Sarah's Birth Story
“Your body knows exactly how to birth your baby.” I remember reading this sometime during my first pregnancy and it really struck me. I spent a great deal of energy preparing my mind as much as I did preparing my body for the experience of birthing my children. All my preparation came down to this single idea: trusting my body because it knows what to do. In addition to having the full support of my husband, it was my midwife that cemented this idea of putting full faith in my body’s power and ability to birth my baby. With this kind of love and encouragement at my side, I knew it was possible. It held true through my first birth experience, and I was trusting that it would be the same for my second birth.
My first daughter was almost born at home. I had laboured until transition, and then decided to go along with our original plan of birthing at the birthing centre of the local hospital. After a beautiful and quick birth (of 4 hours), I knew that I wanted to have my next birth at home. My midwife was very supportive of this plan as she saw how well my first birth progressed and knew I could have continued at home had I wanted to.
With only a week to go, the anticipation was intense. We couldn’t wait to meet our second daughter and shower her with love. I was especially happy for this birth as I ended up having the same midwife (“my midwife” as I proudly claimed) as I had had for my first birth. The relationship that had developed between me and my husband with our midwife was very strong and we felt that she was like family. We were overjoyed to have her help us again. As the days crept closer to my due date, the cramping and lower back aches increased. I was happy to let the baby come when she was ready, but in the back of my mind, I was also hoping she would come before the weekend when my primary midwife was going to be off work. It makes me laugh now, seeing how I was still trying to stake some control in it all. (I wanted “my midwife”!) As the next few days gave me some false alarms, my mood rose and fell.
My midwife was going to come the following day for a home visit to check how I was progressing. The on and off contractions were a sign that the ball was rolling, but knowing my midwife was coming made me feel calm and happy. I trusted her completely and I knew that I would find out more the following day. That night, the contractions became more regular (every couple hours) and by 7am, it was clear that the ball was really rolling. I got up and made breakfast for myself and my daughter. Soon after we ate, though, I knew I should wake up my husband because the contractions were progressing and I wasn’t sure what the pace would be from here on out. I just knew it was happening! I also called my friend who was going to come look after my daughter while I had my baby. Within the hour, we called our midwife as well since I could hardly stay standing for long by then. Contractions were 2 minutes apart and lasting 45-50 seconds each. The pace was, indeed, going to be fast. My midwife arrived soon after we called. She checked the baby. The baby’s heartbeat was great and she told me that I had a very happy baby in there! I was 8cm dilated and progressing quickly.
My second midwife was at another birth, so my midwife asked if she could call a certain other midwife to be the second midwife. We were so happy to know that this other midwife had been our second midwife for our first daughter’s birth. A bonus was that we also had a student midwife coming to help. So here we were with the same two midwives for both of our daughters’ births, as well as, a student midwife again. Three midwives! We were radiating joy! The second midwife and student midwife arrived within minutes.
I’ll never forget that morning. The rain was pouring heavily outside as it does in the early summer. The house was dim from the grey clouds outside. The energy was calm and cool and peaceful. My daughter played happily upstairs with my friend. I could hear them giggling and playing. My husband calmly helped the midwives as they set up their gear. The midwives moved swiftly and expertly. I was in my zone. Trusting my body. Breathing and moaning deeply with each contraction. Staying present with each step of the labour. And with every contraction, I felt my midwife’s hands on my legs or on my shoulders, gently holding me and calming, quietly saying, “Nice and easy, Sarah.” Her voice and her gentle touch were soothing and empowering. I knew I was safe and I was strong.
Right after the second midwife arrived, they broke my water (the same happened for my first birth). Three minutes later, our gorgeous little baby girl rushed out. My birth had lasted an hour and 20 minutes! Incredible and quick! I felt complete. A deep joyful peace came over me. I burst into tears. Warm, happy tears ran down my cheeks as I looked down at this new tiny little angel, at my beautiful older daughter smiling excitedly, at my dear friend who we love like family, at my handsome husband looking at me adoringly, and at these three spectacular women who helped me bring both of my daughters into our lives. They were women of intelligence, of heart, of a seemingly intangible knowledge and connection about women and the powerful experience of birth. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. It was perfect.
