Birth Stories: Past or Present

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #300 on: December 07, 2008, 06:07:06 PM » by DawnsEarlyBirds

So, I have debated posting my birthstory here, because as some of you remember it didn't end as we had hoped. But, have decided, it was what the Lord allowed, and had some good parts, and maybe some encouragement for someone. If you want a typical birth story with a happy healthy baby ending, stop reading. If you want to know what the Lord allows for some, and not many remember, read on.

Sept. 15th, a whole week before my due date - and I was always late, usually about 9 days - I had some very strong contractions through the day. The midwife had told me to call as soon as I thought anything was happening due to her and the second midwife's distance. But I wasn't progressing so I just kept holding out. By evening they stopped, my husband took me for a put you into labor walk, as he calls them, but nothing. The baby was moving around a lot during the day.

The next day nothing, at one point I stood up in the garden, on an incredibly beautiful fall day here in New Hampshire, and thought, I feel so good, I don't even feel pregnant. (In retrospect I believe she was gone by then.) The baby didn't move at all, but pushing where we could usually feel her butt, I felt 2 hard places, which was odd, and I still am not clear what that would have been. DH and all but one child went to some thing that evening and 7 year old, Joshuah, took me for another put mommy into labor walk, and a long talk about Down's Syndrome (his DS cousin was at our house the day before.)

Wed. morning I woke up about 3 with strong contractions and a while later told DH this was it. He got up and we cleaned, baked 2 apple pies (one with a B, one with a G, not knowing which), etc. etc. He graciously moved all the beans I had hanging from the beams to dry to the porch as the smell was bothering me. My labor progressed but was quite manageable. I was praying the entire time that if it was safe for the baby that is would arrive before the midwife did, so DH could have the privilege of delivering himself, which would have been really neat for him. But it didn't happen (a true answered prayer, he would have been devastated!) We got up the 6 kids, 19 year old DD thankfully un-expectantly home, and sent them out for breakfast. Midwife arrived around 7:30, I was walking, talking and laughing with her. We have a circle in our house and every time I got to the washing machine in the circle a contraction started - so I was blaming it for my pain.

She finally layed me down to get BP ( a bit high) and hear the baby, except she couldn't. She was calm, and I had some mild back pain and was thinking the baby had turned and was face up and she just couldn't find it. Second midwife arrived and between the 2 of them and 3 different instruments they couldn't find the heartbeat. They asked me what I wanted to do, saying "you know what this could mean?" I thought it meant, rush to the hospital for a c-section. They also asked DH if he knew, which he did, and he said he was sure I knew too. Praise the Lord I didn't.

I continued to walk in the circle while they got ready to go to the hospital. We walked out the door and I laughed and told the midwife, "you know one of the reasons I have home births is because I HATE being in labor in the car! Before we left she got in the back seat with me and prayed, "Lord this isn't our plan for today, but it is what you have for us." Then she got in the drivers seat, DH road shotgun and warned of twists, turns, etc. Second midwife followed in her van.

We have 1 mile of really bad dirt road before the paved road, and she was driving like it was a Nascar race. Faster once we got to pavement. At one point she slipped in a Fernando Ortego CD, and while we raced to town (a usually 30 minute drive) I remember hearing, "come let us worship and bow down." About 10 minutes into the ride we pulled over, she got in back and DH drove (slower I might add) but the baby was born about 1/2 mile further and he pulled over. It was a one push birth. It was clear from the first moment there was no life, though we quietly tried some gentle massage, etc. Then the midwife asked if we wanted to go home or go to the hospital - which she made clear was not necessary. We chose to go home.

It was a slow, sad ride home, and "Grace and Peace" was playing by now on the CD. I thought that Grace would have made a special name for her, maybe a middle name as we had decided on Zoe, which means 'life'. When we got home, we cut the cord, handed her to DH, then managed to get me, the entire mess and all out of the car without getting a bit on the inside of the midwife's car. I was showered, cleaned up and in bed with DH and our precious bundle when the kids got home. I am still not sure when they learned about her death, but I think DH called and they knew by the time the whole sad bunch came into our room.

Anyway, the midwife washed and dressed the baby, we took pictures, and one son held her, before the funeral home came and took her. The blessed people drove an hour to get her, returned her to an office 20 minutes away the following week, and didn't charge us a dime. My husband built her a beautiful coffin, and for now a wood cross and we buried her on our property.

It was as the midwife prayed, not what we planned, but we have had many, many, MANY blessings because of what the Lord had for us. We had a just-us burial that was so great, but I won't go into that, because this is a birth story thread.

So, anyway, a car birth is not as bad as one might think, I was so focused on what was going on, it didn't matter where I was. And I have never driven that fast in my life, certainly not on our old country roads! And my labor was so easy and when I told the midwife I was thinking it was the raspberry leaf I was taking (from Beeyoutiful) she said she thought it was the small baby (only 5 pounds 8 ounces) but the whole labor was easier, not just the pushing. Was it God's grace? If so, maybe He planned that by having me be a WTMer and I knew to take raspberry leaf? That's my thought, so take your raspberry and thanks for all of you who taught me to do it!!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #301 on: December 07, 2008, 09:03:09 PM » by BettaGurl3

Quote from: DawnsEarlyBirds on December 07, 2008, 06:07:06 PM

Oh DawnsEarlyBirds, I am so sorry. Cry

What a sad ending!! Cry

-bettagurl3

« Last Edit: December 08, 2008, 11:25:17 AM by bettagurl3 »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #302 on: December 07, 2008, 10:48:58 PM » by hi_itsgwen

Dear DEBs, Thank you for sharing your story. Ladies, especially young mothers, are often so sheltered from the truth that birth and death can intermingle. Though I've only experienced miscarriages, I know that I was terribly niave as to how frequently this happened until it actually happened to me.

I remember the story of Laura Ingalls losing her second born. I read that as a young woman, and had deep sorrow for her, but I thought 'that was a long time ago, stuff like this doesn't happen now adays.' It does. It happens in hospitals and in homes. Birth doesn't always mean life.

It is good for us to soberly reflect on the fragility of life...to pray for one another, and to feel utterly blessed and grateful for the lives that he does allow us to nurture outside the womb. Love and prayers for you and your family. ~Gwen

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #303 on: December 08, 2008, 10:05:24 AM » by floydian

Thank you for sharing your story.

I am so sorry for your loss.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #304 on: December 10, 2008, 11:36:14 PM » by DawnsEarlyBirds

Quote from: floydian on December 08, 2008, 10:05:24 AM

Thank you for sharing your story.

I am so sorry for your loss.

HB, I am not trying to hijack the birth stories thread, but wanted to say something here.

