Roman's Birth
I wanted to share my incredible birth experience. This was #3 for us -
we also have a 2yo and 4yo. I didn't get to practice as much because
of having 2 other children in the home, but in the end I felt that I
did enough to help me have a successful, happy birth. Here is my
story:
During the day at exactly 42 weeks on 10/01 (can't believe it's only
been a few days!) I began to have stronger contractions. Up until
this point I had only had very mild Braxton hicks and no other signs
except my belly dropping. I was getting a little concerned about
needing to see an OB and having to deliver in the hospital as this
was a planned homebirth. I played all day with my two little ones
and later in the day my husband took them and I laid down and
listened to "Easy First Stage". Sure enough it started something
very soon after.
At about 5 pm we started timing them and they were about 5 minutes
apart lasting 45 seconds. We called the midwife and she said she
would head over shortly. I listened to different CD's and relaxed a
lot on the birthing ball. I could tell the difference in my ability
to relax easier than with my first two (although they too were
natural home births). Midwife arrived and checked me at 7:30 and I
was only 3 cm and 80% effaced. I tried not to focus on that.Instead I began repeating "open, open" as I remained squatting on the
birth ball. It worked – 40 minutes later I was at 7 and 100% and I
was able to get into the birthing tub – ahhhh! That felt so good!
In another 40-60 minutes I was 10 and ready! My cervix was, however,
slightly swollen and a lip was over the baby's head. The midwife
waited for a contraction and went in to help push the lip over the
head. After a few tries, she was successful. Not the most
comfortable feeling, but it helped to know that I was going to see my
baby soon.
I began pushing and sadly forgot about the pushing CD. However, it
was going well so I didn't feel too bad. The bag was still intact
and I reached in and felt the bag and pushed it to feel my baby's
head. That was incredible. My husband was positioned in the tub to
catch the baby, but as his head came out the cord was pretty tight
around the head and the midwife needed to do it. I pushed for 13
minutes total (a record for me!) and reached down and brought my baby
to me. "It's a boy" we yelled and just held him and cried.
Roman Andrew was born at 10:08 p.m. weighing 9lb 11oz. Even though he
was big, I didn't tear - I did tear with #1 who was 9lb 13oz - and I
was so happy I didn't this time. The water definitely helped too.
I have so enjoyed being a part of this group and want to thank
everyone for all you contributed to my mental wellbeing. I will be
recommending Hypnobabies to everyone I know. I can also do a little
more "bragging" to those that think natural birth is crazy!
Good luck to everyone!
Kim