Since completing my doula training, and immersing myself in birth culture, one of the things that really interested me was fetal positioning. Although I had never experienced it myself, I had heard many stories of friends who had had excruciating back labor, indicating that the baby was posterior (facing forward). I also had read about ascynclitic (baby's head cocked or angled to the side) births, where labor and delivery lasted forever because baby was not in an optimal position. Probably due to all of this exposure to alternative positioning, I had a lot of concerns about how I might handle this if it happened to me. My midwives can attest to me bringing it up often during our visits, asking them what we would do if I experienced back labor or a different "malpresentation". I read books about optimal fetal positioning, slept on my side, didn't recline backwards, sat forward on my birth ball, spent a lot of time on my hands and knees, and even visited a doula friend in another town so she could rebozo me, encouraging baby into a good position.
Prodromal labor is sometimes referred to as "false labor". There is nothing "false" about it, however, as it really does serve a purpose. Prodromal labor are contractions that are irregular, that do not get closer together or more intense, leading up to birth. Prodromal labor can dilate and efface. Prodromal labor can be painful and intense. It can last for hours or days. The main purpose of prodromal, or pre-labor, is to get your body and baby ready for delivery. The contractions can help baby move into a better position. Women who experience prodromal labor can also have shorter periods of active labor.
None of these rational thoughts were running through my mind on Friday evening. I had burst into tears off and on all day in frustration and fear. By 7:00 pm I was completing 16 hours of contractions that were hurting and exhausting me. I hadn't slept more than an hour in the past two days and I could sense that I was reaching my limit. In desperation, Mike and I took a walk around our neighborhood. It was the same route that we took the afternoon before Charlie was born, and maybe I was hoping for similar results. On our walk, Mike reassured me that everything was going to be just fine, and that he trusted what our midwives had told us -- that labor would start that night. I tried to share his optimism, but thought to myself that he wasn't the one enduring contractions every five to 15 minutes.
Shortly after getting home, we all decided to go to bed. My mother had decided not to go home that morning and was going to stay the night. I actually encouraged her to go home because I was sure that as long as she was there I wouldn't go into labor (for some reason). My mom slept in with John and Mike slept out on the sofa, knowing that I probably wouldn't be doing much sleeping once I got into bed. I laid on my side in my bed trying to sleep a little in between contractions, but rest wasn't forthcoming. I stared at the birth pool, inflated but empty. We had changed the sheets that morning and all of the birth supplies were out. Everything was ready, but was I ready? Was the baby ready? I just couldn't shake the feeling that something must be wrong for me to be experiencing this type of labor.
A couple of hours passed with me just laying there, still contracting. I watched TV for a while. Eventually, about 11:30 I got up to use the bathroom. After I stood up from the toilet I had a contraction, just slightly stronger than the ones I had had in bed. I had the idea to just stand up for a little bit to see if the next contraction would come a little sooner. Five minutes later I had another one. And then five minutes after that I had a contraction so strong that I started moaning and rocking back and forth. I questioned myself. Could this be it? Was it just another false alarm? Suddenly I decided that I didn't care if it was a false alarm, I was going to get in my birth tub anyway.
I turned on the water to start filling the tub and walked out to let Mike know what was going on. On the way to the living room I was struck with another contraction. I had to stop to moan and sway. In the darkness I watched Mike sleeping on the sofa, debating whether to wake him. My moaning woke him up, though, and he immediately hopped up to assist me. Before I could finish telling him what was going on I had another contraction and the moaning and swaying resumed. Mike put his hands on my shoulders to comfort me, and said, "Oh, Amy!" Believe it or not this was my first experience having my husband be my labor support. In the hospital environment he had always been too intimidated, but at home we were able to be more comfortable and intimate. I finally was able to tell him that I was filling the pool and getting in no matter what. I didn't care anymore if we had the baby at home and we could just go to the hospital for a c-section in a couple of hours if the baby didn't come. I couldn't do it anymore.
