inside me anymore.” she said something to the effect of “Well, he can't go back in.” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 she's amazing!

We are very thankful to God for this beautiful baby boy! We are also thankful to all of the family that helped us during our long stay and and visits from family and friends, and the many prayers that were lifted on our behalf.

As you can see, barely sleeping for about 4 or 5 days in a row (we had an extended hospital stay and he screamed all night) really dampens my photography eye for good angles. Lol!

My Birth Story