Birth Story

Last Tuesday (the 3rd of July), I began feeling irregular contractions and cramps. I wondered if it might be true labor, but as I was induced last time (2 weeks late), I didn't believe my body. I was excited that it could be labor, so I did many things to encourage it along. I took a LONG walk with Ben in the morning, another long walk in the pool in the evening, and ate spicy Thai food with friends. Things became more regular around 7 or 8, and by 10pm, I was having mild contractions every 5 minutes. I sent Steven to bed and folded laundry, finished a book I was reading, caught up on some emails. By now, I was pretty convinced this was the real thing...still had some doubts that it might all stop. At 1 am, the contractions were getting more intense. Steven woke up and we started to contact people (my midwife, my doula, a friend to watch Ben). At 3 am, my friend Karen arrived to stay with Ben. It was lightly raining after a strong thunderstorm earlier in the evening. Steven and I took a walk to try to speed things up. Ironically, my contractions spaced out and I became discouraged. I continued to think positively and pray against any negative thoughts which I knew could hold me up. My doula and best friend, Pam, arrived at 3:30am and examined me. I was 4cm and much more effaced than I had been at my appointment the day before. I got in the bathtub to relieve the discomfort and quickly began feeling the contractions become more intense. Around 5am, Pam checked me again and I was almost 5cm. I turned a corner at this point into more intense contractions. We decided to head in to the hospital. Since it was July 4th (and early in the morning), traffic was easy. We arrived at the hospital around 5:30am. In the car, I began to cry with the contractions as they were much stronger. I was worried that when I arrived at the hospital I would feel all the fears and apprehensions from my last labor. I just kept praying and remembering that my body was made to do this, that God is with me always.
We checked in and began to get settled in the room. My nurse, Amy, is a nurse that I worked with frequently when I delivered babies. She was great, very accommodating to us. I wanted to use the hydrotherapy tub for pain relief, so we started to fill it up. By now, I was really uncomfortable and nothing was really giving me relief. Shortly after we arrived, I began to feel pelvic pressure and was pretty sure the baby was coming soon. My doula, Pam, was with us and she examined me. I was almost 8cm and the baby was much lower. I began to feel the urge to push. This was the hardest point for me. It was pretty painful and I was afraid that I couldn't do it. I had made a CD of music a month or so ago for my labor, mostly worship music. I kept crying out and asking for God to help me. I felt very shaken and didn't know how to get through this stage. At just the right moment, one of my favorite songs came on, reminding me of just what I needed to hear. God was so real to me in that moment. A few contractions later, the baby was crowning. I felt a little more composed and excited that I had made it to this point!!!! I reached down to feel the baby's head and could feel the bag of water, whichI then popped it with my finger. I pushed for a few contractions and then RELIEF when the baby's head came out. I instinctively reached down and pulled my baby onto my chest...a GIRL! She immediately began crying and so did I! I can't believe how good God is...I feel so thankful for this experience and the gifts of my two beautiful children. I am overcome with gladness.
Ironically, my midwife walked in right after Abigail Louise was born. My friend Pam (and I) delivered her, which was also a great gift. Pam is a long-time friend and was my maid of honor. It was a honor and privilege to have her attend our birth. Thankfully, the doctor that was the back up at the hospital allowed her to do so. If it had been anyone but this doctor, they would not have permitted it. There were so many little details like this that was evidence of God's handiwork. It was my dream labor and birth, very healing for me.
It is remarkable how much better I feel this time than last time. I had an epidural last time due to a long induction and difficult birth. Although this labor was painful, it was only about 1 hour of intense pain and I loved being mobile. It was also very empowering to me, both physically and spiritually. I have bounced back much more quickly afterwards also. To anyone who is considering natural childbirth, I support you! Yes, it is hard, and it is so worth it! I know that it is not for everyone...I believe it is worth the challenge!