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Hi!! birth story (long) and PIP
Frederick John L. (Freddie) was born at 3:19pm on Sunday March 28th, 2010 at home and in the water! We are so thrilled and in awe of this new person.
I started having contractions early in the morning on Sunday around 5am. Shortly after I lost my mucus plug and the contractions were still coming. I wasn't really timing them but I think at that point they were around 15 - 20 min apart. I went to email my midwife and doula (since it was still super early morning and I wasn't sure when things would really start up) to email them what was going on. I was having pretty intense lower back pain with each contraction, so around 6:30 am I woke up Ricky and told him what was going on. I laid in bed with him to try and ease the back pain, but laying down seemed to really intensify the contractions. I was really having to breath through them at this point. Shortly after we got up and he started timing time. I think they were about 10min. apart at this point. We were keeping track of them for a bit - sometimes they were really close together (5 or 6 min) sometimes more like 8 -10 min. I told him I should probably get something to eat so he made me a fruit smoothie. Around 7:30 am or so we called our doula, Colleen, and told her what was going on. At that point I had gotten into our bathtub and was leaning back against a yoga ball (so comforting!!) The contractions were closer to about 5-6 min apart. I was really cautious about believing that labor was really going starting and progressing, because I knew that sometimes when you get in the water then can stop or slow down and also your labor can slow down in the later morning hours. But...we still asked Colleen to start heading over. She suggested we start filling up the birthing pool, so Ricky got started on that while I kept working through the contractions. They stayed around 4-5min apart. Once I was in the birthing pool - it definitely felt so much better, but the lower back pain was still there. Colleen arrived and we were talking about how things had progressed so far and what I was feeling. I remember in between contractions feeling really shaky all over. Around 9:30 or so my contractions were about 2-3min apart and we called our midwife - she was getting ready and was on her way.
When she and her assistant arrived, things were definitely picking up. I had pretty much staying in the birthing pool the whole time and had tried a couple positions. It was so great to be in the water and able to move around somewhat easily. The atmosphere was really calm, everyone was there to support and guide me. It felt very safe and secure.
At some point after, my midwife checked me and I was 9 cm!! I had no idea what time it was, but was thrilled to already be that close. She said after a few more contractions, anytime I got the urge to push I could start. I didn't really have that urge until a while later. The pushing was really hard - Martine was so great in that she guided me through every step. It was so intense and yes there was burning. I was so happy when Martine was guiding me through some pushes and said "Ok, now just push out his shoulders!" I remember thinking - "Oh my god, his head is already out - I totally got this!!!" And seconds later he was on my chest. I was so emotional and Ricky was crying.
We quickly moved to the bed and everyone helped us get perfectly cosy and comfortable. I was completely exhilarated, but also very calm. Once Freddie started crying he really let us all know what he had to say!! I think he had a little fluid in his lungs, but he worked it out and they kept checking him over the next hour or so. He weighed in at 8lbs exactly and was 19.5 in long!
We are all doing well and healthy and happy. Ricky and I are figuring out our new life and are completely in love with this little guy. The whole experience was so amazing and incredible and I can't believe that just a few days ago he was inside and now he's here in my arms!!
Re: Hi!! birth story (long) and PIP
Bubblegum Explosion
AMAZING and Congrats!!
I was tearing up reading your story.
He is beautiful and you guys all look so great and happy! Enjoy!!
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Wow, what a perfect, inspiring, and amazing story!!! Congratultions, he is beautiful!
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TTC Journey
7/2008 - begin TTC
7/2009 - began charting
9/2009 - Dx Endometriosis
10/2009 - HSG/SA (Normal)
12/2009 -6/2010 - Lupron #1 & 2
Sep-Nov 2010- Clomid Cycles #1&2 = BFN
Dec 2010 - Clomid Cycle #3 = BFP (1/11/11);no h/b (2/10/11); D&C (2/23/11)
5/11-6/11 - herbal tea regime = BFN
7/24/2011- herbal tea regime = surprise BFP
What a beautiful story Liza! You're little boy is sooo handsome!
I give you a lot of credit for being sooo brave! I don't know if I would be brave enough to give birth at home...without drugs?? =/ Good for you...
I'm still in awe of your story Liza and how quickly things progressed for you--from the contractions to dilating so quickly! I pray (literally), my birth experience can mirror even slightly some of your experiences. I also give you kudos for laboring and delivering at home--and am so glad everything worked out just as you had planned.
Freddie is a doll with beautiful eyes! Enjoy your bonding time with your little man and congratualations to you and DH again!