After Zoe's birth/death our 8 year old son, Joshuah, was particularly devastated. This lead to long walks to her grave, long talks about why God hadn't answered his prayers to keep mom and the baby healthy (we had a miscarriage a few years ago that he clearly remembered, and prayed diligently about this.) Well, the great news, the gain in our loss, was that the result of all these walks and talks was Joshuah putting his trust in Jesus as his savior!!!!!!!!!!!! Our tears of sorrow have turned to tears of joy for our little "handsome" man.

The Lord is ALWAYS good.
Dawn

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #305 on: December 11, 2008, 08:47:03 AM » by Kitty

DawnsEarlyBirds--
Thank you so very much for sharing about Zoe...Gwen expressed my heart as well. As originator of this thread, I am glad you continued to share more of her story in how it impacted your son for God's glory; you're right, He is always good!

I hope others can continue to share their special stories, too.

Each one blesses some reader uniquely, no doubt!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #306 on: January 15, 2009, 08:14:50 PM » by LKS

Noah's birth story

I woke up at 4 am Wednesday January 14th, with moderate contractions. I used the bathroom and had bloody show so I was pretty sure this was it. I drank some cayenne pepper in warm water as I had been advised that would help prevent excessive bleeding. That was a HOT cup of water! I also got online to ask for prayer.
Then I went back to bed to try to get what rest I could. About 7 things were getting pretty uncomfortable. My husband was up & built a fire as the house was COLD & I moved out to the couch. The kids were up by then & we told them I was in labor. My 12 year old son reacted with a kind of awed disgust "You're in labor? EEEwwwww" My 9 daughter was just beyond excited & wanted to discuss every detail. Unfortunatly, I was a little beyond casual conversation at this point. My 2 year old just wanted to sit in my lap. Ouch.

Time was a blur for me at this point so my timeline may be off some. About 8 we took all the blankets off the bed & set up the plastic sheet & put an older blanket back on. I labored on the bed for a while until I felt like I wanted to get in the tub. Contractions were really intense by now & I was having a hard time staying relaxed. I used the bathroom before getting into the tub & right as I sat down my water broke. It kind of popped & gushed & then I could feel the baby's head move down & seal it off.

I got in the tub & it felt so good. We didn't have a "birthing tub" but were just using the bathtub. My husband took off the shower doors so he could actually reach me. The water felt so good at this point. My contractions were coming hard & fast & the only thing getting me thru was prayer. Although at this point my prayers pretty much consisted of me just repeating "please Jesus" over & over & over.

It felt like I was in the tub for hours but in reality it was less than 2 hours. After maybe an hour I starting pushing little 'fake' pushes as the contractions peaked because they hurt so bad. Pushing was giving me some relief. But I hadn't had that uncontrollable "I have to push NOW" feeling that I had with my other babies so I was a little leery that maybe it wasn't time yet. After maybe 20 minutes of the 'fake' pushing I decided to try a "real" push. One huge push & the head was out. Two more & I felt his little body wriggle out & shoot across the tub.

My husband pulled him out & handed him to me. I was first to know he was a boy. He was pretty snuffly & bubbly so my husband spent a few minutes suctioning him & wiping him off. We kept him in the warm tub for a few minutes waiting for the cord to stop pulsing. He nursed a little bit until we were ready to cut the cord. Once he was 'free' my husband wrapped him up & took him to show the kids. After maybe 15 or 20 minutes I pushed out the placenta. I just squatted over a dish pan & it was really easy. My husband helped me get up & dressed & then we moved in to the bedroom & just got to enjoy being a family. It was so awesome to be at home, not to be poked & prodded & picked at. And it was so amazingly special that it was just me & my husband.

I want to give the disclaimer that we did not enter into this lightly. We tried & tried to find a midwife right up until last week. We read all we could & had our supplies ready. We also talked about what we both expected, what we would do "if", what the plan was if we needed help, we tried to be ready for anything. And we prayed. We prayed that we would do the Lord's will. We prayed for an uncomplicated delivery. We prayed for skill & discernment. We prayed for a healthy baby. We prayed a lot.

The labor was much harder than I expected. I really didn't think I would make it thru! I had read all these books & hundreds of birth stories & convinced myself that I would have an easy labor & breeze right thru--NOT! I was able to stay calm & really focused but it was not easy! I told my husband several times I couldn't do it! He just kept encouraging me & reminded me it would hurt at the hospital just as much as at home! The Lord blessed us with an uncomplicated delivery & a healthy baby & we are truly thankful.

From start to finish I had 7 hours of labor. Our Noah Jordan came into this world at 10:55am weighing 9lbs6oz & we are blessed.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #307 on: January 15, 2009, 09:08:21 PM » by Meagan Visser

Congradulations again! Noah's a great name. I'm so glad to hear that everything went well, and that you got to do it the way you wanted it. It's so awesome that God truly does care for us and gives us the desires of our heart!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #308 on: March 01, 2009, 11:32:29 PM » by sweetestday

This is very late, considering Reuben is already four months old, but I so enjoy reading everyone else's stories, so want to share my latest. (Dawn's EarlyBirds... thank you for sharing your hard experience. And the results, of Joshuah's trust in God. What a precious testimony.)

I was 'due' on Oct. 26th, but we decided to ask our MW to come on the 20th to stay till Baby arrived. Her plan was to stay with her grandparents over the weekend, 3 hours away, then come to our place by 3:30 Monday afternoon. (She lives 9 hours away, and comes to help me out in the days before birth.)
John and I celebrated our 6th anniversary on the 19th with a special meal out with just the two of us, then watching our wedding video with the two boys.
John went to his weekly Bible study group 20 minutes away, from 9pm-11pm. I spent part of the time preparing the sitting room into a bedroom for the MW. At 11:30, Friederich, my 2 1/2 yo woke up and wanted me to lay by him. Quite a feat for a full term mommy to lay by a 2yo on a crib mattress on the floor! I heard John come home, so got up to greet him... I noticed it was exactly midnight when I got up... and my greeting to him was, "My water just broke!"
I called the MW, and she was just getting settled in for the night at her grandparents'. She said she'd come right away, and took off for the 3 hour drive to our place. We also called my older sis who was so afraid she'd miss the birth after knowing how quickly my second birth progressed. Wouldn't you know, we couldn't get ahold of her!
Well, I went back to bed to try to get some sleep, and John sweetly got the bedroom ready for the birth, and got the couch bed all ready for the MW. Meanwhile, I was soaking through all the cloth diapers I was using for pads.
I got a bit of sleep, the MW arrived and went to bed, and my sister finally got the messages and arrived by early morning. Labor was slow and easy... contractions were never very close together. The boys woke up by about 6:30 and were pretty excited when they found out the baby would be there soon.
Well, the day went on... the boys went down for their naps... and about when they woke up is when I started getting pushy. My sis started a video downstairs for the boys. I got very emotional and weepy when the pushing started. Looking back, I am pretty sure it was because both my oldest boy, and John were so sure the baby was a girl. Will had prayed for a girl baby right before I got pregnant, and they were both positive that this was an answer to his prayer. I didn't have the same assurance, and was afraid of what their reactions would be if it was a boy. So, I was a bit afraid to push the baby out, I think.
Anyway, the pushing only lasted 14 minutes. His head came, and I heard Rebekah, the MW say that there was a cord. It seemed to take her a while to work with it, so I started praying outloud. My sis said that at that time the cord loosened, and Rebekah was able to slip the two loops over his head. Then out he came! John and Will were disappointed about him being a boy, but they still love him tons, of course. Wink

