After being more than two weeks late, and exhausting all natural ways of induction, our midwives Claudia and Jen advised us that it was now time to go to the hospital. They wanted to transfer care before the situation became urgent. The baby was still doing fine and we had two ultrasounds and non-stress tests done every other day showing that nothing was wrong. We decided to go to Sutter in Davis on Thursday, Nov 12th. We arrived with Claudia and Jen around 9:30 in the morning. I was given Cytotec to ripen my cervix. The medicine gave me back to back contractions and I became 3cm dialated. After that I was put on Pitocin which mimicked the back to back contractions making them stronger and harder. In the middle of the night we decided to stop the Pitocin to get some rest since I was still having no breaks between contractions and the goal was to get them to be more normal. Our midwives left the room and found a place to sleep in the hospital waiting room. I think sometime early morning I was 4cm dialated. Not sure when this occured (I was getting more and more out of it). In the morning they started up the Pitocin again. The contractions were now managable with breaks between them. The nurse kept upping the dose of Pitocin making the contractions really strong and hard. I was getting to the point where I felt like I couldn't take it anymore. I was checked and was still at 4cm :( I felt like I was working so hard and that I had to be more than 4cm! At this point I really felt like I couldn't do it and finally gave in and asked for an Epidural, I think around 4 or 5pm. The doctor came in after a while and checked me; I had made no progress. She then said that I needed to have a Cesarean. I was devastated! I cried and cried. My birth plan changed so much I was feeling like I couldn't wrap my head around what was going on. We asked to have some time to discuss with our midwives. Claudia knew that I was really upset and asked if it would help if she checked me. I said yes right away. She checked me and sadly said that it was the right thing to do. The baby was in the wrong position (larger part of head trying to come out and face up) and I was only at 4cm. I was then prepped for the operation. I have to add in here that the baby was never in danger during this whole process. Her heart rate was always within the normal range. After all is said and done, I am just so greatful that our baby and myself are safe and healthy. Sage Rosalie Pizzo arrived at 7:35pm and was 18 days late!!!
In the beginning
Sitting on the birthing ball and breathing through each contraction
Using the birthing tub to ease the pain
(James did not take any pics in the OR. So this is when the Cesarean occured)
She latched on instantly
Out at last. This picture makes me think of how much I was poked and prodded.
First picture captured of James with Sage, even though he held her right after she was born and never let go until he gave her to me
Our Family!
What an adventure we have had. I feel that with everything that happened, James and I grew so much closer. I don't regret any of the events that took place, and feel that everything happens for a reason. I also wouldn't take back the two days of labor prior to the Cesarean. I feel like I worked my butt off and it was impowering knowing how much strength I have. Of course recovery is a little different with having an operation. I did have a good amount of pain but it is all worth it in the end. What a beautiful baby we made together!
Aunt Danielle 
Grandpa Pizzo
Grandma Pizzo
Grandpa Wittsell
Grandma Wittsell
Uncle John and Cousin Donovan
Aunt Laurie
Carol and Vivien Rose
Great Aunt Alice
Cousins Joel, Ana, and Katarina
Cousin Dan
Emily
Cousin Kim
What an expression. Sage makes so many funny faces.
She might be going to the bathroom here :)
Sleeping and so adorable!
In the beginning
Using the birthing tub to ease the pain
She latched on instantly
Out at last. This picture makes me think of how much I was poked and prodded.
First picture captured of James with Sage, even though he held her right after she was born and never let go until he gave her to me
Our Family!
We are so happy! She is such a wonderful baby :)
Sage with Mommy
Sage with Daddy
Sage meeting Marley and Kaya
