During birth, I applied the Mongan Method HypnoBirthing techniques and some Bradley basics. The affirmations and breathing techiniques from the HypnoBirthing book helped more than anything. They helped keep me focused and in control.

Two days prior to labor beginning, menstrual like cramp pains would set during the morning but they would subside by the afternoon. The second day- they lasted later into the afternoon so my husband decided to come home from work early. He and I both had a feeling something was going to happen we just weren’t 100% sure. I was feeling guilty that he’d left work early because I started to feel fine as the day went on. I certainly wasn’t in labor- (Yet!)

I fell alseep that evening at about 8:30pm to be rudely awoken by my bag of waters tear at 1:38 AM.  I contacted my midwife, Aleks, and she advised me to go back to bed and get rest especially since we knew what was ahead. It was considered to be a high leak and not a complete rupture. With Tristan my water broke- it wasn’t a gradual processs.

I laid in bed thinking about the day ahead of me. Thinking about Clark and what he’d look like. Thinking about his journey – our journey. I actually felt a sudden spell of energy and excitement. I tried to go back to bed since I wasn’t feeling any contractions/surges yet but with the leak it was pretty darn uncomfortabIe. I finally left our bed and went into the living room where I did some tweeting and mainly tried to relax while listening to soundscapes on the t.v. tuner.

My mom came by at 5AM before she went to work and checked on how I was doing. Nothing had changed. She left telling me that I’d be giving birth later that afternoon. Later that afternoon came and went and the midwives had arrived earlier – approx. 11:30AM. I was starting to have very mild surges. Before the midwives arrived we’d done everything we needed to do to prepare for the birth  I even managed to get split pea soup started for everyone.

After we ate lunch, about 1:30pm- Tyler, Tristan and I went for walk. I’d close my eyes and hold onto the stroller and breath in the fresh air. I remember thinking-I couldn’t believe it was April Fools Day and Clark fooled us afterall! We joked and laughed about it. The walk turned out to be helpful. After returning, about 10 minutes later the surges began to grab stronger. Tyler decided to take Tristan to the park so I could nap. I napped for a very short period of time and labored in our living room listening to Bluegrass music while chatting with my midwives.

At some point, my mother in law came for Tristan after the park and promised to bring him back so he could be part of the birth. I focused and remained relaxed and would keep running a few mantra’s through my head “With every breath I support the arrival of my baby”. I accepted what was happening- my uterus would tighten and let go.

I had chatted through most it if Aleks and Beth.  When the surges were 3 minutes apart – I made the decision to get into the water birthing tub. We lit candles and set the atmosphere. It was about 5:30pm. I called my mom and asked her to arrive in a half hour.

She showed up with my dad- who stayed out in the living room the entire time LOL! ( good thing!!!!). My midwives did a wonderful job of keeping me calm and only came in when it was necessary. I labored with my mom and Tyler by my side. It was a very soothing and cozy being in the water. The water helped keep me calm. On top of that it was quiet. I wanted stillness. The surges had engaged and turned into the pushing phase of labor about and hour later. It became an intense atmosphere. When this happened I felt like the water helped keep the feelings of being uncomfortable at bay.

There were definitely some uncomfortable moments but it was worth every moment of them… moments where I wanted to tell my husband to quit rubbing my neck, when I finally took the cold cloth off my forehead and when I yelled at my husband to move his hand as he was catching Clark!  I just remember following the lead of my body and being focused. Deep breaths. I’d been pushing for 21 minutes at this time.  My hands then my entire body started to tingle (not orgasmic in any way…exhausation/hormones) and just as it started, like that Clark had entered the world! My husband received Clark and passed him on to me within seconds. Clark was born into the world at 7:41 PM – weighing in at a whopping  9lbs. 3 oz. and 21 inches long!

I definitely felt Clark soar out of me- with Tristan he must’ve had a cape during his soar because I didn’t feel as much it happened so fast. Okay, I felt the ring of fire for a spilt second! Clark forgot his cape and I felt that baby body come out- no ring of fire this time…just extreme pressure!  Both experiences were incredible and memorable. I can’t believe I have a Fools Day baby and an Earth Day baby…kinda funny how that turned out! I also can’t believe how quick and easy my births are.