The boys came up right away, and just goo-ed over their little bro. I sent them out while delivering the placenta, but they came back in again right away to examine it. Will even donned rubber gloves, and "helped" Rebekah check it all out.
After our customary 3 day wait, we named him 'Reuben John'. Reuben means 'behold a son'... and we thought that was a good fit. Cheesy

He was 8lbs 9oz and arrived at 3:24, Oct. 20th. My longest, but least intense birth.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #309 on: March 05, 2009, 10:22:38 PM » by ArmyWife

I gave birth to our third child on Monday, and it was quite an experience! I had fairly short labors with my two girls (6 1/2 and 4 hrs), where my water had broken in the hospital @ 10cm, so I wasn't prepared for things to go differently this time, with our first boy. Monday was my due date, but I thought for sure I would have him earlier, so we had called family to come up from FL over a week ago (we're in TN). With my first 2 I had a - GBS test, and had the dr. strip the membranes at my apt a few days before the due date. With both, that night I went into labor. Well, I tested + (then - w/ a retest and some Hibiclens) w/ this one, so they wouldn't strip the membranes at the 39wk apt, so I really wasn't sure if I was an on-time, early, or late mama. So for the next week, we tried the various things mentioned on the labor induction thread, and a couple times I thought for sure that day was gonna be the day. So on Monday morning, I felt pretty achy in my back and uterus, and was pretty sure that was gonna be the day. I had my 40wk apt that morning, so I got ready for that, decided to stick a meatloaf in the oven for lunch, etc. About 9:30 I started having some moderately intense contractions every few minutes. These were the first ctx that I knew were for real, but I was kind of surprised at how they were starting off. I was still able to walk through them and keep working in the kitchen. Decided to go ahead and call my dh at work @ 9:50, and left a message for him with his cpt., who, thankfully, said he'd send him right home. My dh called me @ 10:00 to say he was on his way home (a 30min drive) and while talking to him my water broke. I had no idea what to do, except that they say to come in if your water breaks, so I headed back to the bedroom to put on some dry pants. Well, I decided to go to the bathroom as well, but every time I stood up, more of the amniotic fluid would come out, so I kept sitting down, standing up, etc., all the while wondering what in the world I should do. Fortunately my in-laws were there with our girls, and I was gonna have my MIL drive me on post to the hospital, but couldn't ever make up my mind if this was the right thing (or if we'd have problems getting on post since she doesn't have mil. ID), or if I should just wait for dh, or if I should call 911 and go via ambulance. Talked to dh again, and we decided to do the ambulance just in case. I wasn't having any more ctx at this point, though. The amb. got there about 10:30, and fortunately for me, they happened to have a double female crew that day (she said it didn't happen very often). They got me loaded in, put in an IV just for fluid, and kept asking if I felt any pressure. About this time my ctx started up again, every 2 min., but not any pressure (they really didn't want to deliver on the side of the road--neither did I) They decided to go non-emergency, and I guess I'm glad, cuz it was a rough ride as it was, going the speed limit, but we almost didn't make it. Also, dh got home right before we left, so he followed us to the hospital 20 min. away. On the way, w/ each ctx I started to feel a little bit more pressure, and when we were almost there I told the lady that I was feeling more pressure, and she just about had the driver pull over, but I assured her I could make it. We pulled up to the hospital, they started wheeling me up to L&D, and I said "I'm feeling a LOT of pressure!" to which the medic replied, "we can go faster!" and they started running. We arrived @ the hospital at 11:00, and he was born at 11:11! Dh barely made it there, as he had to park around in the other parking lot, so I was so glad to see him when he came in. This was our biggest baby yet, at 8lbs7oz (the girls were 6#1 and 7#3) but I only had a slight tear that didn't require stitches, unlike with my other two. We're thankful for a healthy baby boy! He's a beauty Grin

On the way to the hospital, I handled the ctx quite well I thought, reminding myself that my body was working, the ctx were moving my baby down, etc., but I also was thinking, I'm just gonna ask for an epidural this time. Forget about doing it naturally, I've done that twice already. Since I'd never had my water break so early in labor I had no idea what labor was going to be like, how far I was dilated, etc. (or so I thought it was early--I'd only had about 5 ctx that I knew were "real", but I think I actually was at 10 cm or close to it when it broke). So when we got to the hospital, I asked "is it too late to get an epidural?" to which the dr. checked me and replied "the baby's head is crowning." Yeah, it's too late Grin

Shucks. I think I'll go for it next time, though, if I have time, just for the experience (though I know it doesn't guarantee a great birth). A couple things that I'd "worried" about were having to get the IV antibiotics since I'd had a + GBS test (the midwife I'd talked to didn't feel like my - retest would make any difference) but of course there wasn't time for any AB, and the other thing was that they would have to do the bloodwork on the baby b/c of the + GBS test, but they ended up not doing that either, b/c apparently the dr. who delivered him looked at my records and saw that I'd had a neg. retest just the week before. Thank you Lord!
If we have any more kids in the future, I'm not sure I'd want to repeat this experience, but the short labor was certainly nice. I'm not sure if it had to do w/ the fact that they didn't strip the membranes, so my body went into labor on it's own timing. The only other things that I did differently this time was to drink RRL tea in the last couple months, though I can't say I drank a whole lot of it, and it wasn't really consistent, and I also took CLO throughout this pregnancy, which I know helped with some of the joint aches and pains.
Anyways, we're thankful to God for our healthy little boy, Daniel Todd.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #310 on: March 26, 2009, 01:11:05 PM » by prolifeguyswife

What a great surprise...
Yesterday at 10am, DH jokingly said he wanted to try some acupressure points on me. I told him to go for it (we've done them before, and they've never induced labor!), and when I stood up to get off the bed, we heard a pop! and there went my water!

When the midwives arrived at about 11:15, I'd been having contractions, but was only dilated to 5cm. I was disappointed, because after my water broke in labor with my DD#2, I was already dilated to 9cm.

By about 1:30, I was at 8cm. I was doing hypnobirthing, but the contractions were getting so intense that I was having a really hard time concentrating through them - I even got out of the birth tub, despite my strong desire to have another water birth.

The midwife insisted that I sit on the toilet for awhile, and when I did, I had this odd sensation that the baby was moving down - I'd never felt it before in labor, and decided just to do the "Birth breathing" that hypnobirth recommends, thinking I wasn't really at 10cm yet.

