This past week has been very strange for us, for me. Tuesday, someone decided it was time to be born. In a matter of hours things were moving quickly into play. Kids brought to a friend’s house, friends showing up, Regina (my midwife) walking in the door mid contraction, and myself still in denial that this was somehow “it”. Isn’t that how it usually happens? (the denial part!)
This time though the whole experience was so different. Gabe and I were finding ourselves completely out of sync. YET, because we were in a very familiar setting it naturally felt comfortable. We had the system down pretty well in the hospital, but this was new. This was such a different experience, and one I can’t say enough positive things about!
I haven’t left the house since the Sunday before Boaz was born. His first moments were experienced right here in our home!
Tuesday, I woke up pretty sure my water had broke or was in the process. A couple trips to the bathroom confirmed so! Gabe decided to stay home from work even though contractions didn’t start for several more hours. We both knew once things did start to happen it probably wouldn’t be long! Quick calls to Regina and the assistant were made to give them a heads up. Friends who would be attending were also notified. Unlike Asher’s labor where things started very quickly and INTENSELY right after my water broke, this one reminded me of Sophia’s labor. Gradual, bearable to start with, and really rather enjoyable while I hurried around the house getting things together for the older kids. I knew they’d be leaving for the day and even several days thereafter to grandparents’ houses.
Contractions started to come very mildly and sporadically around 10:30ish. The first friend arrived and started timing contractions. Gabe left to take the kids to a friends house. I called Regina at 11:30 to tell her the progress. Contractions were coming every 4-5 minutes lasting 40 seconds to a little over a minute. She wanted to come and set up seeming to know it wouldn’t be long. She got here around noon. The place was bustling with set-up, lunch for the crew/attendees, and myself enjoying the whole process. I was walking between contractions and stopping for the always needed back rub once they hit.
Around 1:30 (I do remember looking at the clock because I knew my mom would be there soon!) things took a turn for the more difficult. Lunch was quickly cleaned up and cleared out. I noticed it got EXTREMELY quiet. Everyone seemed to follow my lead as if I knew what I was doing. Can I just say, I was following my body’s lead even though in my head I was battling the next phase I KNEW was coming!!! Mind over matter. Lots of praying it would be a quick and healthy delivery were the only things going through my head as well as getting/breathing through each contraction.
No longer able to stand and lean up against the island or table I found myself migrating to the couch leaning over it on the ground for a bit. How cool to do what I wanted when I wanted to do it and no one bothered me! Finally I felt ready for the last place to find myself, (the desired place to give birth, I remember thinking I AM ALMOST THERE!!!) the chair in the middle of the room with Gabe sitting in it and myself leaning over him on the ground.
I pushed for maybe 10 minutes, Regina said. This was a little longer than Liam’s, and I definitely felt it. This was due to the fact that the cord was wrapped around his neck. I’ve never been able to preform such control in the process but something about hearing and listening to Regina’s CALM voice and coaching and the fact my baby needed me to wait was enough to keep me in the game. Last push and he was out looking very blue and waiting till the tail end of allotted time to finally scream. Though scream he finally did!
Boaz Keith was born at 2:11 pm, Tuesday December 13, 2011. Weighing 8 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 21 3/4 inches in length.
I was given several hours to start contracting on my own to shrink my uterus back down to size. I was by no means hemorrhaging; however, I could tell the midwives did not like how much I was still bleeding and how soft my uterus was remaining. After talking through my options, I was given Cytotec under my tongue to dissolve to start contractions which would then allow my body to finish the job.
Within minutes of dissolving, my throat started to feel sore and scratchy. I had to lay down on the couch as I found myself immediately back in what felt like transition having to breath and focus on yet again, contractions! At the time I found myself really needing to breath deep, I noticed my throat starting to feel “tight”. I told Regina and she sat by me on the couch as we waited it out. I never had trouble breathing. I just certainly didn’t like what I was feeling. At the time, Gabe and my dad had left to go pick up the kids and friends were cleared out. It was just my mom, the midwives, and me. I was really wishing Gabe was there!
Regina never seemed concerned (though I’m sure it was something on her radar). Her body language and demeanor never changed from her calm and collected self. I totally fed off of her. Looking back I can’t say that would have been the case with my former OB. Who is to say an ultrasound late in pregnancy revealing this “obstructive cord” wouldn’t have warranted a c-section? I feel privileged to have delivered with Regina, yes! She is a cavern of great wisdom and intuition, major things lost from the field now. However, we also know God was very much upon this delivery and the occurrences thereafter.
Finally, the contractions and tight feeling throat subsided. Luckily, Regina had only given me a VERY low dose of Cytotec (200 mg instead of the recommended 600 mg!). I obviously had some sort of allergic reaction to it. As a result, I also developed a low grade fever that progressed to 100 degrees. Thankfully it went no higher seeing as 101 was her cut off for the “next step”.
Once everything was where she felt comfortable ie… bleeding, uterus, temperature, Regina finally left around 9 o’clock. That night was a bit rough due to afterbirth pains which, just as they say, get worse with each delivery. However, it was SO nice to be in my OWN bed where no one came in to wake me to check me, take my blood pressure, or temperature when I did FINALLY fall asleep, if only for a little bit. I felt SO spoiled!
Regina came back that next day around 5 to check me and Boaz. She also came back on Friday and basically just oohed and awed over Boaz with me for several hours. I won’t see her now until my 6 week check-up, again, never leaving my house. She comes right here and basically just “hangs out”! What OB does that?!?! I have nothing against OBs. I just have never heard of any who have the time!
Asher and Sophia have been gone since Tuesday night. I really miss them and am anticipating their arrival home on Friday! Gabe is as well. However, this time to just sit, nurse, and rest has been an extreme blessing. Not to mention the kids are having a complete ball and when asked if they are ready to come home the answer is, “Not yet!”
Gabe and I have a list of ongoing prayer requests. A healthy baby and successful home birth were both on this list. God answered both! We give Him all the honor and glory for this awesome experience and the healthy new son we call Boaz!
pictures from the day:
Gabe checking out the contraction app on the i-pad!
While I was like this…
Gabe was like that!
Things starting to progress, though I don’t really look it! I know because I put that different shirt on!
Hanging out in between.
Setting up
Final set-up!
DONE!
Grampy (Keith!) and Grammy see Boaz. Mom missed the birth by 2 minutes!
Regina
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