My two midwives were so impressed with the birth. They said it was beautiful! They said I was so strong and knew what I was doing. They said I had made their job so easy. My primary midwife said, “Sarah, I want you to write down whatever you did to prepare and get through that birth because that was perfect – textbook!” I was deeply moved at each of their kind and heart-warming compliments. It made me feel like all that preparation had worked. But I was also so touched because I held these women up so highly. I respected them so very much for what they did as professional caregivers, as well as, for all that they had done for me and my family. It is a time in my life that I will cherish always.
I had trusted deeply in my amazing midwives. Every step of the way, their knowledgeable and caring encouragement was there. Throughout my birth, their calm and gentle assistance was there, giving me confidence and strength.
I had opened up and let my baby out. I had trusted my body to let it do what it knew how to do. I loved my body more than ever. I was in awe of the beauty and power of my body to bring new life into this world.
“Your body knows exactly how to birth your baby.” I remember reading this sometime during my first pregnancy and it really struck me. I spent a great deal of energy preparing my mind as much as I did preparing my body for the experience of birthing my children. All my preparation came down to this single idea: trusting my body because it knows what to do. In addition to having the full support of my husband, it was my midwife that cemented this idea of putting full faith in my body’s power and ability to birth my baby. With this kind of love and encouragement at my side, I knew it was possible. It held true through my first birth experience, and I was trusting that it would be the same for my second birth.
My first daughter was almost born at home. I had laboured until transition, and then decided to go along with our original plan of birthing at the birthing centre of the local hospital. After a beautiful and quick birth (of 4 hours), I knew that I wanted to have my next birth at home. My midwife was very supportive of this plan as she saw how well my first birth progressed and knew I could have continued at home had I wanted to.
With only a week to go, the anticipation was intense. We couldn’t wait to meet our second daughter and shower her with love. I was especially happy for this birth as I ended up having the same midwife (“my midwife” as I proudly claimed) as I had had for my first birth. The relationship that had developed between me and my husband with our midwife was very strong and we felt that she was like family. We were overjoyed to have her help us again. As the days crept closer to my due date, the cramping and lower back aches increased. I was happy to let the baby come when she was ready, but in the back of my mind, I was also hoping she would come before the weekend when my primary midwife was going to be off work. It makes me laugh now, seeing how I was still trying to stake some control in it all. (I wanted “my midwife”!) As the next few days gave me some false alarms, my mood rose and fell.
My midwife was going to come the following day for a home visit to check how I was progressing. The on and off contractions were a sign that the ball was rolling, but knowing my midwife was coming made me feel calm and happy. I trusted her completely and I knew that I would find out more the following day. That night, the contractions became more regular (every couple hours) and by 7am, it was clear that the ball was really rolling. I got up and made breakfast for myself and my daughter. Soon after we ate, though, I knew I should wake up my husband because the contractions were progressing and I wasn’t sure what the pace would be from here on out. I just knew it was happening! I also called my friend who was going to come look after my daughter while I had my baby. Within the hour, we called our midwife as well since I could hardly stay standing for long by then. Contractions were 2 minutes apart and lasting 45-50 seconds each. The pace was, indeed, going to be fast. My midwife arrived soon after we called. She checked the baby. The baby’s heartbeat was great and she told me that I had a very happy baby in there! I was 8cm dilated and progressing quickly.
My second midwife was at another birth, so my midwife asked if she could call a certain other midwife to be the second midwife. We were so happy to know that this other midwife had been our second midwife for our first daughter’s birth. A bonus was that we also had a student midwife coming to help. So here we were with the same two midwives for both of our daughters’ births, as well as, a student midwife again. Three midwives! We were radiating joy! The second midwife and student midwife arrived within minutes.