I walked back to our bedroom and put on my swimsuit, top and bottom. My mom woke up, and I told her to go back to bed. In all of my craziness, I was worried that if she looked at me that labor wouldn't progress (kind of like the morning), but she told me that there was no way she could go to sleep. Fine, I thought. Whatever. I didn't have the energy to care about anything anymore, and I was very cranky. I called my doula and my midwives. I mentioned to Pamela on the phone that I just wanted to let her know that I was planning on going to the hospital for a c-section in a couple of hours, that I just couldn't do labor anymore. I could hear her smiling through the phone. All the while I was contracting and moaning every three minutes.
With everyone en route back to my house, I settled myself into the very warm water of my birth pool.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sam's Birth Story, Part II
Just a little after midnight, on Friday, May 23rd (39 weeks, 4 days pregnant), I woke up to go to the bathroom. After emptying my bladder, I knew it would be impossible to go back to sleep. I had had pretty bad insomnia for the past several weeks. Moving around in bed was just so painful, and I had to get up to pee every half-hour, so it was hard to see the point of trying to sleep for any length of time. I headed to the living room and watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy and ate a bowl of cereal. At about 3 AM I went back to bed and as soon as I laid down I had a pretty intense contraction. I laid there to see if another one would follow -- it did, but not for another half-hour. Thirty minutes later, I had another one. Then another twenty minutes later, then ten minutes later, then five minutes later. They were definitely getting closer together.
All this time I just laid on my side watching the clock, until contractions seemed to be about 3-5 minutes apart, when I got up to get on the computer just to distract myself. I announced to my online due date club I was in labor, emailed some friends, and timed my contractions using contraction master. Because my labor with Charlie was about five hours total, I assumed I would be holding my baby before lunch time.After about half-an-hour of contractions that were about three minutes apart, I called my midwife, my doula and my mother at about 5:30 AM and woke Mike up to get the birth pool ready.
My contractions were strong, and I had to focus through them. I moved to the living room and bounced on my exercise ball, listening to Mike fill the birth pool with air (it was annoyingly VERY loud), and John, who had since woken up, trying to help while asking lots of questions. I felt irritable and just not able to focus. The chaos of my house that morning, as the sun was coming up, was not how I envisioned my beautiful homebirth. Soon the midwives arrived, along with my doula, Stacey. Stacey had been at my last birth, and has since become a very good friend and doula mentor. I couldn't imagine giving birth without her. I was happy to have everyone there, but as soon as they arrived it seemed that my contractions slowed and were no longer moving in a regular pattern. They were still painful and intense (I described them as 6 cm contractions, as they felt about as painful as the contractions I experienced when I was 6 cm along before I gave birth to Charlie), but very spaced out. I started to feel like a watched pot, and told everyone that I was going to go lay down in my bedroom and try and rest. I was really tired, as I had really not slept the night before. I laid in bed for more than an hour, listening to my ipod, trying to focus on my body, willing the contractions to come.
At some point my mom came in to let me know she was there. I shared with her that I thought things were slowing down and I was discouraged. I had assumed that the baby would be here before noon, but it seemed like that wasn't going to happen. Around 8:00 AM, Lennon, the midwife's apprentice, came in to let me know that Pamela, my midwife, was going to go back to Salem to go to her other job, but that she would come back as soon as I needed her. Lennon also let me know that it was very common for moms' labors to slow down as the sun comes up, as it is when our house starts getting busy and our other children need our attention. Stacey also came into my room to see how I was doing. I expressed my frustration. Why was I having these painful contractions 10 minutes apart, when in my last labor these types of contractions seemed to get closer and closer together? I worried that something might be wrong. Both she and Lennon assured me that everything was fine. That I would develop a regular labor pattern, but that things probably wouldn't pick up until the nighttime, when the kids were in bed.
