BirthWise Maternity Care, LC

Gentle Births Happen at Home    

The Birth of Kimball

I had been having light contractions/cramping a good part of the day, mostly while cleaning the garage and while walking around the block.  I laid down in bed about 10:30 pm and was wondering what was going to happen (we really wanted to have this baby soon).  I tried some nipple stimulation and then at about 10:50 pm my water broke.  Greg called Heather to inform her.  She said to try and get some rest and call her when contractions were stronger, etc.  We called my mom and my aunt to tell them, then went to bed. 

 

I dozed for a little while, but after a while I couldn’t sleep through contractions any more, so I just laid in bed and rested and practiced relaxing during contractions.  About 1:30 am my mom and aunt showed up.  I still wasn’t in active labor, so they went and laid down in the living room.  At about 2:15 am they were much stronger and I felt that I had to throw up after an intense one.  I went into the bathroom, but didn’t throw up at that time.  I told Greg to call Heather and start the bath water.  I had a few contractions while on the toilet and really focused on relaxing and working with my body, letting my body do what it needed to.  I got in the tub at about 2:30 am and it really helped me relax because contraction were intense by then.  I remember wondering how long I would be in there because I was very tired and wanted to go to bed.  I did actually doze between contractions. 

 

About 3:00am I had Greg come over and hold my hand because they were more intense.  At about 10 min after I said “You better call Heather and make sure she is almost here because I feel like I’m going to need to push.  This baby’s almost here.:  He said, “Don’t worry, she’s on her way,” and right then there was a knock on the door.  I didn’t let Greg go get it though.  I wanted him to stay with me.  My aunt got up and got the door and they came into the bathroom together.  By then I was pushing and I told Heather and Greg said he could see the head.  I concentrated on relaxing and working with my body.  I didn’t want to tear like last time.  After only 20 min of pushing, out came the head and with the next contraction, the body.  Greg pulled him up and said, “It’s a boy!”  We were surprised, we thought it would be a girl!  I feel I did a great job.  I accomplished just what I wanted.  I stayed relaxed and worked with my body and I think it helped my labor be faster and more effective and I didn’t tear!