I’ll never forget that morning. The rain was pouring heavily outside as it does in the early summer. The house was dim from the grey clouds outside. The energy was calm and cool and peaceful. My daughter played happily upstairs with my friend. I could hear them giggling and playing. My husband calmly helped the midwives as they set up their gear. The midwives moved swiftly and expertly. I was in my zone. Trusting my body. Breathing and moaning deeply with each contraction. Staying present with each step of the labour. And with every contraction, I felt my midwife’s hands on my legs or on my shoulders, gently holding me and calming, quietly saying, “Nice and easy, Sarah.” Her voice and her gentle touch were soothing and empowering. I knew I was safe and I was strong.
Right after the second midwife arrived, they broke my water (the same happened for my first birth). Three minutes later, our gorgeous little baby girl rushed out. My birth had lasted an hour and 20 minutes! Incredible and quick! I felt complete. A deep joyful peace came over me. I burst into tears. Warm, happy tears ran down my cheeks as I looked down at this new tiny little angel, at my beautiful older daughter smiling excitedly, at my dear friend who we love like family, at my handsome husband looking at me adoringly, and at these three spectacular women who helped me bring both of my daughters into our lives. They were women of intelligence, of heart, of a seemingly intangible knowledge and connection about women and the powerful experience of birth. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. It was perfect.
My two midwives were so impressed with the birth. They said it was beautiful! They said I was so strong and knew what I was doing. They said I had made their job so easy. My primary midwife said, “Sarah, I want you to write down whatever you did to prepare and get through that birth because that was perfect – textbook!” I was deeply moved at each of their kind and heart-warming compliments. It made me feel like all that preparation had worked. But I was also so touched because I held these women up so highly. I respected them so very much for what they did as professional caregivers, as well as, for all that they had done for me and my family. It is a time in my life that I will cherish always.
I had trusted deeply in my amazing midwives. Every step of the way, their knowledgeable and caring encouragement was there. Throughout my birth, their calm and gentle assistance was there, giving me confidence and strength.
I had opened up and let my baby out. I had trusted my body to let it do what it knew how to do. I loved my body more than ever. I was in awe of the beauty and power of my body to bring new life into this world.
A Birth Story: By Kelly
I was starting to think my baby was never going to come even though he was only a week late. I was convinced he would come early and so I had been prepared for 3 weeks! Every night going to bed wondering if this was going to be the night...?
Finally, Tuesday May 15, 2012 I woke up to mild contractions. I thought, today is finally the day!! So Hubby and I quickly made arrangements for our two older boys to spend the night with their grandparents and prepared ourselves to meet our midwife later that morning. I was excited and anxious!
However, after my appointment I was disappointed to be told I was only about 3cm dilated and had a ways to go. Nevertheless, I was still having mild and consistent contractions so we took the boys to the park to run around before they left for the night. We knew at the park I would have a chance to walk some too, and perhaps get labour moving quicker.
The day was beautiful, sunny and warm and although the best I could manage was a fast waddle, I loved being out with my family before such a monumental event. The boys ran and climbed and I wondered how on earth I would keep up with them when I had a newborn in tow too...
After our time at the park we came home for lunch and naps but sadly my contractions had slowed down to almost a complete standstill. I knew the boys were having an effect on them. The busier I got with them, the slower my contractions would get until they had in fact stopped. My body just couldn't go into labour when they needed my attention. Luckily after the boys woke from their nap, their Grandpa arrived to whisk them away for the night. I fought tears saying goodbye because I knew I'd never get this baby out with them needing my constant attentio,n but I missed them the minute they drove off. Bittersweet.
For the first time in a couple of years, Hubby and I had a night to ourselves but I couldn't relax. I was sure I would go into labour ANY minute! Hahaha! So we got busy! We cleaned the house and prepared the bedroom where I planned to give birth. Being our third home birth, it didn't take us long to ensure we had what w,e and the midwives, would need. Once we were done, we decided it was best if we rested as much as possible because labour could start anytime. We snuggled in with dinner and a movie. I felt like I was completely ready to have the baby now. I couldn't think of a single thing that was holding me back until we started the movie.