I asked Lennon if she thought I should have a vaginal exam to check my dilation (I hadn't had one during all of my pregnancy, and actually had a goal to not have one at all -- I wanted to be able to just trust my own instincts when it came to labor and pushing). Lennon was willing to do one, but she asked me what I hoped to gain by that information. She reminded me that my current dilation was no indication as to how long I would labor. I decided against the exam. I was just frustrated and impatient. At 9:30 AM I sent everyone home with the hopes that I would be calling them shortly when labor picked up. I almost cried as I heard their cars pulling away.
Meanwhile, my contractions, painful, but irregular, continued.
All this time I just laid on my side watching the clock, until contractions seemed to be about 3-5 minutes apart, when I got up to get on the computer just to distract myself. I announced to my online due date club I was in labor, emailed some friends, and timed my contractions using contraction master. Because my labor with Charlie was about five hours total, I assumed I would be holding my baby before lunch time.After about half-an-hour of contractions that were about three minutes apart, I called my midwife, my doula and my mother at about 5:30 AM and woke Mike up to get the birth pool ready.
My contractions were strong, and I had to focus through them. I moved to the living room and bounced on my exercise ball, listening to Mike fill the birth pool with air (it was annoyingly VERY loud), and John, who had since woken up, trying to help while asking lots of questions. I felt irritable and just not able to focus. The chaos of my house that morning, as the sun was coming up, was not how I envisioned my beautiful homebirth. Soon the midwives arrived, along with my doula, Stacey. Stacey had been at my last birth, and has since become a very good friend and doula mentor. I couldn't imagine giving birth without her. I was happy to have everyone there, but as soon as they arrived it seemed that my contractions slowed and were no longer moving in a regular pattern. They were still painful and intense (I described them as 6 cm contractions, as they felt about as painful as the contractions I experienced when I was 6 cm along before I gave birth to Charlie), but very spaced out. I started to feel like a watched pot, and told everyone that I was going to go lay down in my bedroom and try and rest. I was really tired, as I had really not slept the night before. I laid in bed for more than an hour, listening to my ipod, trying to focus on my body, willing the contractions to come.
At some point my mom came in to let me know she was there. I shared with her that I thought things were slowing down and I was discouraged. I had assumed that the baby would be here before noon, but it seemed like that wasn't going to happen. Around 8:00 AM, Lennon, the midwife's apprentice, came in to let me know that Pamela, my midwife, was going to go back to Salem to go to her other job, but that she would come back as soon as I needed her. Lennon also let me know that it was very common for moms' labors to slow down as the sun comes up, as it is when our house starts getting busy and our other children need our attention. Stacey also came into my room to see how I was doing. I expressed my frustration. Why was I having these painful contractions 10 minutes apart, when in my last labor these types of contractions seemed to get closer and closer together? I worried that something might be wrong. Both she and Lennon assured me that everything was fine. That I would develop a regular labor pattern, but that things probably wouldn't pick up until the nighttime, when the kids were in bed.
I asked Lennon if she thought I should have a vaginal exam to check my dilation (I hadn't had one during all of my pregnancy, and actually had a goal to not have one at all -- I wanted to be able to just trust my own instincts when it came to labor and pushing). Lennon was willing to do one, but she asked me what I hoped to gain by that information. She reminded me that my current dilation was no indication as to how long I would labor. I decided against the exam. I was just frustrated and impatient. At 9:30 AM I sent everyone home with the hopes that I would be calling them shortly when labor picked up. I almost cried as I heard their cars pulling away.
Meanwhile, my contractions, painful, but irregular, continued.
Sam's Birth Story, Part I
Never has a pregnancy seemed to stretch out over eternity. Never has a pregnancy seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye. Looking back over the last 10 months, I am amazed at all that has occurred, and all that I have experienced and learned while pregnant and giving birth to little Sam. I am reminded of how ordinary pregnancy and childbirth are -- thousands and thousands of women experience it every day -- but also how growing a baby inside of you (a soul that started out as two cells), and then laying eyes on your baby for the first time, is the greatest miracle ever to be experienced by a mother. I feel so blessed to have experienced this miracle again in my life.
