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!
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