Every birth is special in it’s way. This birth is a nice example of a meeting of more natural approaches (a midwife-attended birth) and more conventional approaches (a hospital setting).
Read it, and you’ll see that it couldn’t have been more lovely. It brings me pleasure every time I remember it.
– Du La, ND, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Acupuncturist, Birth Doula
After a full day-and-a-half of early labour and back contractions, your mom found her groove. Her contractions had started on the Friday, and had come and gone, and “the groove” was found on Saturday evening, when your water broke, and your midwife (Jen) came to check on you and your mom. She was 4 cm dilated, and it was time to go to the hospital.
In room 709 of the Michael Garron Hospital, active labour began. Your mom’s contractions became very regular and intense. She coped well, breathing through each surge, finding just the right position and focusing on the moment. There were brief moments of doubt, but with visualization and encouragement, hip-pressure and back-pressure, she was calm and positive.
Your dad was right by her side, ready with water or ice, and indeed ready to help in any way needed; positive, encouraging and loving.
Contractions became more intense and soon your mom had the urge to push. The urge started slowly, and became stronger and stronger. She wasn’t fully dilated yet, and your position wasn’t quite ideal, so it was time to try something different.
Your dad prepared a warm bath for her and helped her climb in. The warm water provided relief. The sensation of your dad pouring water on her back and sides provided your mom with distraction and comfort. She remained focused and determined, and brought all her attention to you, sending loving messages, letting you know that she was safe and ready to meet you and hold you.
After a very intense urge to push occurred, we decided it was time to get out of the tub and back to the bed. With Jen’s guidance, your mom pushed strongly, and you rotated into the perfect position for birth.
With you perfectly positioned, it was time to bring you into the world.
Your mom visualized “lots of space”, an open path for you into the world, and pushed hard. She rocked you down until you were crowning. With each push, she closed her eyes to help her focus. Your dad, kept his eyes on your mom and you, beaming at her throughout the entire labour.
At 1:17 AM, Sunday, February 27 you were born.
You had a little hand under your chin as you descended. Your chubby little body was placed gently on your mom’s chest, skin-to-skin. This is where you spent the first hour of your life. With vigorous back rubs from Jen and Katie (your back-up midwife), you let out your first cry. Soon the purple of your newborn body turned pink, and you began to explore your new surroundings, your eyes opened, and you saw your loving parents for the first time.
* Names have been changed to ensure confidentiality.