I wasn't thinking about the miracles of childbirth, however, when I was puking my guts out for the first six months of this pregnancy. I truly had never felt so miserable. Sudden movements, bright lights, or any smell at all would send me running to the kitchen sink. I honestly wished I could curl up in my bed, in my dark bedroom, for the rest of my life (or at least until the baby was born). Everyone I talked to said they thought I must be pregnant with a girl this time because of how much more sick I was.I also heard from several people that the third pregnancy and birth can really throw you for a loop, so I should prepare for anything. I had felt so awesome after giving birth to Charlie, often referring to it as the perfect labor and birth, and felt daunted by the idea of trying to manage something that might be more difficult. Especially since Mike and I had decided even before I was pregnant that if we had another child we would do it at home, with the assistance of a midwife. While having Charlie in the hospital was just fine, and everything turned out great, my post-partum experience there was pretty horrific, and neither of us felt like it was the right place for us to have another baby. I found an amazing homebirth midwife, who had an equally amazing apprentice, and I started getting really excited about actually experiencing a birth at home.
At 20 weeks I went in for a routine ultrasound and was thrown my first "loop". The technician assured me throughout the screening that the baby looked great and healthy, but I could just tell that something was up. I had a nagging feeling for a day or so, and kept bugging my midwife for the report (for some reason it took several extra days for her to receive it). Three days after my ultrasound she called to tell me that I had a complete placenta previa. I was totally in shock when I heard the news. I couldn't get ahold of Mike, so I called my doula (and friend), Stacey, and just cried and cried to her about the idea of trading in my homebirth for a surgical one.A complete previa means that the baby's placenta was situated directly over my cervix, which, if by 37 weeks the placenta had not moved, the baby would need to be delivered by cesarean section. Also, with a previa, there was a likelihood of pre-term bleeding and premature birth, as any strenuous activity or dilation and effacement could cause severe bleeding. I felt like I had been hit with a ton of bricks. Not only was I looking at the real possibility of having a surgical birth (the Internet didn't offer much hope of a complete previa resolving), but there was a real possibility that I might have to go into the hospital for a long term stay if I did experience any bleeding and that our baby could be born pre-term, possibly needing a NICU stay. Interestingly, about a week before I found out about my diagnosis, a family friend had been hospitalized at 28 weeks for a complete previa. She ended up having to stay in the hospital for about five weeks before they delivered the babies by c-section. Mike and I started trying to make plans for what we would do if we were faced with the worst case scenario.
Around the same time, our youngest, Charlie, started experiencing some very strange health issues. He would wake up shaking uncontrollably, with muscle weakness and balance problems. This went on for several days before I took him to the doctor for testing. It could be anything to a strep infection to the onset of a muscular dystrophy. We had no idea. After a week of sleepless nights and so many tears, all of the test results came back negative. Although most of the issues had resolved, we still weren't sure what the cause was.
With all of this stuff going on, it was really hard to feel excited about my pregnancy. I didn't even want to read any of my birth books or talk about the birth. When people would ask me about my pregnancy, I didn't really know what to say. It seemed like just when I was starting to feel physically better, I was mentally at my worst. The unknown of everything that was going on was more than I thought I could handle. My husband, however, remained optimistic through it all, encouraging me to have faith that things would work out as they were meant to, that all would be well.
Meanwhile, my midwives were also very optimistic that things were going to be just fine. My midwife's apprentice, Lennon, had actually read some research that indicated that my previa was in the perfect position to move. They encouraged me to visualize it moving, and suggested some herbs to take that had been related to successful resolution of the diagnosis. It helped to feel like I could actually do something rather than sit around for eight weeks waiting to learn my fate. Finally, finally, finally, at 28 weeks pregnant, we discovered that the placenta had actually moved (a full 7 cm away from my cervix) making it totally possible to have the baby vaginally and at home. I felt like those ton of bricks that had been weighing me down for the past two months were finally shrugged off my shoulders. I was elated, and actually started thinking about the upcoming birth, trying to connect with this baby inside of me for the first time.
I wasn't thinking about the miracles of childbirth, however, when I was puking my guts out for the first six months of this pregnancy. I truly had never felt so miserable. Sudden movements, bright lights, or any smell at all would send me running to the kitchen sink. I honestly wished I could curl up in my bed, in my dark bedroom, for the rest of my life (or at least until the baby was born). Everyone I talked to said they thought I must be pregnant with a girl this time because of how much more sick I was.I also heard from several people that the third pregnancy and birth can really throw you for a loop, so I should prepare for anything. I had felt so awesome after giving birth to Charlie, often referring to it as the perfect labor and birth, and felt daunted by the idea of trying to manage something that might be more difficult. Especially since Mike and I had decided even before I was pregnant that if we had another child we would do it at home, with the assistance of a midwife. While having Charlie in the hospital was just fine, and everything turned out great, my post-partum experience there was pretty horrific, and neither of us felt like it was the right place for us to have another baby. I found an amazing homebirth midwife, who had an equally amazing apprentice, and I started getting really excited about actually experiencing a birth at home.
At 20 weeks I went in for a routine ultrasound and was thrown my first "loop". The technician assured me throughout the screening that the baby looked great and healthy, but I could just tell that something was up. I had a nagging feeling for a day or so, and kept bugging my midwife for the report (for some reason it took several extra days for her to receive it). Three days after my ultrasound she called to tell me that I had a complete placenta previa. I was totally in shock when I heard the news. I couldn't get ahold of Mike, so I called my doula (and friend), Stacey, and just cried and cried to her about the idea of trading in my homebirth for a surgical one.A complete previa means that the baby's placenta was situated directly over my cervix, which, if by 37 weeks the placenta had not moved, the baby would need to be delivered by cesarean section. Also, with a previa, there was a likelihood of pre-term bleeding and premature birth, as any strenuous activity or dilation and effacement could cause severe bleeding. I felt like I had been hit with a ton of bricks. Not only was I looking at the real possibility of having a surgical birth (the Internet didn't offer much hope of a complete previa resolving), but there was a real possibility that I might have to go into the hospital for a long term stay if I did experience any bleeding and that our baby could be born pre-term, possibly needing a NICU stay. Interestingly, about a week before I found out about my diagnosis, a family friend had been hospitalized at 28 weeks for a complete previa. She ended up having to stay in the hospital for about five weeks before they delivered the babies by c-section. Mike and I started trying to make plans for what we would do if we were faced with the worst case scenario.
Around the same time, our youngest, Charlie, started experiencing some very strange health issues. He would wake up shaking uncontrollably, with muscle weakness and balance problems. This went on for several days before I took him to the doctor for testing. It could be anything to a strep infection to the onset of a muscular dystrophy. We had no idea. After a week of sleepless nights and so many tears, all of the test results came back negative. Although most of the issues had resolved, we still weren't sure what the cause was.
With all of this stuff going on, it was really hard to feel excited about my pregnancy. I didn't even want to read any of my birth books or talk about the birth. When people would ask me about my pregnancy, I didn't really know what to say. It seemed like just when I was starting to feel physically better, I was mentally at my worst. The unknown of everything that was going on was more than I thought I could handle. My husband, however, remained optimistic through it all, encouraging me to have faith that things would work out as they were meant to, that all would be well.
Meanwhile, my midwives were also very optimistic that things were going to be just fine. My midwife's apprentice, Lennon, had actually read some research that indicated that my previa was in the perfect position to move. They encouraged me to visualize it moving, and suggested some herbs to take that had been related to successful resolution of the diagnosis. It helped to feel like I could actually do something rather than sit around for eight weeks waiting to learn my fate. Finally, finally, finally, at 28 weeks pregnant, we discovered that the placenta had actually moved (a full 7 cm away from my cervix) making it totally possible to have the baby vaginally and at home. I felt like those ton of bricks that had been weighing me down for the past two months were finally shrugged off my shoulders. I was elated, and actually started thinking about the upcoming birth, trying to connect with this baby inside of me for the first time.
I Had a Baby!
On May 24, we welcomed a new little boy into our home. Now you know why I've been such a slow blogger. I've decided to share Sam's birth story on this site (it is in several parts, and is still on-going) and plan on publishing a slide-show of his birth once the story is complete. I should be back to doula work late Fall, so don't hesitate to contact me if you are due after that time.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The Joys (and Ease) of Babywearing
My sister carrying my niece, Ava, in a ring sling while touring the fabric district in L.A.I knew when I had my second child that I wanted a way to keep baby attached to me during the day, so that I was able to have my hands free to care for my older son. I had used a Baby Bjorn when my first was small, but that caused my back to ache and I don't think it was very comfortable for baby. So I did a lot of research and eventually had a ring sling made for me, and then went on to make my own pouch and then a mei tai. I was bitten by the baby wearing bug.
Charlie loved the pouch!There are so many carrier options, that with a little bit of research parents can find the perfect carrier (or carriers) to suit their lifestyle. A good place to start is The Babywearer website. There you will find descriptions of different carriers, reviews of particular products and the vendors that sell them. Locally, there is a babywearing group that gathers regularly to troubleshoot issues, try on different carriers and promote the idea of babywearing.
Charlie, as a newborn, cuddled in my ring sling.
I wish I had pictures of me wearing my children as they have gotten older, but with the right carrier it is possible to carry your child until they are over 30 pounds with no discomfort. It makes having a stroller pretty obsolete. And making dinner with a fussy baby who wants to be held a piece of cake.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
I'm Back!
I apologize for my long absence, but I'm excited about the upcoming months and all that is happening in the birth world. Look forward to more regular posts from me.
I just had to share this amazing video, showing a woman singing her baby down during labor. It is absolutely beautiful and inspirational!
I just had to share this amazing video, showing a woman singing her baby down during labor. It is absolutely beautiful and inspirational!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Madeleine's Birth Story
September 25th 2007
On Tuesday morning, at (35 weeks, 6 days pregnant) before she went to work, McKenzie had the sensation that maybe her bag of waters had broken. She made the decision to just keep an eye on things and continued on with her day. As time went on, she became more concerned that she may be leaking amniotic fluid, so she called her doula, Amy, to get her opinion. Amy suggested that she contact her doctor and get an opinion from them, but also told McKenzie that everything was probably fine and not to worry. McKenzie trusted her instincts and despite speaking to someone at her doctor’s office who did not think that her water had broken, insisted that she get checked, so she and her husband went to Labor and Delivery. Once she had checked in, it was determined that McKenzie was correct, her bag of waters was ruptured and her baby was going to be born that day. She was feeling some mild contractions at that point. After a vaginal exam, her doctor wasn’t sure if the baby was head down, so an ultrasound was performed and McKenzie and Treven discovered that their baby girl was in a breech position. She would need to be delivered by cesarean section. The surgery was scheduled for 9:00 p.m., as McKenzie had eaten on the way to the hospital (wanting to keep up her strength for impending labor).
Despite the change of plans, McKenzie and Treven maintained such a positive attitude, focusing on getting to meet their healthy baby. McKenzie’s mother arrived at the hospital around 7:00 p.m. and was soon followed by McKenzie’s father, step-mother and then her brother. The grandparents were so excited for the birth of their granddaughter, although a little nervous about what their daughter may have to go through. All during this time, the baby’s heart rate was monitored with an external fetal monitor, and her she sounded very healthy and active. At 8:00 p.m. the anesthesiologist consulted with McKenzie about the details of her surgery. Twenty minutes later, family left McKenzie and Treven for the waiting room, allowing the couple some alone time to reflect on their impending parenthood before the surgery.
