I feel really lucky to be able to post this birth story today for a few reasons. One, it is an absolutely beautiful and honest story (with a Grandma doula!!!). Two, it illustrates beautifully that parents can labour and birth strongly and safely in multiple different settings and are empowered so much when they trust in the process and their bodies. Three, I have never met this Mama personally, and she answered my call to share empowering birth stories. I appreciate it so so much Amanda, thank you for your willingness to share and add to the cannon of birth stories available. Each one dispels fears and dispels myths and horror stories.
Without further ado, here is the story of Cody's birth:
After having months of contractions and going into preterm labour twice, my husband and I were thankful that we had made it to 38.5 weeks. It was a normal evening making dinner and relaxing with my man until it was time for bed around 10pm.
I suddenly woke up at midnight to my water breaking and I jumped out of bed and called out for Sam to wake up as I was so excited for labour to begin. We packed some clothes, did a quick cleaning of the house and enjoyed one last shower as just the two of us. He figured I was the happiest in labour women he had ever seen/heard of since I was dancing around laughing and giggling that it was just about time to meet our new little baby! I was only having minor contractions but needed to go to the hospital for antibiotics. I packed up a giant container of cold green grapes and a big bottle of water while Sam loaded everything into the truck and we were on our way.
We got to the hospital and were put into triage on the maternity ward as the nurses did a couple tests and put in the IV for the antibiotics. The contractions were starting to get stronger but I was only dilated 2 cms. After 20 minutes the dosage was done and we were able to head to my mom’s house so we could labour in the comfort of a cozy home for the next 4 hours.
We arrived at the house and I was having really strong sensations a couple minutes apart and all I wanted to do was stretch out in the dewy grass on the front lawn and cool off. There I was, lying down while the contractions continued as my mom, sisters, sister-in-law and Sam circled around me as we talked and laughed, pausing for my waves of rushes. It felt so natural to be outside; surrounded by the people I love while labouring my baby. The sun was just coming up and we moved inside so my mom could make a big breakfast for everyone and I walked around the living room holding whoever’s hand was out when I needed it. Sam was so amazing during this time and was very encouraging and supportive; telling me that I was strong and beautiful and was doing a wonderful job.
It was time to head back to the hospital for the next dose of antibiotics so we all loaded in the car and made our way back. I have to say, I do not enjoy being in a vehicle while in labour! We went back into triage so the nurse could check my progress but told me I hadn’t changed much. My mom (a doula) knew that I had to be further along as my movements and sounds were getting more intense and the rushes closer together. I was exhausted and remember sleeping for 40 seconds at a time between contractions. Still being in triage I walked around our little area and waited for the midwife to show up. It ended up being one of the doctors from my midwife office who practices in the same manner as a midwife would. He looked at the charts and saw that I was not very far in dilating and he figured I had quite a while. My amazing mom insisted that he do a check on me as she figured I was in my transition. He agreed and found out I was 8cms! I started laughing and smiling as I was happy to know it was so close! I think they all thought I was crazy but my whole mindset changed from being tired and exhausted from no sleep to suddenly having a burst of energy and ready to birth this baby! My doctor ran to let the nurses know I needed a room as soon as possible since I would want to push soon and he was sure right about that! A couple minutes later I suddenly got the strong urges to push and couldn’t wait. They were able to find a room for me but couldn’t find a wheelchair so there I was, running down the hall between very strong contractions trying not to push to get to the room. It was chaos!!
I knew it wouldn’t be long before I would get to meet my baby and I was so excited and nervous at the same time! The hardest part was yet to come. The doctor set up the squatting bar as I didn’t want to be lying on my back and it sure made a lot of progress. Before long I was ready and fell back into the bed ready to make those last few pushes. Sam and my mom were incredible as they coached me and calmed me down when I would start losing control. Then after a strong push they were able to see the head and encouraged me to reach down and feel my baby so I could see how close it was to the end! A couple more strong pushes and I felt lots of burning. I knew women had called this the ring of fire (awful name) and that it would be over as soon as my babies head was pushed through. As soon as the next set of rushes started I pushed as hard as I could and it was a huge release as my baby boy was born. The doctor caught him and put him right on my chest.
I was crying and thanking God for such a beautiful perfect baby! His proud daddy standing right beside the bed stroking his little head and kissing me as he told me how wonderful I did and how amazing this whole experience was. I have never felt closer to my husband as I did at that moment. We were connected and together had made this beautiful little child. How perfect he was!! My sisters and mom were surrounding us as well, tears rolling down their cheeks as they were now Grandma and Aunties!
I pulled the blanket off and check to see... it was a boy! He has 10 fingers and 10 toes and lots of hair! ! He started rooting around and soon he had latched on and started feeding. What an amazing feeling to have given life and then being able to feed my child. He was so alert and calm and kept eating as much as he could. He didn’t cry and was just interested to see this whole new world.