It was called We Bought a Zoo and it was just sappy and emotional enough to get me going. I think THAT is what I really needed! I cried for over 2 hours on my husbands shoulder. Mostly I cried about the idea of our family changing and how on earth I could possibly have enough love and attention for each of my boys?! I cried fear, frustration, sorrow, guilt and joy. I was completely emotionally exhausted by the time I was done, and of course my contractions started again...
We decided to get right to bed for as much sleep as possible before things really picked up. I fell asleep instantly to the sound of my 'relaxation music'. It played all night long as I drifted in and out of consciousness when contractions came every 30 minutes. I felt a deep sense of calm and peace and no pain at all.
In the morning I called my midwives to let them know I had been having contractions all night but that I was nowhere near ready for them. Again, since this was my third birth, I had come to know each stage well. My midwives suggested I come to their office so they could check me and give me a stretch and sweep which was exactly what I was about to ask for! It was about 10am so we had some time to spare before our appointment with them. Hubby and I decided to make the most of it with some shopping! Then we went for lunch and all the while, mild contractions came and went every 20 minutes or so.
After lunch it was finally time to see our midwife again. This time it was great news! She said baby was coming SOON as I was 6cm dilated now. They teased me that it would be nice if I'd have this baby in an hour or so, so that everyone could get to bed at a decent hour. It was about 3pm when we left the midwife office and shortly after getting home and bouncing on my stability ball, contractions started getting more intense. I felt great. Confident. Centered. Peaceful.
We called my mom to let her know that things were really picking up and popped in a comedian show on TV to keep things light and mildly distracting while I bounced away on my ball. Hubby made himself a pizza in preparation of keeping “his strength up” (hahah) but I could only drink my watery juice now.
Contractions continued while I labored on the ball. I relaxed into each contraction in a way I hadn't before. In the past I had endured each contraction – almost fighting it – which actually made them painful! This time I breathed deeply throughout them and consciously relaxed my abdomen each time. I also envisioned myself in my favorite, most comforting place...the beach! I was honestly proud at how well I managed them as silly as that is to say.
My mom arrived and was watching in surprise too. I think she was expecting a different birth. More like my second son's birth – chaotic and busy (not what I had wanted but what had happened at the time). But this time I was in control. Listening to my body, allowing myself to open up. I kept envisioning myself stepping off a very high cliff but instead of falling towards the ground I would begin flying through the air! I also envisioned my body as a goddess - opening like a flower with the baby's head coming forward. I felt empowered.
At about 6:45pm I suggested we call the midwives. I could feel things had changed and were getting more intense. Contractions were 5mins apart and lasting over 1 minute in length. We put on my 'relaxing' music as I got deeper into labour and needed to concentrate and relax more.
The midwives arrived just after 7pm and watched me contract and listened to the baby. Then they began to set up while I continued to manage contractions on the stability ball and pacing the house with Hubby at my side. He held my hand or hugged me close with each contraction. I was in 'labourland' so I hardly noticed the time, but heard that it was 9pm and they were going to call our second midwife. I knew that meant they expected baby VERY soon as midwife number 2's sole job is to take care of baby after he is born so midwife number 1 can focus completely on me. Such incredible care midwives provide.
A little after the call was made I instinctively made my way to my bedroom where I began transition. I felt myself willing the stages along. I kept envisioning that feeling of baby slipping out and holding him, it helped me focus as contractions really got intense. I breathed and moaned through each one but I wanted to get onto pushing as I actually enjoy that stage! My midwife said my water would break during one of these contractions but I told her it's not likely as it never did for my other births. She then asked if I wanted to break my water to move things along and I said YES! Hanging in the midst of transition is intense to say the least, so anything to speed it along was welcome! My student midwife broke my water and I felt that familiar warm trickle immediately and knew it wouldn't be long.