After three contractions like that, my midwife felt for the baby's head, and lo and behold - he was right there! She said it was NOT OK to have the baby on the toilet, LOL, and to get up. So DH grabbed me by the arms and tried to literally yank me off the toilet, out of the bathroom, and into the bedroom to have the baby. I got SO mad (moms, you know what you feel like when you're having pushing contractions - the last thing you want is to be yanked anywhere!). The midwives convinced DH that it was OK to let me have the baby on the bathroom floor, but I decided after the contraction ended to take a few steps into the bedroom.

With ONE PUSH Benjamin sailed out. I was shocked - I pushed for 3 hours with my first and 30 minutes with my second! He had the cord around his neck (which they removed, and it was no big deal). I was very surprised to give birth to #3 standing in the doorway from my bathroom to the bedroom!

We were told when we started hypnobirthing classes that hypnobirthed babies are usually very mellow which was true. We gave him a tiny bit of oxygen, and he got pink pretty quickly. He didn't cry for quite some time, but made happy little noises and snuggled up to me. The midwives said it was a shockingly gentle birth - that they couldn't even tell when I was having contractions - and that I had the healthiest placenta they'd seen in a long time (yay!).

He was born over two weeks early, at 2:14pm, (after only 4 hours!) 7 lbs 2 oz, 20 3/4" long. Mommy, Daddy, and sisters are all thrilled!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #311 on: March 26, 2009, 09:41:28 PM » by LKS

Yay for you! Cheesy

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #312 on: April 14, 2009, 10:39:50 AM » by Becks

OK, my little angel is 5 months in a few more days... but better late than never.

Hmmm, lets see... I'll start with my pregnancy. This is baby number 4 for us. We work in Mexico. We went "home" to have the baby and had some trouble finding a midwife. I went back to the same midwife practice that delivered my 2nd child and they had a whole different staff. This didn't sit well with me so I changed midwife practices at 35 weeks pregnant Shocked

.

Now on with the labor....
My due date written in my file was Nov. 11. As close as I could figure it, my due date was Nov. 15. So there was some discrepancy in due dates.

I was SSOO ready for baby to come on or before Nov. 11. Had one serious false alarm sometime before the 11th. The 15th came and went. Then at 10 pm on the 18th I started having contractions. I went to bed and tried to ignore the contractions not wanting to alert everyone if it was another false alarm.
Contractions continued probably every 5 minutes. I woke every hour on the hour to time contractions and was able to doze off and on in the meantime. At about 1 am I felt a definite increase in the intensity of the contractions. I woke hubby up at this point. We piled the kids into the van for the 30-45 minute drive to my brother and sister in laws house. Hubby got the kids setled at my brother's while I stayed in the van. I feel like I handled the contractions well. They were intense but not unbearable. We then had an hour drive to the hospital. Luckily I've never been a fast laborer. Slow and steady, that's me.

So we arrive at the hospital and my mom was already there waiting for us. So we went into the ER to start the admissions paperwork. (Sidenote: I find it very irritating to be in full blown labor and be asked questions and to fill out paperwork! At some point I walked away from the admissions desk and alternated between sitting in the wheel chair and standing and rocking in between contractions. Let them deal with their own precious paperwork, I'm busy having a baby!)

They FINALLY wheeled me up to the labor floor but put me in the overflow wing where they do the assessments before they assign you a labor room.
They took a urine sample and hooked me up to the monitor. The urine sample showed some protein in the urine. My blood pressure was elevated and baby's heartrate was irregular. All this worried me. This was the first I'd had protein in the urine. I'd had elevated blood pressure before though. In the meantime, they couldn't get that baby heartrate monitor to give them the numbers they wanted. I think it had something to do with the fact that I couldn't lay down to get through contractions and I kept throwing off the readings when I stood up. I had to stand up for every contractions and my mom and hubby took turns giving me pressure on my back.

So, while all this was happening, I was having visions of a C-section flashing through my mind if we couldn't get my bloodpressure and baby's heartrate to even out. To top it all off, the two water birth rooms that were normally used were occupied and I had expressly written in my birth plan that I wanted a water birth. This birth would be my third water birth and I chose this particular hospital and midwife practice for the waterbirth option. They did have one other water birth room and it was in the overflow wing as well.

In the meantime, I still haven't been assigned a labor room ad they hadn't checked my cervix for dilation yet. It felt like they got hung up on the numbers and couldn't get past that to finish getting me admitted and settled in. So a little fed up with it all I made an exasperated comment... "Can't we just get on with it and have this baby already?"
I think they put it in high gear at that point and realized I wasn't going to ask for an epidural or do the "typical hospital birth." Also, my midwife hadn't arrived until right about then when I made that comment. The nurses brought in this funny little noisemaker and put it against my stomach to jolt the baby awake and get the numbers they wanted for that silly little monitor thing still strapped around my abdomen. This satisfied them and they FINALLY checked my cervix. A 7! Yay! I was elated. We were in the homestretch.

It was at this point that they assigned me the only other water birth room. It was in the overflow wing, so I had the whole wing to myself. I never had to listen to other women laboring. That was nice. They got the tub filled and I went straight into the tub. Oh glorious warmth! I melted into the water and thanked God for the invention of bathtubs! Within about 5 minutes my blood pressure was back in the normal range and baby's heartrate remained normal. She was sleepy though. Funny how she could sleep through labor. I sure wasn't!

Once I was in the water I no longer needed to stand through contractions or have someone put counter pressure on my back. I really felt like the contractions became very manageable. I started to feel a bit "pushy" Then I burped a few times. Someone once told me that was a sign of being in transition. The midwife said I could push whenever I wanted. I think she checked me at that point and my water still hadn't broke so she got her crochet hook thingy and broke my water. Then it was pushing time! I remember thinking.... "This isn't really happening. It can't really be time to push this baby out." I've also read that self-doubt or unbelief are signs of being in the end of labor as well. So I kinda reminded myself that I thought it was almost over at that point. I'm a self talker when in labor. Hubby is a quiet guy so I'll often say a few words when I need to hear them myself and hubby chimes in with agreement. It's a nice system. My mom is also a quiet person and a great prayer warrior. I appreciate her quiet steady presence as well. She also played the role of camera man to get pictures of me laboring (head and shoulder shots only) and then immediately after baby was born. Delivering the placenta is the only part I would do differently if I had it to do over. The midwife wanted me to deliver it sitting down and didn't allow me to nurse in order to aid detachment of the placenta. This came back to haunt me later.

I had been thinking we were having a boy this whole time. So my comments during labor were about "our boy" or "he". Imagine my suprise when little Natalie Marie made her appearance at 6 am Nov. 18th. She was 7 lbs 13 ounces. My smallest baby. Just 3 hours after we arrived at the hospital. 8 hours of labor from start to finish is pretty fast for me. I'm just glad we made it to the hospital ind into the water birth tub on time.

