Frank’s Birth Story
Baby
#3. When we found out I was pregnant the hunt began for us to find a
midwife. At the time in our area there were not any Midwives available
for home birth or birth centers. I knew I didn't want a hospital birth,
which led us on the search in Twin Falls, Boise and Salt Lake City for a Birth
Center. After researching we made a trip out to Boise and visited
the New Beginnings Birth Center in Meridian, ID. We fell in love the
facility and the midwives there and just knew it was the perfect fit for
us.
They were great at working with us on the distance and spacing out
appointments. It was a 5 hour drive each way, so every trip we
planned some family fun and would overnight that direction.
This also meant we had to work on logistics for the birth. Would the 5
hour drive be do able in labor, should the kids and I stay closer for the
birth, who would help with the kids, etc. After many discussions we
decided that the kids and I would stay closer to the birth center and we would convince
my Mum/Dad to come stay with us, so I would have someone there for the kids
when I went into labor. Chris would then try to drive out for the birth
when labor started.
I got lucky and found a beautiful RV Park about 70 miles for the Birth Center
that had small cabins to rent. This was perfect. Hiking trails,
mini golf, swimming pool, horseshoes and all in the mountains. The price
was also better then the extended stay hotel rates. We would have a
kitchen, bathroom, 1 bedroom and a living room with with a queen size
futon. Plenty of room for all of us and the kids could play outside and
not have to worry about noise issues. If you are ever staying near Boise,
you must check out Fort Running Bear RV Park. Amazing facilities and
wonderful people.
Our little guy ended up dropping pretty low about 7 weeks before my due date,
so we all thought he would be coming early so we planned on arriving to the
cabin around 38.5 weeks pregnant to be safe to begin our stay. We got out
there and started enjoying the fun on a Wednesday the 19th. The next weeks
Friday (Aug 28) I started having contractions in the early morning and after 12
hours of contractions we sent for Chris to come out and to be ready.
Contractions were 8-11 minutes apart for 23 hours then the contractions stopped
being continuous. Chris spent the weekend with us then him and my Dad
headed back to Elko. Over the next few days contractions would last a
couple hours here and there then they would stop. The next Tuesday (just past due date) we made a trip to the midwives and we found out that our little
guy had turned posterior (baby head down but facing forward towards my
belly). They recommended trying a chiropractor to see if they could
adjust me so that we could get little guy in the right position. I had
never been to a Chiropractor, so was a little nervous but decided to give it a
try. Called them up and they squeezed me in. Wow it was amazing.
Left there and felt relief where there was discomfort.
On Wed we decided to go swimming to see if would also help encourage
labor. On our way back from the pool we encountered a young Buck (Deer)
and it stayed near our cabin the remainder of the evening and even the next morning. We
wondered if it was a sign that the baby was coming soon. That afternoon after swimming around 4 pm contractions started and were 10 minutes apart all
night. They were intense contractions and lasted closer to the 1 minute
mark. I called the midwives in the morning and they said go to the
chiropractor then come to them for an exam.
Got to the Chiropractor, got an adjustment and left there around 12:45
pm. Contractions were still 10 minutes apart and very intense. Got
to the Birth Center around 1 pm and they decided that I should stay close since
contractions had started coming about 5-6 minutes apart. The good news
was he had turned out of posterior position. They put a wrap on my belly
to help lift the little guy a little to help encourage him to get in the
perfect position. They recommended getting food and a hotel nearby.
If contractions stayed at 5 minutes apart to come back after getting some
food. If they spread out then relax at the hotel and see if labor
progressed.
We decided to head to get some food to take to the hotel and eat since it would
be easier with the boys. Contractions spaced out to 8 minutes for 2
contractions. On our way to get some
food contractions intensified. As
sitting through drive thru they went back to 5 and were even more intense. My poor mother was driving and got to hear
some not so nice responses from me during contractions. We got to the
hotel at 2 pm and I stepped out of the car and instantly my water broke.
Picked up the phone called the Midwives and our Doula Shawnelle to tell them we
were on our way to the birth center. The 10 mile drive back to the birth
center was awful!!
As soon as my mum pulled in the parking lot I got out of the car and walked to
the best of my ability straight into the birth center and the birthing room
that Beth was preparing the birthing tub in. I brace the wall through
contractions that were already giving me the urge to push until our Midwife
Beth got the water ready for me. She helped me in and about that time the
Birthing Assistant, Melissa and our Doula Shawnelle arrived. The hot
water in the tub felt amazing and help so much with the pain in my back from
contractions.
