


Britton was such a solid support. I know that I’ve written that multiple times already but I really can’t say it enough. He helped me breathe through all of the contractions with coaching and counter-pressure. The team of midwives that Melody had at the birth made a significant difference too. One that especially was great was a woman from Canada named Terri. She was staying down at the Birth Suites in Pleasant Grove, while waiting for her Canadian certifications to come through. Since they’re government employees there things take a bit longer. She was right with me through the hardest part of labor as well and had read the birth plan which I had given Melody. She was definitely on the same page and really contributed to the overall progress and positive experience of my labor.
Time passed and then it seemed that I hit the wall. I was exhausted in every way. I was so tired of feeling the contractions, so tired of breathing them down, so tired and I honestly thought that I couldn’t do it any longer. I didn’t really have any other option though- I had to finish and I wanted to finish and I needed to meet my baby.
My little boy was so low and engaged for so long that, as Melody checked his heart tones, she found that they were starting to drop. This was a concern to her and so she told me that it was time to step up the game and to get my baby out. All along I had envisioned that I would have this calm water birth where my baby would basically roll out of me and into the water, but this wasn’t to be. The exact reason why would later be seen since all things happen for a reason. At this point though, I was still in the birth tub. I had changed positions a few times- had moved to the side of the tub to be able to use more of my legs to push against. When that didn’t work, I moved onto my hands and knees, which also didn’t work and so I was back to the side of the tub trying with all my might to push my baby out. At one point I opened my eyes and felt light headed so they gave me oxygen and continually reminded me to breathe deep and in through my nose. I was focusing with all the energy I had left. I had to just breathe my baby out. I knew that there was so much power in my breath and in my body. I was basically on auto-pilot and in the birth zone. But regardless of what I tried, Melody’s instincts knew that that wasn’t going to cut it and so she had me get out of the tub and onto the birth stool. At that point she told me that I was holding things back and I knew she was right. I had to embrace the pain and focus more deeply on meeting my baby. This focus took every ounce of energy I had left and I honestly can say that I felt empowered by all of the love and support in the room. I was now on the birth stool, breathing with the oxygen, focusing with all my might and trying as hard as I could to get my baby out to meet me. This was when things really started to get crazy...




final part to be posted soon... stay tuned :)
Carolee,
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful to see a mother laboring just as she should, with women surrounding her and hubby helping her through. What an incredible work of love.
I am loving reading your birth story Carolee!! While I've never done a home birth, I've always believed laboring without the aid of pain killers is the way it is intended to be done. It is so empowering to hear another woman who believes the same! Isn't it amazing what our bodies can do?? I always feel like I'm a super hero after I've given birth drug-free. Congratulations to you, fellow super-hero!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this story! These photos are beautiful...so natural, so raw. Having gone through childbirth recently these photos are bringing back so many memories. Can't wait to read the rest!
ReplyDeleteWow! I enjoy your story so much! I love to hear how amazing a woman's body is in its natural state. Its so inspiring. I can't wait to hear the rest. Thank you so much for sharing your story and these beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteGreat story! I just watched my sister use the hypno birthing technique with her second. It was Amazing! I think this natural process is wonderful, only wish I could have experienced it. I am however so glad for modern technology that allowed me to be able to have babies, cause without it I wouldn't be here today! Motherhood is a wonderful thing, and you are a beautiful mother!
ReplyDeletewould you consider posting your birth story? i am starting to write mine and am curious!
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