This couple originally was planning to birth at a notorious hospital in the Metro area, but partway through the class started to have a different vision of their ideal birth experience. This led them to consider homebirth as an safe option. After attending a Homebirthers Meet Up, it was decided that they would move forward with maternity care using Birthing Way Traditional Homebirth Midwifery Service. A practice close to my heart, as Rachel helped catch my baby boy, as well 🙂 Here’s Abigail’s story…
Abigail Elaine was born on Christmas Eve at 4:27 AM. I had some mild cramping all day on the 23rd, and finally called Beth and Rachel over around 11:00 that night because I was feeling pressure waves around every 5 minutes regularly by then. I listened to the Hypnobabies CD’s and it helped a lot although I wouldn’t call it pain free. *** Instructor’s Note- this is OK, because while not every woman’s experience using Hypnobabies IS pain free nearly every Mom considers it have been more calm and relaxed. Our main goal is for an easier and more comfortable childbirth than might be possible without the wonderful techniques and information learned in the program ***It was more of a good distraction and something to focus on rather than what my body was experiencing. I had no sense of time, but after what seemed like a couple of hours, my pool was finally filled and ready to get into. The Hypnobabies CD’s didn’t work as well once I was in the water because I couldn’t get comfortable with the headphones on in the water, but I did stay in my special place as much as possible. After being in the pool for about an hour, I was checked by Rachel for dialation and I was at 8 centemeters. Another hour or so passed, and then I couldn’t resist the urge to push, and did for several times while I was on my hands/knees. I had the pushing baby out CD on, but I was really listening to my mother-in-law who was calmly being very supportive and talking me thru each wave.
Mommy's Favorite Gift - indeed!
Rachel began keeping a close eye on Abby’s heart rate, and I could sense that something had changed, but wasn’t sure exactly what. (Later I was told that Abby’s heart rate had begun to drop a little bit during the pressure waves, and they wanted to keep an eye on her.) They suggested that I change position, so I moved to a squatting position supported by Mike. I wish that they had suggested moving sooner, because after 2 big pushes in that position, Abby was born. The cord was wrapped around her neck 4 times tightly, but Beth quickly unwrapped it, and she is fine. It took about 6 1/2 hours total from the beginning to end. She weighed 5 lbs 14 ounces, and was 19 inches. She is doing great. By the end of the second week, when we finally went to the doctor, she was up to 7 lbs 1 ounce, and 20 inches.
