BirthWise Maternity Care, LC

Gentle Births Happen at Home    

The Birth of Aiden

I was feeling a little impatient wanting my baby to be born and Sunday night I just couldn’t sleep.  Then I fell asleep about 1 am and woke up at 2 am with a contraction.  I was so excited but not sure if it was a false alarm.  I woke up Daddy and we both rushed around getting things ready.  We were both very happy and excited and I finally thought I should call my doula and midwife.  The contractions were getting pretty intense and I had a feeling my labor would progress quickly.  I as anxious to get in the water, knowing it would help with relaxation and pain relief.  Everyone arrived one at a time and it was a nice, relaxed atmosphere.

     I was a little nervous to believe I knew what to do, but my midwife was reassuring that my body was working and to trust my instincts.  We had candles lit and music playing any my labor support people massaging my back, putting cool cloths on me and giving me liquids.  They even rubbed dad’s shoulders when he was getting tired!  It was wonderful to feel loved and supported so much.  Once I started pushing I knew I could do this and was very anxious to hold my baby.  I reached down to feel his head and was surprised to feel a “bubble” instead.  My water had not broken and my baby was born in the bag of water on the next push.  He tumbled out into the water and was handed back to me immediately.  I felt so much at that moment:  love, wonder, surprise, energy, empowerment, relief, joy.  He was beautiful and big and whole and he was mine.  I cried and saw daddy’s tears as he looked at our son for the first time.

     Our birth was a family, spiritual and totally physical experience.  We were thrilled with everything and felt so peaceful being at home together.  I enjoyed being comfortable in my own environment, being in the water and being able to birth my own baby my own way.  I loved the care we all received prenatally, during labor and postpartum.  My two births are the highlights of my life!