A week ago today I completed the ultimate WOD – childbirth. It was such a rewarding experience; one of the best PRs I’ve ever gained!

After our doctor appointment on Friday, I was very emotional and having a hard time waiting. I didn’t have to wait long. By 12:45 p.m., my water broke. And no ladies, it’s not one big gush like Hollywood portrays. Instead it’s a slow, awkward leak. Lovely.

I called the doctor’s office and they told us to head to the hospital. Since I wasn’t having contractions, we took our time. By 4 p.m., we were settling in our labor and delivery room; our room was fabulous – large with a great view of the downtown skyline. To stay busy, I wrote my last post. My hips were bearing the discomfort at the time, so I found great relief in the exercise ball.

Unfortunately, I still wasn’t dilating. The doctor talked to us about our options and receiving small doses of Pitocin seemed to be our best way to jump-start dilation and contractions. By 9 p.m., my contractions were two minutes apart, lasting 30 seconds each (aka painful), but I still wasn’t really dilating, holding strong at a three. And I was exhausted. The anxiety, emotion and actual CrossFit WODs from the week had built up and my poor body was done. The hubs and I spoke at length and decided I should get the epidural.

One word: GODSEND

I was asleep almost instantly and slept through the night.

I feel like I got the best of both worlds. I experienced my water breaking naturally. I went through intense contractions. And I got sleep, glorious sleep.

Throughout the night, the doctors and nurses would check on me. At 4:30 a.m., my OB stopped by to check my dilation and I was, “beyond a 10.” I asked for a few minutes to freshen up.

I woke Chad by saying, “it’s time to have a baby.” Bless him, he was so confused and excited in the same token. We both took some time brushing our teeth and washing our faces (highly recommend if there’s time!).

The sky was lightning as the sun started to rise. Chad started our push playlist and we barely got into the meat of it. In less than 20 minutes, our strong, beautiful daughter entered the world with big eyes and a wail. It was the best workout I have ever completed.

Since then, we’ve been reveling in her magic.

Some follow-up notes:

• Pooch has been remarkable. He was introduced to her scent with her first beanie and blankie. Since we’ve arrived home, he showers her with kisses, checks on her and is a great protector.

• The placenta encapsulation was the right choice for us. Since receiving, the pills have helped balance my hormones, given me energy, and are hopefully helping with milk production.

• I am able to breastfeed, but it’s slow going. We’re just thankful she’s getting some nutrients from me.

These last nine months were definitely made possible by our Back Alley CrossFit family (and all our family and friends!). Especially in the last trimester. The love, support, and encouragement fellow members extended when I was working out was awesome. And that hasn’t ended – from visits, cards, flowers, gifts, meals, support and advice with breastfeeding and sleeping – we are definitely feeling power of the CrossFit community and within the community we have built near and far. Endless thanks for all the love and support.

And to all my readers, the blog won’t stop here. Now it’s time to get my body back! I hope you’ll continue to follow my journey as I ramp back up into CrossFit and continue to feature other CrossFit and pregnant athletes.

We have already started walking, extending our distances each day. I’m proud to say the pounds are falling off (so take that docs who scolded me!). It’s my intention to be back in the box within three weeks. Coach Melissa and I have already started talking about what my comeback will be like – more conditioning and less lifting for the first few months. It will be quite a physical and mental challenge for me.

So, there you have it. The WOD of a lifetime. Lots of lessons learned, but the end result is a happy, healthy and very strong baby. Here’s to all the CrossFit and pregnant women out there!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and moms-to-be.

xoxox,

Team Leatherman