What A Whopper!

We have LOTS of big babies in Alaska. In fact, our average is approx 1 lb larger than the average weight in the rest of the US. It's not just in the Alaska Native population either. People from other ethnic backgrounds have normal size babies (6-7 lb range) then move to Alaska and have 8-9 lb babies. I've had first time moms deliver 10# babies with relative ease. I have one mom who I've caught 3 babies with, the first 10# 4 oz, the second 10# 8 oz, and the last...11# 4oz...vaginally...no problems (no..she wasn't a gestational diabetic. In fact, she was my record holder.........until tonight.
I've known "V' for the past several years. I took care of and delivered her sister just about 3 years ago. I adore this family and was thoroughly honored and tickled pink when "V" asked me to be her midwife. She did everything the right way...no smoking, no drinking, healthy eating, drinking tons of water...passed all her prenatal tests with flying colors every time...no gestational diabetes....no excessive weight gain... By 30 weeks, we knew this would be a big boy.....by her due date I was estimating 10# (and I'm pretty darn good at guessing baby weight when I can lay hands on a belly)...and "V" wanted a natural birth, to go into labor on her own...no induction...no epidural...and knowing her....if anyone could do it, she could...
"V" started having contractions off and on by Sunday...(41 and a half weeks)...and consented for induction on Tuesday....well....as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men and all that.....
By this morning, she hadn't slept in almost 48 hours....even with some nice medication...just a little doze between contractions...yes...she was having the dreaded back labor......
By noon.....she accepted an epidural......by 5pm, I knew we weren't going anywhere except the OR....by 7:30...we all agreed it was time for a C-Section...(baby did great throughout so no one was in any hurry.} sooo......My doc guessed about 9-9 1/2# after laying hands on...I was thinking 10-10# 4oz.....
In the C-section, we got his head, chubby cheeks and all out...and started pulling shoulders...and body...and more body...and HOLY COW.......he was crying before his legs were out....not a little squalky baby cry either...a deep robust full throated cry.......




11# 10.5 oz (yes, you read that right...eleven pounds and ten and a half ounces).....22" long...........big old congratulations are in order for "V" and her entire family! Mom and baby are doing great. And now the midwife is going to bed too....I think everyone earned a little rest today.