Well, I don’t even know where to begin… how it is that two weeks have already passed since we welcomed this little one into our family? He was always meant to be our third child. I can’t imagine life any other way.
I suppose you’r all here reading this story expecting to hear his birth story. So, let’s see… where does his story even begin?
Around 36/37 weeks I started having some very labor-like prodromal labor. Mentally, I was prepared for this because I had heard from several other Mama friends that they also had prodromal labor/false labors with their third.
My first prodromal labor was the night before we were supposed to take our last family road trip to Leavenworth. I had very intense braxton hicks and even slightly crampy contractions most of the night and most of the drive (6hrs) to Leavenworth. But as we always say in this house… “you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.”
I knew in my heart that I would be much more disappointed if we decided not to go to Leavenworth and baby didn’t come… then if we DID decide and baby did come. And it ended up being just the trip we needed!
Well, we returned home… and week after week went by. Even my due date came and went.
Trying to encourage baby to come or naturally “induce” labor has never really been my thing. I trust baby and my body to welcome baby into this world when both are ready.
However, I do believe there are things you can be doing all throughout pregnancy, and especially in those final weeks to help support your body in preparing for labor. Accupuncture, movement, herbs, and lots of oxytocin to name a few!
Well, as I was nearing 41 weeks my husband reminded me that I’ve always scheduled accupuncture all through out pregnancy and especially at the end of pregnancy. Yet, I had completely forgotten this time! And let me just say, not all accupuncture is created equal. I’ve been through quite a few Chinese medicine practitioners to find the gal and clinic i truly trust here in Portland.
So, at 40+6 I had accupuncture in the morning, went to a baby consignment store and bought my FIRST baby clothes for this baby (out of the whole pregnancy!!). We weren’t finding out the gender… but I bought a few boy pajamas :) . Then, I went to our favorite river spot and met up with a sweet friend and her kids. I got some glorious swimming in and was feeling alive and free!
My friend snapped this sweet picture of the girls and I. I’m so thankful she did… here we are… our little adventure girl squad on its last day! Mom friends always take pictures of your mom friends with their kiddos!! Treasures of a life time.
That night my midwife had given me an herbal tincture with homeopathics mixed in. The tincture alone doesn’t “induce” labor unless your body is ready. I took the tincture and went into crazy nesting mode. Cleaned the house, prepped sourdough baked goods to store in the fridge, prepped a giant carrot salad, even straightened and organized the girls toys… setting up fun little pretend play areas.
At 11:00 PM… I went to bed and told Rich, I don’t think tonight is the night. But I know it will come soon.
Here is where the story just goes very fast!
1:30 AM I woke up with contractions but I wasn’t sure if it was just another round of prodromal labor. I laid down and slept on and off through the contractions until about 5:00 AM. I kept thinking, I should really get up and start my movement patterns to help baby out… but alas, I was too tired.
5:00 AM ish - I got up and was pretty sure I was in labor. I texted my midwife but everything felt very early still. I started working through the contractions (I like to make sure I am SO loose and tension free during contractions by moving my spine, my hips, and my belly all through out each contraction as I breathe).
by 6:30 AM ish I was so hungry… my belly was growling! So I finished making the sourdough biscuits I had prepped the night before and then made myself a delicious latte. I enjoyed the coffee and biscuits as I walked around through contractions.
7:00 AM I woke up Rich and told him I was in labor and to start packing up to go to the birth center. I also called my midwife. At this time my contractions were still only 30-45seconds apart and very mild.
by 8:00 AM the girls had woken up! They came into the bedroom where I was laboring. I gave them hugs and got to snuggle them a bit. I was feeling like my contractions were getting more intense and started to need Rich to apply counter pressure on my low back. So, because I wanted his full attention then we gave the girls their “after baby gift” which was a little doll stroller for each of them and sent them out to the living room.
At 8:20 AM ish I decided to get into the shower to try and slow my contractions down. Within 1-2 contractions in the shower my water broke and this is when labor got REALLY intense REALLY fast.
I got out of the shower and called my midwife… I told her I didn’t think we were going to make it to the birthing center. Because of rush hour the normal 12 minute drive to the birthing center showed as 45 minutes and solid red. While I was on the phone with her I had a contraction and she could tell I was obviously starting to push.
Every single one of my pushing experiences with each kid has felt SO very different - which tends to catch me off guard because I still don’t think I’m fully aware of what is happening during the pushing phase.
Rich came rushing into the bathroom to help support me. I truly could not get through any of my births without him. He is my rock and somehow always knows just what to do. From 8:20 - 8:30 I threw up all my breakfast and coffee, felt as though I lost control of my calm peaceful labor, and for the first time, actually cried through a couple contractions.
When it was evident that Jack was coming out, ready or not, Rich facetimed my midwife who was in her car on her way to our house (bless her) and was our reassuring presence through facetime.
Jack came fast! He was delivered around 8:30 AM into his father’s hands!
He came out with his cord wrapped around his neck and he was blue. This is normal and not an emergency but it did kick me from birth mode into MOTHER mode quite quickly. We rubbed him down with a towel and gave him a few tiny puffs of air and helped breath life into his lungs.
My midwives arrived soon after and helped us get through all the after birth care.
Out of all my birth experiences I have felt physically the best I’ve felt after birth! It has been a challenge staying in bed. I’m working on it though!
We have now experienced an “undisturbed free birth” - it’s exhilarating to say and I do think I may be hooked on home births. But, what I’ve learned is that my midwife gives me the space for an undisturbed birth each time. Each birth she has waited patiently, scarcely intervening, and her presence is just a calm reassuring force in the background. It’s the way birth care should be. And when I needed her, whether it was for reassurance, guidance, or assistance she has been there.
Midwives put their neck on the line for their people every single day. And this birth experience made me forever grateful for my midwife.
You see, you can have care and support AND an undisturbed birth if you truly want it.
Perhaps, the reality is you can have the birth you want wherever you want it! It’s up to you.
“Jackson - The glory of a young man is his strength. From the time your Mother carried you we knew your physical strength was exceptional! The name Jackson represents your strength and masculinity as you grow into a leader rooted deeply in Truth.
Stone - derived from Greek word Petros- or Peter. You are a living stone of Christ’s church. May you be as the wise man, grounded in Gods word and building your life on the Solid rock that is Christ Jesus. All other ground is sinking sand.
You were born into your Father’s strong hands, my son… learn from him, seek his guidance, and find protection from this world in his fortress. Your earthly father will point you to your Heavenly Father. ”