My feet and legs were tired now from bouncing and pacing and I wanted to sit or lay down but when I tried to, the contractions were just too much and I knew it would be another birth like my other two – upright, bracing on my husbands shoulders. What felt like an hour later (but really was minutes) I began to bare down a little to further myself along to the pushing stage. Hubby held me upright when the contractions came and encouraged me with his words of how proud of me he was.
I began to bare down more so now and I felt my body begin to open up from the inside. I yelled a little as the intensity took over. Then I tried to keep my voice low and use the contractions to push him out. I felt his head crowning and I pushed more without the help of the contractions as I was just so excited. His head emerged and I tried to keep pushing but was stopped with cries. “Stop! Stop! Slow down Kelly!” I didn't understand? I didn't want to stop!? But apparently the umbilical cord was around his neck and he was slightly blue (I overheard my mother say as she watched on from her corner of our bedroom).
Thankfully, my midwife swiftly unlooped the cord and said I could push again when I was ready. One more big push and out he came!!
Relief. 9:51pm.
They handed him to me but I could only hold him a minute. “Someone please take him” I said. I needed to recline on my bed.. My body was shaking from shock and cold but once I was settled, the midwives laid him on top of me so I could see him. Perfection. Finn had arrived. It was love at first site.
In the midst of admiring him I also had the task of delivering my placenta. The not so exciting part of delivery but of course a critical one! It was a little more painful this time than with the two previous births. I also got a shot of pitocin to help my uterus contract more intensely and prevent excess bleeding. Protocol these days apparently. After the placenta emerged I had a look at it. I find it fascinating examining the home my body created for my baby. My midwife commented on how healthy it looked considering Finn was "late"...which made me think that perhaps he wasn't “late” at all?
Once I was told by the midwives I could relax, I announced I was going to have a bath with Finn. My favorite part of each birth was a warm bath after to clean off and relax while I snuggled our new joy.
Finn was very alert and strong. He was anxious to try to hold his head up when he heard my voice but finally rested it on my chest when we slipped into the warm water. Bliss.
While soaking in the bath, Hubby began the telephone calls to our family while my mom and our midwives cleaned and restored our bedroom. I just admired Finn and relished the fact that I was done with the work of labour.
Soon one of our midwives came in to say good bye as she had examined Finn and since he was doing great, her job with us was done. I thanked her for her help and waved good bye to her from my bathtub. Only during labour and delivery would you imagine waving completely naked from your bath tub to someone you hardly know! Hahah!a Birth is amazing.
After our telephone calls were complete, I dried off and got into bed with Finn and Hubby. Our midwives checked Finn and I again before they left. My mom left too. They all promised to be back first thing the next morning. It was a little sad to see them go but I was anxious to rest and get some sleep before life got crazy!
I thought we'd all drift off to sleep instantly but Finn was still very alert and ready to nurse. So Hubby fed me strawberries and water (that's all I wanted!) while Finn nursed away...
It was now 11:30pm.
Finally, at about 1am Finn had had his fill and was drifting off to sleep. I snuggled him close and Hubby snuggled me close. Blessed again, we were blessed again!
I was starting to think my baby was never going to come even though he was only a week late. I was convinced he would come early and so I had been prepared for 3 weeks! Every night going to bed wondering if this was going to be the night...?
Finally, Tuesday May 15, 2012 I woke up to mild contractions. I thought, today is finally the day!! So Hubby and I quickly made arrangements for our two older boys to spend the night with their grandparents and prepared ourselves to meet our midwife later that morning. I was excited and anxious!
However, after my appointment I was disappointed to be told I was only about 3cm dilated and had a ways to go. Nevertheless, I was still having mild and consistent contractions so we took the boys to the park to run around before they left for the night. We knew at the park I would have a chance to walk some too, and perhaps get labour moving quicker.
The day was beautiful, sunny and warm and although the best I could manage was a fast waddle, I loved being out with my family before such a monumental event. The boys ran and climbed and I wondered how on earth I would keep up with them when I had a newborn in tow too...