My body already was pushing and I was exhausted. Not enough fuel in the
system (food and water), but my Doula was putting a drink in front of me
between contractions and helping in that department. Next thing I knew he
was crowning. I heard we can see a head and an ear, tiny pushes but my
body didn't have the urge to push nor did I have the strength to do it without
the help of a contraction. It was the calm before the finale.
In those moments I found myself praying for God to give me the strength to
finish this. The contractions finally came and he was out and in my
arms. He was perfect, amazing, everything I had prayed for. Frank
Angus St.Peter was born on 9/3/15 at 3:55 pm 21 inches long and 9 lbs 0 oz.
I asked if my Mum was still around
and they went out and found her in the parking lot still with the boys in the
car (one sleeping, one being entertained by a show). My Doula stayed out
there with the boys, so my Mum could come in and meet her new Grandson.
I stayed in the tub holding Frank for close 30 minutes while the amazing birth team
filled me with liquid and patiently waited for me to pass the
placenta Then it was time to move to the comfy bed.
My midwife and assistant left me to relax in the room with the baby and
Shawnelle while my Mum took the boys out shopping.
Shawnelle stayed and visited with me and helped make sure I got food and liquid
in me to bring my energy levels back up. Then it was time for her to
leave and me to try to rest a little. After a little rest I was up and
getting showered, so we could head out. I
was looked over again, given my watch list for me and Frank and then we were
able to head out. The boys came in and met their baby brother then we all
headed out to the cabin for the night. We stayed at the Birth Center for
about 3-4 hours after Frank was born. Our Midwife Beth even prepared me
some amazing food to eat (Eggs, Kale, Bacon and some more amazing goodness).
I was pampered by these ladies.
The next morning we went back for a check-up and both of us were good to
go. We decided instead of staying in a hotel we would drive home.
It was time to see my Hubby and the boys to see their Daddy.
Of course there is discomfort and healing to still be done, but feeling so
fortunate and joyful for what I have.
A huge Thank you to my Mum and Dad who came in town and helped with everything
including watching to very wild young boys. There support at all my
births has been very appreciated and couldn't of been done without them.
All the Midwives and Birth Assistants at New Beginnings Birth Center.
Kelly, Emmy, Sarah, Melissa and Beth. You made this pregnancy and birth
perfect and amazing. Beth I am so happy you joined us in the last few
weeks and you got to be the Midwife at my birth. You are great addition
to the Birth Center!! You and Melissa were so helpful, respectful and
caring during the entire birth process.
BoDo Chiro...Dr Jen and Dr Kyle. I am a huge fan and will be back. I am
positive your adjustments got our little guy in the right position to get the
labor really going. Thank you so much!!
Shawnelle I am so happy we hired you as our Doula. We knew Chris would
most likely not make the birth and that I would need someone to help me through
the process. Your knowledge and insight throughout our meetings, the
labor and the birth were very much appreciated. You knew what I needed
and were there to help me through the tough process.
When we returned home our amazing neighbor even came over with food for the
family. Thank you Knudsen Family this it fed us for days :-). They were also kind enough to let me bring the boys by
for some afternoon playtime so Mommy and Frank can get some relaxation and
quality time in over this first week.
Thank you to the Relief Society at our church for arranging food to be brought
to us that first week. You ladies are
amazing!!
This birth will never be forgotten. I
appreciate everything that everyone has done to help and assist before and
after this birth. We can’t thank you
enough.
Our little family has grown so more
and we are so fortunate. Feeling like
the luckiest lady to have my three boys and my wonderful husband
For any Mommies to be out there
exploring natural birth, I highly recommend it.
It is very satisfying and rewarding.
This was my first water birth and I would also recommend that. I have had one natural birth in my bed, one
hospital birth with drugs and one natural water birth. The tub helps with contraction pain as well
as the crowning process pain. Explore
your birth options and make the decision right for you and your baby. Just remember natural birth is an option and
it can be amazing.
Thank you God for all the blessings you have given our family. Thank you
for the strength and comfort you have given me during this pregnancy and
labor. You are my rock and savior God. All this is possible because
of you. Please continue to watch over and guide us on this journey. In
Jesus name I pray Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment