Avellana's Birth

About a month before my due date, I began to have more and more "practice" contractions. My midwife (very pregnant herself) came for the home visit with one of her students, who had become a dear friend to me. The student offered to come the next week to have dinner with us and discuss what her own labors were like, since this was my first time. Well, the next week, on Saturday, I lost my mucous plug. I knew this meant that labor could start that night or 2 weeks from then. Since I felt fine, I attended a 4 hour Eater vigil service. Despite the crowd as we left the church, I insisted on getting some holy water for the birth christening, because I had a strong feeling that I would not able to get it the following week. I was right.

 The next day we went to have Easter dinner with my father in law and his family. He asked if I thought I would go past due, but I said, I think I will be on time...just three more weeks. After desert though, I felt a POP. I quietly got up to go to the bathroom and discovered that my water had broken. I thought I would just sit quietly for a while and then ask for a ride home, since the train takes an hour. In a couple minutes though, I was feeling tingly and the contractions were really coming on. I whispered to my SIL, "Could you take us home? I think I am in labor." She SHRIEKED and dashed for the car. I finally thought to check my contractions on the way - 4 minutes apart.

 Everyone wanted to wait for the midwives to come, still thinking we might want to go to the hospital after all. We had little food and  no clean towels in the house. My brother in law walked in, just off the plane from California and was promptly sent to the Laundromat. I got in the shower (partly to get away from the craziness) while my husband set up the bedroom, called the midwives, and calmed the in-laws.

 Well, my primary midwife had just had a cesarean, so her partner and an assistant (who I also loved) came. My friend ran over after coming in from a trip to find my message, and my sister ZOOMED up from Connecticut. Waiting was the worst part. I threw up twice (signs of transition) and was wondering if I could actually get through this without going to the hospital. My husband did everything he could to help. Finally, the midwives came, my in-laws left and I suddenly felt stronger.

 I only felt comfortable sitting up or kneeling during this time and massage really helped, because I had back labor. After another hour, I started pushing and was able to lay back supported on the bed. This was easier because the contractions were more predictable. I pushed for three hours. Near the end, the midwife suggested using the birthing stool which brought the baby right down. I was glad to have such a trusting relationship with the midwife, because it was hard to take suggestions from anyone at that point.

 There was a very strong burning sensation as the baby's head emerged with her hand on her chin. (I needed a few stitches afterward.)  The body came out quickly and she was very healthy. Before I knew it, we were clean and tucked in bed eating and Easter egg and drinking yet another cup of raspberry tea. :) It took 5 hours.
 

 ~ Carolyn (mama to Avellana and expecting #2 in March)

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