“I can handle anything that comes my way”

I have been eager to attend a homebirth since even before I was a doula. The idea of birthing your baby in your own home seemed somehow magical to me because all I had ever hear about was hospital births. But two years into being a doula I still hadn’t attended a homebirth! I knew I would eventually but I never knew it would be as amazing as I pictured it.

I met Lily and Robert through the local doula network. After meeting them once, they graciously invited me to attend their upcoming homebirth. When we met, I could tell Lily really knew what she wanted. She was excited to birth this baby! She was confident and instinctively believed in her natural abilities to give birth. I felt excited and lucky to be working with Lily and Robert.

The day Lily went into labor was the one day Robert absolutely had to be at work. He had asked the baby to wait until this day was over to be born. So I went to their home that morning and hung out with Lily while Robert finished his project at work. She was in early labor, and was managing the contractions very well. We talked, walked, ate, and relaxed. She showed me her daily affirmation which read: “I can handle anything that comes my way.”

When Robert arrived home around 1pm, Lily’s labor progressed into active and she was on her way! The midwife arrived at about 4:30pm to assess the situation. She determined that Lily was 4-5 centimeters and definitely going to have the baby sooner than later. I was proud of her, she had worked hard all day so it was nice to hear that it was paying off. She and Robert went into the shower and did some good work. She was breathing and making beautiful labor sounds. The midwife and I let them do their thing. After the shower, Lily walked a bit more and then decided it was time to get into the tub.

Her contractions were picking up. She was powerful – taking each contraction as it came – talking to her baby, asking him gently to come down so that she could meet him. Robert anticipated the arrival of his son. We all comforted Lily, letting her know she was doing exactly what she needed to. A few times I reminded her of her affirmation: “I can handle anything that comes my way.” That seemed to help her get back into her body and focus on what she was doing.

At 8:20pm, Charles Timothy was born in the bath tub. He seemed so content right away, relaxing in his mommy’s arms – staring into her eyes. Mommy and daddy inspected their son and were in awe of the miracle that just took place in their very own home. It was truly an honor to be a part of something so natural yet so extraordinary.

James’ Birth - September 7, 2010

“the secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”
-buddha

James’ Birth ~ September 7, 2010

Dear James:

On the day you were born, your mommy and daddy’s world was changed forever.
That morning when your labor began, it was happening much quicker than expected. Your mommy and daddy didn’t know what to think! Was this what they had been planning? Not exactly, but they did exactly what they needed to do. They stayed calm, and found comfort in each other. When they called me, they said your mommy’s contractions were getting increasingly stronger, longer and closer together. Active labor didn’t last a very long time – only about 6 hours. Your mommy was overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. The “birth plan” was not exactly in effect. When your mommy and daddy arrived at the hospital, the staff was amazed! Your strong mommy was already in transition! She allowed herself to work with you to get your ready for the world.

But then, when you were ready, something bigger than any of us stepped in and decided you needed to be born in your own way. All of your mommy’s hard work prepared you for your entrance into this world. And though it was not exactly how we’d had it planned, you were here and safe. Your mommy recovered quickly, while your daddy gazed into your eyes with joy. Shortly after delivery, you landed in your mommy’s arms, right where wanted to be.

We learned a great lesson from you that day: birth, just like life, is unpredictable. But you are here and we are grateful for that. Welcome to the world!

Monday, September 6, 2010 - LABOR DAY!

Monday, September 6, 2010 ~ LABOR DAY!

Dearest Ben:

I had the pleasure of meeting your mommy at a yoga studio where she had been practicing yoga throughout her pregnancy with you. She and your daddy invited me to your birth and of course, I agreed. We met, talked, and planned. But nothing could prepare mommy and daddy for the special day on which you made your grand entrance into this world.

On September 4, 2010 (the Saturday before you were born), your mommy called me to tell me that her/your amniotic fluid level was too high and that the midwife and doctor wanted to start an induction that evening. She had hoped she wouldn’t need to be induced because she really wanted to labor at home for a while to help keep herself, you and daddy comfortable for early labor. But she was also very excited to meet you, so she agreed to go in. That night she and your daddy went in to the hospital and started the induction. Very quickly we learned that you can’t plan everything. That night you all tried to rest but it was a rough night.

I arrived the next day (Sunday, September 5th) around 1:30 p.m. to find you and your mommy laboring quite well, with daddy right beside. They updated me on everything and it seemed to be going as good as it could be. You were strong; your heartbeat was perfect – even the nurses were impressed! Early labor came and went as your mom and dad ate, walked the labor and delivery floor and rested when they were tired. Your daddy supported mommy through each contraction. I could tell that they both hoped you would make your entrance sooner than later! Your mommy managed her contractions nicely, breathing in and out, deep and gently.

Finally it was time for mom to get some relief, by getting into the birthing tub where she hoped you would be born. But when her water broke, there was some meconium that alerted the midwife that something about this labor may be stressful for you. That changed the water birth plan very fast. Your mommy stayed cool and calm, making the most of each contraction. She was strong – and so were you and daddy! The 3 of you on a team and doing a great job together.

Active labor went on and on and mommy needed a little relief and rest so she opted for an epidural. But the epidural didn’t seem to bring her what she needed – all she needed you, in her arms! Still, mom and dad stayed really strong. And you did too, continuing on with that steady heartbeat. It was 28 hours or so since your induction began, and boy were you just taking your time. After a few more hours, you were ready to start your entrance. Mommy started by easing you down. She worked very hard at pushing you down and out for a few hours. This was another tough stage. Little did we know it was because of your size, presentation, and position!

Finally, after many hours of labor and pushing, you arrived! You came with your arm right next to your head, as to say “Hooray, I’m here!” Mom and Dad were sure glad you made it into their loving arms safe and sound. All ten of us in the delivery room were stunned at how big you looked! Mommy, Daddy looked at each other in amazement while your Aunt Sarah stood by and smiled, obviously proud of all of the hard work.
You were handsome right from the start! Dad went with you to the warmer while Mom got cleaned up. After about 15 minutes, you landed right where you wanted to be – on your mommy, with your daddy right over her shoulder, watching and protecting the two of you. What a beautiful labor day!