At 8:30 Treven’s mother and brother arrived and were able to go back and quickly wish the parents luck before they also came to the waiting room to wait it out. Everyone anxiously awaited any news and were watching the doors for Treven’s face. At 10:45, Treven finally came into the waiting room to let everyone know that Madeleine had been born at 9:24 p.m., was 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and 18 inches long. Baby was doing well and had been able to nurse and spend time with mom and dad very soon after delivery. Much cheering and hugging ensued. The grandparents (and doula) were invited back to see mom and baby in the recovery room. McKenzie looked so happy and proud, and despite her trembling arms, was able to cuddle little Madeleine to her with ease. She was a natural mother. Everyone gushed over the very adorable baby and took lots of pictures.
Although McKenzie didn’t get to have the exact childbirth experience she wanted, she was able to deliver a very healthy baby with the encouragement of her husband and loving family. I felt so honored to be able to support McKenzie and Treven at the birth of their daughter. It is something that I will always remember.
On Tuesday morning, at (35 weeks, 6 days pregnant) before she went to work, McKenzie had the sensation that maybe her bag of waters had broken. She made the decision to just keep an eye on things and continued on with her day. As time went on, she became more concerned that she may be leaking amniotic fluid, so she called her doula, Amy, to get her opinion. Amy suggested that she contact her doctor and get an opinion from them, but also told McKenzie that everything was probably fine and not to worry. McKenzie trusted her instincts and despite speaking to someone at her doctor’s office who did not think that her water had broken, insisted that she get checked, so she and her husband went to Labor and Delivery. Once she had checked in, it was determined that McKenzie was correct, her bag of waters was ruptured and her baby was going to be born that day. She was feeling some mild contractions at that point. After a vaginal exam, her doctor wasn’t sure if the baby was head down, so an ultrasound was performed and McKenzie and Treven discovered that their baby girl was in a breech position. She would need to be delivered by cesarean section. The surgery was scheduled for 9:00 p.m., as McKenzie had eaten on the way to the hospital (wanting to keep up her strength for impending labor).
Despite the change of plans, McKenzie and Treven maintained such a positive attitude, focusing on getting to meet their healthy baby. McKenzie’s mother arrived at the hospital around 7:00 p.m. and was soon followed by McKenzie’s father, step-mother and then her brother. The grandparents were so excited for the birth of their granddaughter, although a little nervous about what their daughter may have to go through. All during this time, the baby’s heart rate was monitored with an external fetal monitor, and her she sounded very healthy and active. At 8:00 p.m. the anesthesiologist consulted with McKenzie about the details of her surgery. Twenty minutes later, family left McKenzie and Treven for the waiting room, allowing the couple some alone time to reflect on their impending parenthood before the surgery.
At 8:30 Treven’s mother and brother arrived and were able to go back and quickly wish the parents luck before they also came to the waiting room to wait it out. Everyone anxiously awaited any news and were watching the doors for Treven’s face. At 10:45, Treven finally came into the waiting room to let everyone know that Madeleine had been born at 9:24 p.m., was 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and 18 inches long. Baby was doing well and had been able to nurse and spend time with mom and dad very soon after delivery. Much cheering and hugging ensued. The grandparents (and doula) were invited back to see mom and baby in the recovery room. McKenzie looked so happy and proud, and despite her trembling arms, was able to cuddle little Madeleine to her with ease. She was a natural mother. Everyone gushed over the very adorable baby and took lots of pictures.
Although McKenzie didn’t get to have the exact childbirth experience she wanted, she was able to deliver a very healthy baby with the encouragement of her husband and loving family. I felt so honored to be able to support McKenzie and Treven at the birth of their daughter. It is something that I will always remember.
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