Recovery:
Labor was a breeze compared to recovery. I had had a slightly pinched nerve in my back before baby was born. But about 2 days after she was born the pinched nerve got 100 times worse and I couldn't even get out of bed. Then I started clotting really bad. I went back to the midwife and it turns out I had retained placenta and needed a DandC to get it out. Actually it was only a C because the cervix was still dilated due to the retained placenta. I had a mild form of retained placenta with my first birth, but my 2nd and third births I delivered the placenta standing up. Hindsight is always 20/20. So the standing up is what is helpful to me apparently. I have a family history of this since my grandma and aunt have also had this condition in half of their pregnancies as well. Now, this last part is where I have WTM to thank. On to occasions I had excessive bleeding. I called the midwife and she advised watching it closely and maybe getting another ultrasound if necessary. The second time I bled it was in the middle of a snow storm, so I turned to WTM. I remembered reading about Cayanne pepper helping to stop bleeding on WTM. I went to the bulk herbstore website and read up on Cayenne. I then downed a glass of red raspberry tea with the pepper in it. Bleeding stopped! I then started taking smaller doses of the pepper on my food throughout the day since my flow still had a bright red quality to it even at 8 weeks postpartum. Low and behold, the flow stopped completely within 3 days. Thanks WTM and Bulkherbstore!

Well, that's my story. I'm so glad we have a happy healty little girl when all was said and done. I'm happy with the birth and even the recovery because I know God uses evrything. I guess I learned how to rest this time around. My wonderful hubby gave me breadkfast in bed and let me sleep in what a blessing!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #313 on: April 23, 2009, 12:08:25 PM » by maceoghain

Well, I'm only 2 1/2 years late...but here's the story of my second child's birth. My husband was deployed at the time, so this is the letter that I sent to him describing the birth:

My labor went really well. I had an epidural so it never really got to be more than I could bear. Just before they gave it to me the contractions were about 3 minutes apart and pretty strong where I'd have to really focus on breathing through them. I was having mostly back labor which I'll admit was more painful than I expected, and I think I could have handled front labor better. But anyway, they gave me the drugs and I was happy. I got to sleep while having major contractions!

   My delivery was a different story. I started pushing at about 8am on the 12th. At first it didn't seem like much, but when he began to move down, then it became much more intense. Each contraction became stronger, and even through the epidural I could feel them because it was more pressure than just muscle pain. It got to the point where I had to push because it hurt too much to breath through a contraction. Pushing hurt too, but not pushing was worse.
   Well, I had been pushing for an hour and a half when the nurse stepped out to speak with the attending doctor. They both came back in looking really concerned and and they were talking in hushed voices. I was somewhat oblivious to this, until the doctor stood at the end of the bed and began telling me that the baby was stuck head down, but face up, and wouldn't be able to come out. To his credit, he was a good physician who was looking out for me, but when it took him three contractions to say the same thing every time..."I'm concerned that his head may come out, but his shoulders will get get stuck and then you both could be in danger.....blah, blah blah..." I was about to strangle him! He spent entirely too long getting nowhere in the conversation and I wanted to kick him. He kept repeating himself, and I'm sitting there huffing and puffing trying to be polite and listen! Finally, I'd had enough and I said, "What are my options?!" I had to say this about three times before he heard me over his own voice. At that point he said, "Well. My recommendation would be an emergency c-section." He said he did not think it wise to keep pushing, that the baby's heart rate kept dropping whenever I pushed. My sister burst into tears and was trying to hide it so I wouldn't see her crying (I found this out later). I was sort of in a daze for a moment until the reality of it sunk in. Basically, I wanted anything but a c-section again, but if it was endangering the life of my baby (not to mention my own life), then I was willing to do it.
   I had to make a decision and be quick about it. I started crying, I think from the news in combination with just being exhausted and in a tremendous amount of pain because he was stuck but my body wanted him out.
   My mom then asked the doctor if he was the “resident doctor” or the “attending”, and he confirmed that he was the attending physician. She said very diplomatically, "Thank you, we really appreciate your advice, but could we have a second opinion from another doctor?" I think that just about knocked his socks off. Later my mom said that she never would have thought to ask that, but it was like the Holy Spirit tapped her on the shoulder at that moment.
   So off he went in search of the other attending physician on duty that morning. Unfortunately, Dr. Francois, my doctor from Phoenix Perinatal had gone off shift a few hours earlier. She is a fabulous doctor! I really wished she was there at that point. Anyway, I was still pushing because it hurt too much not to, but by then I really had given up. I was only pushing enough to get by. It seemed to take hours for them to find the doctor, but I'm sure it was just a few minutes. By this time all us girls in the room were crying and snotting on ourselves. Then the doctor came back in and said that the other doctor was "coming in soon, he's reviewing your readouts and talking with Dr. Francois..." What?! All of us perked up immediately, and I blurted out, "Can I talk to her please!!!" before he even finished his sentence.
   What seemed instantaneously, Dr. Francois was there and she started examining me while I was having a contraction. She felt for the baby for a minute, and then declared matter-of-factly, "You can do this. You don't need a c-section. You can do this!" I asked her if it was too dangerous for the baby, and she said she didn't think so, and again was emphatic, "You can do this! Now I want you to PUSH HARD!" So I did! I think I've learned the value of willpower because at that moment my sorry state of giving up was transformed into “I can do it” and I think I borrowed willpower from Dr. Francois. I pushed harder than I had the whole time before and I heard all the girls yelling and saying, "It's working, you're doing it! Keep going!" So I did!
   Dr. Francois turned around for a moment to get something and in that moment God performed a miracle. In spite of being literally stuck in the birth canal, the baby TURNED. He flipped right over so he was then facing downward, and the next time I pushed HIS HEAD CAME OUT! The girls started screaming, "His head is out!!!" Boy, were the doctor and nurse surprised! The nurse started yelling, "Stop pushing! Stop pushing!" So I stopped as best I could, nearly hyperventilating as I tried to think of anything but pushing. While I was huffing and puffing, at the end of the bed I could see them scrambling. Apparently they had expected me to be pushing anywhere from a half hour to two hours more and here in one contraction his head came out. They were not ready!
   Another nurse and the resident doctor, Dr. Park rushed in with a table of supplies, Dr. Francois and the nurse put on scrubs, and as fast as they could they dismantled the end of the bed. I can remember one of them saying something about needing to clean something, and I gasped, "Clean faster!"
   They did all of this in record time, and then they turned back to me and said, "Okay, PUSH!" So I did! And he came out like a rocket! It was chaos in the room by then, everyone (including me) was crying and my sister was screaming, "He's out! He's out! You did it! You can stop pushing! He's out!" She told me to look at him, and I saw my mom cut the cord, but at that moment I had to shut my eyes. My head was spinning and I was sobbing uncontrollably. I had to slow down my breathing and try to relax which wasn't easy. Then they put him on me and he just looked at me and blinked. I was whispering "Thank you, Lord. Thank you." under my breath, absolutely in disbelief that no more than ten minutes before I was facing another c-section (which would have been difficult too, because he was stuck), but here in my arms was this perfect little baby. How did he get here? How did he get here so fast?! Unbelievable...