After our time at the park we came home for lunch and naps but sadly my contractions had slowed down to almost a complete standstill. I knew the boys were having an effect on them. The busier I got with them, the slower my contractions would get until they had in fact stopped. My body just couldn't go into labour when they needed my attention. Luckily after the boys woke from their nap, their Grandpa arrived to whisk them away for the night. I fought tears saying goodbye because I knew I'd never get this baby out with them needing my constant attentio,n but I missed them the minute they drove off. Bittersweet.
For the first time in a couple of years, Hubby and I had a night to ourselves but I couldn't relax. I was sure I would go into labour ANY minute! Hahaha! So we got busy! We cleaned the house and prepared the bedroom where I planned to give birth. Being our third home birth, it didn't take us long to ensure we had what w,e and the midwives, would need. Once we were done, we decided it was best if we rested as much as possible because labour could start anytime. We snuggled in with dinner and a movie. I felt like I was completely ready to have the baby now. I couldn't think of a single thing that was holding me back until we started the movie.
It was called We Bought a Zoo and it was just sappy and emotional enough to get me going. I think THAT is what I really needed! I cried for over 2 hours on my husbands shoulder. Mostly I cried about the idea of our family changing and how on earth I could possibly have enough love and attention for each of my boys?! I cried fear, frustration, sorrow, guilt and joy. I was completely emotionally exhausted by the time I was done, and of course my contractions started again...
We decided to get right to bed for as much sleep as possible before things really picked up. I fell asleep instantly to the sound of my 'relaxation music'. It played all night long as I drifted in and out of consciousness when contractions came every 30 minutes. I felt a deep sense of calm and peace and no pain at all.
In the morning I called my midwives to let them know I had been having contractions all night but that I was nowhere near ready for them. Again, since this was my third birth, I had come to know each stage well. My midwives suggested I come to their office so they could check me and give me a stretch and sweep which was exactly what I was about to ask for! It was about 10am so we had some time to spare before our appointment with them. Hubby and I decided to make the most of it with some shopping! Then we went for lunch and all the while, mild contractions came and went every 20 minutes or so.
After lunch it was finally time to see our midwife again. This time it was great news! She said baby was coming SOON as I was 6cm dilated now. They teased me that it would be nice if I'd have this baby in an hour or so, so that everyone could get to bed at a decent hour. It was about 3pm when we left the midwife office and shortly after getting home and bouncing on my stability ball, contractions started getting more intense. I felt great. Confident. Centered. Peaceful.
We called my mom to let her know that things were really picking up and popped in a comedian show on TV to keep things light and mildly distracting while I bounced away on my ball. Hubby made himself a pizza in preparation of keeping “his strength up” (hahah) but I could only drink my watery juice now.
Contractions continued while I labored on the ball. I relaxed into each contraction in a way I hadn't before. In the past I had endured each contraction – almost fighting it – which actually made them painful! This time I breathed deeply throughout them and consciously relaxed my abdomen each time. I also envisioned myself in my favorite, most comforting place...the beach! I was honestly proud at how well I managed them as silly as that is to say.
My mom arrived and was watching in surprise too. I think she was expecting a different birth. More like my second son's birth – chaotic and busy (not what I had wanted but what had happened at the time). But this time I was in control. Listening to my body, allowing myself to open up. I kept envisioning myself stepping off a very high cliff but instead of falling towards the ground I would begin flying through the air! I also envisioned my body as a goddess - opening like a flower with the baby's head coming forward. I felt empowered.
At about 6:45pm I suggested we call the midwives. I could feel things had changed and were getting more intense. Contractions were 5mins apart and lasting over 1 minute in length. We put on my 'relaxing' music as I got deeper into labour and needed to concentrate and relax more.
