My Birthing Story

Well, the day that seemed to never come has finally came and went. Now instead of resting in my belly I have a beautiful baby boy resting ON my belly. Much better place let me tell you! :)

Zachary Michael was born Thursday 8:22pm March 4th, 2010 and we were home by 11:30pm with everyone doing fine.

Just after midnight on this day I awoke to a repetitive pressing sensation that would come and go....could this be "contractions" . Morning came and as they continued with no real change. I call my midwife to inform her and seemed this was not quite the pattern we were looking for to rush for delivery.

At this point I was completely at rock bottom emotionally, mentally, physically! I felt defeated at just the thought of going another day or even waiting another minute for this "active labor" to kick in. I didn't care how or what it would take to get the baby out - so it felt- I was tired and impatient in the waiting! My midwife discussed an option that if nothing progressed that afternoon then we could see if all the elements are conducive to breaking my water. I was up for the option and any sound of hope to progress.
These contractions ended shortly after this and I was able to nap. The only thing that hung around was an extreme pressure on my colon and bladder that would last about 40 seconds and would happen maybe once every hour or so. The later it got in the day the more intensity and frequency this pressure would happen.

At 6pm time came to get in the car and make our way to the birthing center.
We were packed up and hopeful with in 24 hours we could be mission accomplished. By this time my "colon" and "bladder" problem was getting unbearable and I already had to stand for the past few hours for I could not sit without triggering this massive pressure. The car ride over brought on 3 of these episodes. Arriving at the center I then explain my current predicament with my midwife who says that's usually what people feel when the head starts coming down then she immediately checks my cervix.

At check of my cervix it was discovered that...I have no cervix! I was 10cm dilated completely and the head was coming down. She said we need to fill the tub so we can start pushing. It was when she said the word PUSH that a sense of clarity came over me and a quick flash back to my day and agreeing that YES! THAT'S WHAT I FELT LIKE DOING.... LIKE PUSHING the later in the day it got. Here I am 10cm with no contractions and yes - smiling! and now we are all laughing cause it's not like I have babies everyday and know what the heck I'm doing here!
Quickly my husband and I had to switch gears of this long haul we prepared ourselves for to the fact that WE ARE HAVING A BABY....RIGHT NOW!

With in 15 minutes my water broke on its own and after approximately 30 minutes of pushing in the tub our son was born in the water at 8:22pm! At 11:30pm our new family was walking in the door to our house and safe at home with all doing well. I had a burst of energy and couldn't sleep, or even felt tired! Finally after snuggling with this beautiful baby I closed my eyes and had a good rest!

I can honestly say this was the most peaceful experience. The simplicity of only having your husband and 2 midwives at your side and surrendering your body to do its thing was amazing.
At no time did I feel a need for drugs. And yes, I'm going to say what most women don't want to hear and that is .....I LOVED MY BIRTH.