   So that's the unabridged story of Conor's birth. In conclusion, he was healthy and I got away with just a 3rd degree tear. I know that's considered pretty bad, but I consider myself so blessed. This is so much better than a c-section. It tore right up to the rectum, but not through it. And the tear was multi-directional like lightning with other tears branching off. The doctor said that they had to do "creative stitching". But I tell you what, this is nothing compared to the incision I had after Fiona. A couple Advil and I'm good to go.

   I really believe that God performed a miracle that day. Not only that he turned Conor at the last minute, but that he detained Dr. Francois for almost two hours. She said she was just “caught up in conversations”, and that she was literally walking out the door when she decided to check up on me and see how I was doing. I don't think anyone even had a chance to call her to come in, she just did. That nurse was terrific too. She never gave up, even when the first doctor had said I should stop. She was so encouraging. God picked out the perfect people to be there so I could do what was needed. And when the time came, he gave me more strength than I ever had on my own. I couldn't have pushed harder if not for Him. He is an awesome God.

So there you go...

« Last Edit: April 23, 2009, 12:10:08 PM by maceoghain »
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All the way my Savior leads me...

Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #314 on: August 03, 2009, 12:28:37 AM » by joshs_rebekah

Anna Corinne Larson
8lb 7oz 20 3/4in long
6/5/09 at 12:07am

Anna was born at home. Cramps that kept returning - but never hurting - started to be notice-able (at least set a pattern that was notice-able) around 6pm on Thursday the 4th. We had supper, bathed the girls and showered before too much happened. The night before (6/03/09), this had happened, and I had called Robin (the midwife), and she suggested showering and going to bed. I didn't feel any contractions then, and woke the next morning still preggo. So, when I took a hot 20 minute shower this time and had a contraction every five minutes, I knew something was up. Josh and I were reading the Bible, and every 5 minutes, I would have a contraction exactly a minute long. After about half an hour, I interrupted Josh, and told him we should call Robin. I felt really dumb calling her, because the contractions didn't really hurt, I would stop talking to time them, but they hardly hurt at all.

Robin got there half an hour later (11pm). I was REALLY worried that she would have come all this way for nothing. However, she set up the room, and we all talked while I had contractions. Around 11:30, Josh and I started talking names...but only girl names. All the while, I would have 2 little 30 second contractions, and then a minute long one five minutes later. Robin said, "You know, you're going to have to pick up the pace if you want to have this baby tonight" just after my second 30 second contraction. So, I REALLY paid attention to my body when I had the minute long one, and said..."No, those minute long ones every five minutes are what is gonna get this Baby out!"

My cervix was posterior...behind Anna's head. After this last contraction (above) I asked her to check me. I was a good 9...and she wanted my to push, while she pulled my cervix into place and she would hold it there until Anna's head could hold it in place. (Note: My cervix wouldn't let Anna out, because of the way it was positioned.)

I thought Robin was nuts, and KNEW she was nuts when I pushed because of all the pain I felt! It worked. Major bloody show. she had me contract on the toilet for 3 contractions, then we came back to the bedroom, and she broke my water. I had ONE contraction as a transition (Read: It hurt SO stinking bad!!!!), and then I was ready to push. I pushed Anna out on my hands and knees. The cord was tight around her neck, but once it was out of the way...Josh pulled Anna out. Oh...and I wouldn't have torn, but Anna had her hand under her chin...so I needed stitches!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #315 on: November 29, 2009, 02:25:43 PM » by kittyninja

I will finally post my birthstory! kittyninja number 4 is already going to be 7 months old but oh well. Nothing to exciting to speak of. She was due May 20th but on May 6th I felt that she was ready to come out. I informed hubby and mom that it may be time. I remembered from previous labors that when I made this announcement it resulted in many walks all over the place. I suppose this was to help the baby come faster (and maybe instead of 13 hours of labor it would have been 26 hours- who knows) but all the walking would only result in a very tired kittyninja refusing to push anymore because I just wanted to go home and sleep. THIS time I said I am laying down! So I rested and rested and contractions became more noticeable. Contracted all night and by morning I was really going. Sent hubby to work with a disclaimer that he should be on alert to get off early. Mom came over and took over the care of the other kiddoes. I slept as much as I could. By noon I said "ummm I think I should go into the hospital". Called hubster, called friend that was going to there with me also. Laid back down contractions slowed down- still normal but not as frequent (well I was laying down). By 1pm I said "OK this time I think we should go in for reals". And so we went. Got there and realize maybe I waited too long. I barely made it to the counter to check in. Got into triage and they said I was 4-5 cm but contractions were pretty stong. I realized that I was having alot of back pain...never had that before. When they were ready to get me into a room I was barely able to walk, but sitting in a wheelchair was very painful also. Turns out I transitioned on the way from triage to my room- I was 9-10 fully efaced and baby at ummm last station. Got to my room, my mom stayed with the kids in the waiting room and hubby got in and settled for a long labor like usual. My friend showed up with a bag full ammunition to help me during labor (which she never got to use on me). The most embarassing part of this time would have to be when everyone left me alone for some reason or another and my back pain ws so bad i couldn't sit or lay down. so I leaned over my bed with my naked booty up and rocked back and forth. I heard someone come in and for some reason assumed it was hubby and said "Hey babe". It wasn't hubby...it was a male tech setting up the baby's stuff. I'm sure he wasn't impressed. So anyways- I was pretty much in intense pain for quite some time and the dr. (Dr. TalkyMctalkerton we will call him) check me and I was ready to burst. I only needed to have my bag break. I told him to break it so he proceeded to do thusly but I think he was cleaning out my sinuses at the same time...WOWSERS. He kept mumbling things like "That's weird" "Never had that problem before" "bag of steel". I said as calmly as possible when someone mistakes you for a puppet "ARE YOU DONE?" When finally the steel balloon that held my baby was finally broken things picked up even MORE SO. However the oddest thing was I didn't have the overwhelming feeling to push. When Dr TalkMcTalkerton didn't see that I was screaming and ready to push he was ready to leave on a lunch break or something. We convinced him to stay and he proceeded to entertain us with stories of birth stories past. I suddenly decided I wanted this to be over with so I said "I want to push." Too quiet...story continued. Louder "I NEED TO PUSH" (some say my voice became suddenly unearthly- I now use what is called my "labor voice" when I need to be heard). So story time ceased and everybody got into position. I have no idea where my helpers were at this time...near me but I just don't remember. Anyways, I started pushing and realized that my back pain was so bad I couldn't push in the traditonal and ridiculous on my back knees to ears position. I asked to get into another position so they raised my bed all the way up to a sitting position- I couldn't understand this but I just wanted to get that baby out. So I just went with it and after 3 pushes she was out. Looked like she was in a boxing match on the way out but she was beautiful. Naomi Victoria was born on May 7th at 358pm. So the only things different with this one then the other 3 was that I slept and was able to have enough energy to push and get this baby out faster. Also I have never NOT had the overwhelming need to push, this one it was subtle to non existent, I just decided ok I want to push. I never had backlabor either and it was because she was turned a bit facing the other way- wasn't for long thank goodness. So there's my story. Exciting huh? Postpartum was nothing and nursing has been a breeze- guess naming the baby "pleasant" was a good thing. HA