Since Clark has arrived I’m enjoying the oxytocin benefits from breastfeeding- that combined with my placenta pills and few homeopathic remedies…I’m good!! I’m happy that Clark is finally here!

]]> http://recycleyourday.com/the-birth-story-homebirth-natural-labor/feed/ 11 http://recycleyourday.com/pregnancy-update-38-wks/ http://recycleyourday.com/pregnancy-update-38-wks/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:44:21 +0000 La Mama Naturale' http://recycleyourday.com/?p=1471

I’m still preggo! The due date of April 4th is now looking like a HUGE possibility (pun intended). Saw our midwives today and everything measured right on. We also heard the heartbeat which sounded great. My midwife did an exam to check if I was “open” – dilated in the medical world…and I’m am not!! Cervix is still closed. I’m going to begin taking Evening Primrose Oil 2 x day. It will ripen the cervix and help get things started (cuz I really don’t WANT to go over). There is no concern that I’m not open yet though. It took a load of my husband who’s been stressing about it (when I’ll give birth). Only because he works about 1hr. 1/2 away and wanted to get an idea. Otherwise, we probably would just went on with the appt. as normal.

The midwife offered and he really wanted me to do it. All this means, is that baby will probably not show up anytime soon…and when I do start to open it will take at least 48-72 hrs. His parents are leaving town and they really don’t want to miss the birth. My husband is relieved he can go to work without worrying I’m going to call him and he’ll have to hall booty to get here to make sure he doesn’t miss it either. ME? Well, I’m ready to have Clark but also okay with the fact that my body is not ready yet. I suspected today would be the day- but my instincts have proved me wrong. My mom swears it’ll happen Sunday night. In any case, I’ve looked up the dates of March 30th and on in our Birthday Book…

A few of our friends and family are saying April 1st-  just because it’s April Fool’s Day…and here’s what the book says:

April 1- The Day of Dignity! – No Fool’s here!!! LOL!

Strengths- Goal-Oriented, Sincere, Technically Skillful

Weaknesses- Isolated, One Track, Workaholic

April 4- Due Date

The Day of Initiative:

Strengths- Innovative, Lively, Ambitious

Weaknesses: Impulsive, Unstable, Rebellious!

Not bad! The Birthday Book is lots of fun- it really nails the personality traits and ways that those born on the dates are! My husband and I are at amazed at how close it nails our friends and family.

I was born on The Day of Precocity – Tyler is The Day of Continuity and Tristan is The Day of Established Presence (and he sure established his presence the day he arrived)!!

Clark is kicking a lot and jabbing me in my lower half which tends to make me feel like something might be happening! I’m still having contractions and they come and go but obviously are not regular enough to go into labor. I’ve been taking lots of pictures and am glad we still have a bit more time because we are going to do a few family shots this weekend.

I’m more than ready to receive Clark and hope he arrives soon. I’ve been envisioning the birth and have been practicing the Hypnobirthing Method. I’m also cherishing the last few days- week I have with Tristan. It’s just amazing how time has flown and we’re going to be a family of four. I’m truly looking forward to it. I know Tyler is too…and Tristan is ready to meet Clark and finally put the name with a face! I just envision him and how he’s going to react. It makes me emotional thinking about it. We’re all going to be in babymoon heaven!

My father in-law is giving my husband a week off from work. I’m totally looking forward to soaking up that first few days of family bonding time. I’m going to need Tyler. I’m grateful he’s being so generous. Between my mom, his mom, my sis and a few friends. I think I’m going to make it.

I’m planning to have my placenta dehydrated and encapsulated and take orally- I did this with Tristan and it helps with energy, keeps Postpartum Depression at bay (I was fortunate that I did not experience this), and provides you with all the vitamins and minerals that were stored inside the placenta that have a slew of other benefits. Will keep you posted on this.

Clark will come when he’s ready and my body will do it’s thing soon…. I keep telling Clark that we’re a team and when he’s ready I’ll follow his lead.

That’s all for now.