I felt amazing and was on a high from everything we had just gone through. Such an empowering experience! I loved everything about pregnancy, labour and birth and could not wait to experience it all again with our next child.
Do you have a birth story that you would like to share on the blog? If so, please email me at breatheintobeing@gmail.com
Without further ado, here is the story of Cody's birth:
After having months of contractions and going into preterm labour twice, my husband and I were thankful that we had made it to 38.5 weeks. It was a normal evening making dinner and relaxing with my man until it was time for bed around 10pm.
I suddenly woke up at midnight to my water breaking and I jumped out of bed and called out for Sam to wake up as I was so excited for labour to begin. We packed some clothes, did a quick cleaning of the house and enjoyed one last shower as just the two of us. He figured I was the happiest in labour women he had ever seen/heard of since I was dancing around laughing and giggling that it was just about time to meet our new little baby! I was only having minor contractions but needed to go to the hospital for antibiotics. I packed up a giant container of cold green grapes and a big bottle of water while Sam loaded everything into the truck and we were on our way.
We got to the hospital and were put into triage on the maternity ward as the nurses did a couple tests and put in the IV for the antibiotics. The contractions were starting to get stronger but I was only dilated 2 cms. After 20 minutes the dosage was done and we were able to head to my mom’s house so we could labour in the comfort of a cozy home for the next 4 hours.
We arrived at the house and I was having really strong sensations a couple minutes apart and all I wanted to do was stretch out in the dewy grass on the front lawn and cool off. There I was, lying down while the contractions continued as my mom, sisters, sister-in-law and Sam circled around me as we talked and laughed, pausing for my waves of rushes. It felt so natural to be outside; surrounded by the people I love while labouring my baby. The sun was just coming up and we moved inside so my mom could make a big breakfast for everyone and I walked around the living room holding whoever’s hand was out when I needed it. Sam was so amazing during this time and was very encouraging and supportive; telling me that I was strong and beautiful and was doing a wonderful job.
It was time to head back to the hospital for the next dose of antibiotics so we all loaded in the car and made our way back. I have to say, I do not enjoy being in a vehicle while in labour! We went back into triage so the nurse could check my progress but told me I hadn’t changed much. My mom (a doula) knew that I had to be further along as my movements and sounds were getting more intense and the rushes closer together. I was exhausted and remember sleeping for 40 seconds at a time between contractions. Still being in triage I walked around our little area and waited for the midwife to show up. It ended up being one of the doctors from my midwife office who practices in the same manner as a midwife would. He looked at the charts and saw that I was not very far in dilating and he figured I had quite a while. My amazing mom insisted that he do a check on me as she figured I was in my transition. He agreed and found out I was 8cms! I started laughing and smiling as I was happy to know it was so close! I think they all thought I was crazy but my whole mindset changed from being tired and exhausted from no sleep to suddenly having a burst of energy and ready to birth this baby! My doctor ran to let the nurses know I needed a room as soon as possible since I would want to push soon and he was sure right about that! A couple minutes later I suddenly got the strong urges to push and couldn’t wait. They were able to find a room for me but couldn’t find a wheelchair so there I was, running down the hall between very strong contractions trying not to push to get to the room. It was chaos!!
I knew it wouldn’t be long before I would get to meet my baby and I was so excited and nervous at the same time! The hardest part was yet to come. The doctor set up the squatting bar as I didn’t want to be lying on my back and it sure made a lot of progress. Before long I was ready and fell back into the bed ready to make those last few pushes. Sam and my mom were incredible as they coached me and calmed me down when I would start losing control. Then after a strong push they were able to see the head and encouraged me to reach down and feel my baby so I could see how close it was to the end! A couple more strong pushes and I felt lots of burning. I knew women had called this the ring of fire (awful name) and that it would be over as soon as my babies head was pushed through. As soon as the next set of rushes started I pushed as hard as I could and it was a huge release as my baby boy was born. The doctor caught him and put him right on my chest.
I was crying and thanking God for such a beautiful perfect baby! His proud daddy standing right beside the bed stroking his little head and kissing me as he told me how wonderful I did and how amazing this whole experience was. I have never felt closer to my husband as I did at that moment. We were connected and together had made this beautiful little child. How perfect he was!! My sisters and mom were surrounding us as well, tears rolling down their cheeks as they were now Grandma and Aunties!
I pulled the blanket off and check to see... it was a boy! He has 10 fingers and 10 toes and lots of hair! ! He started rooting around and soon he had latched on and started feeding. What an amazing feeling to have given life and then being able to feed my child. He was so alert and calm and kept eating as much as he could. He didn’t cry and was just interested to see this whole new world.
I felt amazing and was on a high from everything we had just gone through. Such an empowering experience! I loved everything about pregnancy, labour and birth and could not wait to experience it all again with our next child.
Do you have a birth story that you would like to share on the blog? If so, please email me at breatheintobeing@gmail.com
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