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #316 on: March 10, 2010, 08:24:54 AM » by Isaacsmama

Ive been wanting to put my latest story on here for a while now. IT is such a good showing of Gods love and protection. We are living in Italy right now(military) and was very adamant about not have this baby in the hospital. MY last was a home birth and wanted it like that again. I met an italian midwife, but I dont know italian so I thought it would be too hard to hire her. So, we flew my doula from my last birth over here from the USA for this birth. She has midwife training, so we felt confident we could do it alone with her here. My due date was dec 16th, but I felt sure I would go early, so I made her tickets for the 5th through the 24th. So she came and we waited and waited and nothing. I was getting very discouraged praying and asking everyone to pray that his baby would come so we could have our home birth because I SO didnt want to be in the hospital. I tried EVERYTHING! except cohosh as we didnt have that here, but everything else from the natural induction thread on WTM. Well, the night I started having contactions was right before she flew home in the am. So we took her to the airport on christmas eve and my cx's stopped. So we have a fellowship at church and I came home and made a few things. On the way to the meeting house that night, I had a few more contractions. At this point I was tired because the cxs(contractons) from the night before were enough to keep me awake. And I had maybe a 10-15 minutes nap and that was all the sleep I had for 2 days. During the fellowship at church I felt more lite cxs but they were getting stronger. So, we got home late and I told my hubby that I thought we could do it ourselves even without the doula. We were adamant about it, me more so. We cleared the living room floor so we could blow up my birth pool easily. In the night, with no sleep, the got more often so we put the pool up. I was about 6 min apart by then, and right before I got in the water, they stopped. Weird, I thought. Also, my BP was getting really high. At one point around 155/99. So here we were on Christmas day and have labor off and on again. well, after many hours of stop and start and my BP going higher, I decided that I would go to the hospital because I was worried my BP would cause me to faint or something. So we got there around 5pm. I met the dr and was very adamant that I wanted this natural and wanted to go home right after and no intervention, etc. So the ctxs werent terrible, but I was getting so tired and my feet were SUPER achy. I couldt sit down becasue it made the cxts unbearable. So I had been on my feet since the late evening the day before. And no sleep. So by 9pm and only a 6cm, I decided on the epidural so I could sit. I didnt want one and didnt really need it for pain, I was just so tired and my feet hurt so bad! So a couple hours later the dr came and broke my water and it was dark brown....Im sure you all know what that means. He said he needed another dr there so he could focus on baby when baby came out since there was no telling how long baby had been in the myconium. I finally got to start pushing around midnight and pushed and pushed and baby would not drop(my last two almost fell out they were so ready) After almost an hour of pushing like crazy, the head crowned, but was not coming any further. The dr got very serious and said I had to push this bagby out. I heard the nurses saying babies HR was dropping and last I heard was it was down to 50. turns out the baby had the cord so tight on his neck that he was getting strangled as I was pushing him. Dr had to reach up in my a bit to cut the cord off and our he came in one strong push. We wasnt breathing and I couldn't see him, my hubby said 'he isnt breathing' I said' talk to him' baby was across the room from me at this point. The dr and helpers tried to stimulate him but it wasnt until they put an O2 mask on him that he stared breathing. nearly a minute after being born. I didnt know what was happening but I saw hubby crying so I was scared. then once he was breathing, we found that he has been in myconium for a while and it was down in his lungs, so they had to suction that out.
So, God humbled me and my attitude about not going to the hospital because I am certain the baby would not have lived had we been home. Thank the Lord for helping us though this and humbling us to go to the hospital. We named him Micah Eleazar(meaning humble and help from God)
thanks.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #317 on: March 10, 2010, 06:48:36 PM » by 4myhoonie

that is a beautiful story! thanks for sharing.

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"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #318 on: March 11, 2010, 07:21:58 PM » by hi_itsgwen

Wow! Amazing story. Thank you for posting. I appreciate also the perspective that Dr's and hospitals are not all 'bad' and are sometimes the very tools that God uses for our good.

I have had some very wonderful experiences with hospital births, esp. ones where I have kindly but clearly communicated my expectations and desires for the birth (birth plan). I even got to use frozen herbal pads and arnica gel with my last little one! Grin

Here is my extra long birth story:

I went to my appt. with my midwife on Wednesday morning. It was a gorgeous drive, as it had started snowing...so unusual here. But it was warm enough where it wasn't sticking to the roads. My Mom had come over to watch the kids and clean house with them. ♥

As I was waiting to see the midwife, she came out with a couple instructing them to drive directly to the hospital, and she would meet them there. Then she waved me back and said “I’m going to check you first, because I’ve got 3 Mama’s in labor at the hospital waiting for me. I’d just assume you go today too.” But after being checked (I think she ‘checked’ my tonsils while she was at it), she said that I was at a 4, but my cervix was still not thinned at all. So no go. She’d see me back next Monday and we’d re-evaluate, with the latest a Wednesday induction…the day after Collin was due.

So I was a bit disappointed, but still glad to have a final time to count down to. I had a few hard contractions from all of the poking around she did, but they settled down by the afternoon. We went to a church supper that night, and during the Bible study, I started noticing what I thought were mild braxton hicks contractions. I looked at my watch. A few minutes later, another one. I jotted the time down, and about 30 minutes later, I had a nice, steady pattern of 3-5 minutes apart contractions. This had never happened to me before!

A dear friend who has 7 children told me that if I got in a warm tub for 30 minutes, that would soothe the womb and stop the contractions. If it wasn’t real labor, that would let me get a good night’s sleep. If it WAS real labor, it would start back up as soon as I got out of the bath. On the way home from church, I called my Mom and then my sister when I got home. My sister was so excited, and suggested that I get the final things together for the kids/hospital, and then come to her house and get in her huge garden tub. She lives just a few minutes away. So I went and soaked, and practiced relaxing , and cried a little that this might be my last baby, and how amazing this pregnancy has been.
And I thanked God for my little man, and prayed about the delivery.