The midwives arrived just after 7pm and watched me contract and listened to the baby. Then they began to set up while I continued to manage contractions on the stability ball and pacing the house with Hubby at my side. He held my hand or hugged me close with each contraction. I was in 'labourland' so I hardly noticed the time, but heard that it was 9pm and they were going to call our second midwife. I knew that meant they expected baby VERY soon as midwife number 2's sole job is to take care of baby after he is born so midwife number 1 can focus completely on me. Such incredible care midwives provide.
A little after the call was made I instinctively made my way to my bedroom where I began transition. I felt myself willing the stages along. I kept envisioning that feeling of baby slipping out and holding him, it helped me focus as contractions really got intense. I breathed and moaned through each one but I wanted to get onto pushing as I actually enjoy that stage! My midwife said my water would break during one of these contractions but I told her it's not likely as it never did for my other births. She then asked if I wanted to break my water to move things along and I said YES! Hanging in the midst of transition is intense to say the least, so anything to speed it along was welcome! My student midwife broke my water and I felt that familiar warm trickle immediately and knew it wouldn't be long.
My feet and legs were tired now from bouncing and pacing and I wanted to sit or lay down but when I tried to, the contractions were just too much and I knew it would be another birth like my other two – upright, bracing on my husbands shoulders. What felt like an hour later (but really was minutes) I began to bare down a little to further myself along to the pushing stage. Hubby held me upright when the contractions came and encouraged me with his words of how proud of me he was.
I began to bare down more so now and I felt my body begin to open up from the inside. I yelled a little as the intensity took over. Then I tried to keep my voice low and use the contractions to push him out. I felt his head crowning and I pushed more without the help of the contractions as I was just so excited. His head emerged and I tried to keep pushing but was stopped with cries. “Stop! Stop! Slow down Kelly!” I didn't understand? I didn't want to stop!? But apparently the umbilical cord was around his neck and he was slightly blue (I overheard my mother say as she watched on from her corner of our bedroom).
Thankfully, my midwife swiftly unlooped the cord and said I could push again when I was ready. One more big push and out he came!!
Relief. 9:51pm.
They handed him to me but I could only hold him a minute. “Someone please take him” I said. I needed to recline on my bed.. My body was shaking from shock and cold but once I was settled, the midwives laid him on top of me so I could see him. Perfection. Finn had arrived. It was love at first site.
In the midst of admiring him I also had the task of delivering my placenta. The not so exciting part of delivery but of course a critical one! It was a little more painful this time than with the two previous births. I also got a shot of pitocin to help my uterus contract more intensely and prevent excess bleeding. Protocol these days apparently. After the placenta emerged I had a look at it. I find it fascinating examining the home my body created for my baby. My midwife commented on how healthy it looked considering Finn was "late"...which made me think that perhaps he wasn't “late” at all?
Once I was told by the midwives I could relax, I announced I was going to have a bath with Finn. My favorite part of each birth was a warm bath after to clean off and relax while I snuggled our new joy.
Finn was very alert and strong. He was anxious to try to hold his head up when he heard my voice but finally rested it on my chest when we slipped into the warm water. Bliss.
While soaking in the bath, Hubby began the telephone calls to our family while my mom and our midwives cleaned and restored our bedroom. I just admired Finn and relished the fact that I was done with the work of labour.
Soon one of our midwives came in to say good bye as she had examined Finn and since he was doing great, her job with us was done. I thanked her for her help and waved good bye to her from my bathtub. Only during labour and delivery would you imagine waving completely naked from your bath tub to someone you hardly know! Hahah!a Birth is amazing.
After our telephone calls were complete, I dried off and got into bed with Finn and Hubby. Our midwives checked Finn and I again before they left. My mom left too. They all promised to be back first thing the next morning. It was a little sad to see them go but I was anxious to rest and get some sleep before life got crazy!
I thought we'd all drift off to sleep instantly but Finn was still very alert and ready to nurse. So Hubby fed me strawberries and water (that's all I wanted!) while Finn nursed away...
It was now 11:30pm.
Finally, at about 1am Finn had had his fill and was drifting off to sleep. I snuggled him close and Hubby snuggled me close. Blessed again, we were blessed again!
