C.C.’s Story, July 2012

W was born on a beautiful summer day, July 9th, 2012 at 2pm. He started his venture into the world 2 days after his due date, at about 6:45 am. That morning I was so excited when I felt labour beginning! I loved the idea of giving birth in the daytime. I went downstairs and woke S up, saying, “Today might be the day”.  My older son J and S started their day downstairs shortly thereafter.

I went upstairs to keep myself busy, or rest, and feel what was going on inside of me. Sure enough, the surges intensified. Most of my perspective shifted inward at this time. I do know that we called my mother in law, G, to have her join us. She and S took turns timing surges, being with our son and supporting me. Our midwife, was called. When she checked, I was 6-7cm dilated.

I was certainly aware of my son during my breaks. It was joyful having him close by. I was never short of kisses, and pats from him. S inflated the birth pool in the living room, on the gorgeous rug my mother leant us, and filled it. One tank of hot water was a very nice start to the pool, which was a relief! We were then adding a big pot of hot water whenever one was ready.

The pool felt wonderful. So much more comfortable than the bath at the hospital. It is very comfortable on the knees, and allows for a lot of moving about and changing of position. J gave me encouraging hugs from outside of the pool. Shortly after I got into the pool, my experience became intense enough to have J off to the park with G and P (my sister in law also came to be with us and help).

Some of my training for this birth was to develop confidence in my ability to move, and to keep on moving. I was inspired to work on this since during J’s birth I really felt stuck and afraid to move once I was on the hospital bed. At one point when in the pool I had an overwhelming, scary surge, and Sabine was able to suggest a much more comfortable position in which I felt more in control. This was an exciting moment, and successful! In general I used many places and positions for birthing – the pool, a birth stool, standing with S, on the ground, leaning on furniture, in the bathroom. Being at home there were so many options, and I felt a lot of confidence moving from position to position – after all this is MY HOME!

The midwives discovered that Wyatt’s head was not in an advantageous position for birthing. This was to be the final challenge. Out of the pool the midwives adjusted Wyatt, and I would push. More adjusting and pushing. Once Wyatt’s path was straight, out he came. Once I was feeling that last birthing sensation, it was so familiar – I knew that this was it! And then Wyatt was gently wiped and I had him in my arms.

He was gorgeous and healthy. My body was intact and exhausted! And when it was time, G cut the umbilical cord. I felt in a rhythm of wordless understanding with S. I felt trust and peace with G and her help. I feel very thankful for the incredibly competent midwives who assisted us; S, L, and H. Everyone present made it easy to believe in my ability to birth Wyatt.