When my 30 minutes were up, I stood up to dry off, and immediately had a strong contraction…followed by more of the minor ones, every 3-5 minutes. I went home to talk to dh (it was around midnight now) about what to do. I know my midwife is on call Monday, Wed. and Fridays only. I felt that I could stay home and sleep during this early labor, but that I would more than likely be going in to the hospital later on Thursday when my MW wasn’t there. So we decided that I should call her. She was in her nightgown, after delivering 4 babies that day, and said “Come on to the hospital. I’ll meet you up there.”

Kyle was sort of in shock at this point, because he’d gotten himself all ready for the baby coming next week. We called my Mom, who was sound asleep and she said “I’m gonna get a few more hours of sleep…I’ll come to the hospital later.” Of course, she called back within a few minutes, and almost beat us to the hosptial.
My sister was excited, and packed and ready to come with us. We loaded the kids in the car and Kyle’s Dad was headed to pick them up at the hospital. The kids were SO excited!

We arrived around 2 AM, and Trisha (my midwife) came in to see me. She was very exhausted, and wanted both of us to get some rest before the baby came. She gave the nurse instructions to go ahead and get me on Pit, upping it every 15 minutes to get the contractions stronger. I was hooked up to the strap monitors, and got the IV put in, and by that time, I was having stronger contractions already without any intervention. They did start the pit, and we were all able to get 2-3 hours of sleep. By now, it was around 6:00 in the morning. Trish came in and checked me. I was at a 7. She decided to break my water. She had to be at the office by 9, so she wanted to move things along. I was having a good pattern of contractions, but still not painful. Plus, the baby kept moving out from under the monitor, so they did an internal monitor.

After that, I was having to focus through the pain and things started moving rapidly. I asked for an epidural. My really dumb l&d nurse sat me up on the crack of the bed, with the foot higher than the head during a contraction. Mustering all the focus I had, I said (politely) “the bed is uneven…the foot is higher than the head.” She was typing stuff into the computer, and just said “what?” So then I VOCALIZED loudly the same thing, and she tried to give me a time out. My MW was SO not amused. After the epidural, I continued to have pain. Apparently, Collin was so low, that his head was blocking the medicine from going all the way down. I was in transition, and it was very intense. Collin’s heartrate was dropping too low unless I was on my left side, so I labored that way for a while. Mom, Heidi (my sister) and Kyle were great to coach me through. Kyle squeezed my foot really hard during contractions, and that was so helpful to focus on that pressure instead of the pain. I did pretty good with relaxing through it, but I did hold tension in my shoulders and lower back.
The MW had them come give me a bolus (more of the epidural stuff) right into the port, and finally I got relief…and I was at a 10! The delivery and baby nurses had come in and set up for the delivery. They wanted to tell my sister and Mom to put away the video/camera, but Trisha told them to back off, and that they "didn’t see anything" Grin

. She also set out the arnica/lavender gel and my frozen herb pads to use during the delivery, which really freaked the nurses out. Roll Eyes

She let them smell the gel, and told them to it was OK. (I am SO not a fan of managed healthcare).

It was 7 AM. She had me do a variety of pushes/techniques, to slowly move him down, resting between at some points. This is when I was really grateful for the epi…I was able to regroup and focus without dealing with the pain, and really enjoyed the delivery part. He was a big boy, and Trish had me push him slowly so I wouldn’t tear. He was born with his hand over his mouth…he still loves his hands on his face. After his head and shoulders were out, she had me reach down and bring him up onto my chest. Such a beautiful moment! He doesn’t look like any of my other babies to me. He’s very sweet and laid back…he didn’t cry much, so they took him over and rubbed him down and did his stats: 8 lb. 7.8 oz., and 20 inches long.

Trish brought him back to me, and said to him “Awww…you look like a puppy!”
He was very serious, and was wrinkling up his brow, and he did look like a little sharpei puppy. When she handed him to me, I noticed a scar on his lip. It looks like he’s already had surgery for a cleft lip. My Dad was born with an open cleft lip, and so there is genetic history of it. She checked his palate, and he was fine, and had great suction.
I did skin to skin with him, and he latched on and nursed wonderfully.

Trisha cathed me, as I have a history of not being able to pee because of swelling. She wanted me to wear the cath for 12 hours, and then I was able to pee fine. I ♥ Tricia.

After being asked if I wanted a flu shot about 15 times at all hours of the day and night, and being told that they wouldn’t take my IV out until I peed ( Shocked

?WHAT?

…oh YES you will.) dh and I were SO ready to go home with our little man. They let us leave on Sat. AM, and we’re both doing great. I didn’t even take so much as an Advil after the birth, but I did use some frozen perineal tea soaked herbal pads, and they helped tremendously.

I have felt really great, but am taking it very easy so that I will continue to feel great. My family and church are spoiling me terribly. They’ve filled my fridge and freezer, and my sister is homeschooling my kids this week and next so I can get plenty of rest, and have one on one time with my little guy.

Collin is just a doll. He’s very laid back and serious, and loves to cuddle. He’s not a fussy little guy at all. If he does fuss, just picking him up calms him down.

He loves to nurse, and makes the most precious little sighing noises like “this is the best.” He falls asleep while nursing, but just keeps going until he’s as full as a piglet. I can switch sides with him fast asleep, and he latches and nurses strongly…he’s a funny little guy! Dh loves to sit with Collin sleeping on his chest. He’s an easy baby to bond to, as he’s so sweet and cuddly.

My kids are SO in love with him. Cate is very busy, but wants to crawl up and read with me when Collin is nursing. She wants to see ‘baby Cotton’ first thing in the morning, and is very happy with him. She is constantly wanting to give him his paci, and cover him up, and kiss his head. So far so good! The older two just love holding him, and we all have to take turns. They are so sweet with him.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #319 on: March 11, 2010, 10:53:13 PM » by momto6

Quote from: hi_itsgwen on March 11, 2010, 07:21:58 PM

He falls asleep while nursing, but just keeps going until he’s as full as a piglet. I can switch sides with him fast asleep, and he latches and nurses strongly…he’s a funny little guy!

My last baby (now 3) was just like that. We always called it her "snacky nap". It's such a precious time! And when they wake up they're so fun, 'cause they're rested & fed! Enjoy your new little one!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #320 on: March 11, 2010, 11:55:40 PM » by mommyjen

Awww, I loved hearing your birth stories. <3

Just wanted to add that a good midwife (and that's moms job to ensure beforehand

) would monitoring baby's heart beat and encourage mom to push baby out as well if need be and deliver oxygen to babe or mom if necessary after delivery. They can cut and clamp a cord as well if the cord is to short for baby to come and much, much more. Just wanted to raise awareness as most ppl think midwives come to a birth crossing their fingers that nothing will go wrong. Undecided