We found out we were pregnant the day before Olivia's birthday, which is funny (to me) because just two short years on that date I was going into labor. This pregnancy was much harder for me; I was sick for a longer period of time, I lost my appetite for pretty much the whole pregnancy and the last 4-5 weeks was extremely uncomfortable as baby had moved all the way down into my pelvis and I was having Braxton Hicks constantly. I was due on September 5th, so I figured that week would be my 'due date' range.
Fast forward to September 13, I woke up about 5am having pretty strong contractions. It didn't totally alarm me as I had been having false labor contractions for a week or so previous to this. They were about 15 minutes apart and lasted a few hours, and then stopped. They started again that night, lasted a few hours, then stopped. This went on Monday as well and then Tuesday night they were a bit stronger, but they lasted all night long. I would wake up to breath through a contraction, then go back to sleep (about every 15-20 minutes).
My uncle had had surgery on Tuesday, so my mom was already in town preparing to take care of him for a few days, so she was already at our house (crazy timing!!). I had gone downstairs to the basement at about 6am Wed morning because laying down was getting too painful/uncomfortable so I propped myself on the couch which made it much more bearable. My mom came downstairs at about 8 and was asking me about going to the doctor (Lisa had scheduled me for a biophysical profile since that's not what we ended up getting done on Tues), but she had just texted me saying she cancelled the appointment, and was asking me how I was doing. I stood up about 8:30, and my contractions got closer together, about 5-10 minutes, and didn't stop regardless of what I did. So, I told Lisa I think she needed to come over.
Lisa had come over on Sunday to check on baby and give me some herbs to try and make my contractions more consistent. She had tried to strip my membranes the Thurs before but my cervix was too far back, even though I was almost completely effaced and she was at 0 station (as low as she could get). So, she tried again on Sun but nothing had changed....a little discouraging because I had been having false labor for so long.
So, needless to say, there was a lot of anticipation about when this baby was coming! Lisa said she'd get some things together and then head over. In the mean time, she sent Debbie, one of her apprentices, over to check me and see if anything had progressed. My contractions were still consistent at this point. Debbie got there about 10am and I was 4-5cm and 90% effaced! She said "we're gonna have a baby today" and I just started crying! It was REALLY gonna happen! At this point, I just simply felt it was never going to happen or that I would end up at the hospital for some reason....just hormonal, irrational thoughts, good times :)
So, because my mom was already there, she watched over Olivia while everyone gathered and got set up for baby. I had Lisa and her two apprentices, one was a doula and the other an RN, so I was pretty excited to have a great team for delivery. I was breathing through contractions pretty well, and it got 'easier' when back pressure was applied.
They asked me if I wanted to go for a walk and I said yes, so we all headed outside! My mom with Olivia, Roger and I, and my three midwives following behind us. Every time I had a contraction, I would lean on Roger and the doula would apply back pressure while I 'danced' to keep my hips relaxed. One of our neighbors came out to make sure I was okay and see if needed to call an ambulance! :) It was such a beautiful day and I was so excited about having this baby here once and for all. Olivia helped keep a smile on my face and remind me that it'll all be okay.
We came inside and hung out downstairs for a bit while everyone ate lunch and refueled. I loved this part of my labor....so relaxed and calm.
Lisa suggested I go up and get in the tub, so we headed upstairs. I sat in the tub for a good 15-20 minutes and then it started getting too hot so I wanted to get out. As I was doing that, I went into transition, so it took me a while to get out of the tub. Baby's heart rate was a little fast, so they had me lay on my side on the bed. This is when it got ridiculously painful and I didn't think I could do it! My body started pushing, but my muscles were so cramped that I couldn't open my hips to make any progress. They sat me up so I was sitting on the edge of the bed (exact same position as with Olivia) and leaning back against Roger. Once again my muscles were so tight and cramped, it was really hard to get my hips spread enough to push baby out.
About 30 minutes and a heck of a lot more than two pushes later, our beautiful Lyla Grace was born! I was so extremely relieved and ecstatic that it was all over and she was finally here!!
We got some great pics of the labor and shortly after she was born, thanks to our amazing midwives.
They thought I was going to have to head to the hospital because I had a hematoma that had formed. They put some ice on it and as I trying to get up to get dressed so we could leave, Lisa decided to check me one more time. It was gone! Praise the Lord. So, she called and cancelled the appointment and we didn't have to head anywhere.
My wonderful husband and mom took care of me for five days since I couldn't leave the bedroom, which is upstairs. Olivia was amazing, she loved having 'picnics' in our room and hanging out with us! She loves Lyla so much; she has to come in and give her a kiss and a hug every morning!
I am so grateful and thankful that I got to have another successful home birth with such wonderful midwives. Although I'm not sure I wanna do it again without some serious pain medication ;)
Lyla Grace, 9/16/2015 3:30pm, 7lbs 10oz, 21.75in.
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