The Birth of Jacquelyn Rebecca

 So I am such a slacker but here I am finally posting another birth story.
This one was submitted by the wonderfully beautiful Veronica- one strong woman and an amazing mama.

Around 7am on September 26th, 2007, I woke up with a "cramping" feeling. I had read that if you have "cramp pains" while laying down, you can change positions and they will go away. So I rolled from one side to the other, and continued to have more pains. I got out of bed, and went out to inform my family that today was the day! I just knew.

My daughters biological dad had left me, homeless, when I was 8 months pregnant. Just 20 days before the day I gave birth, I moved 13 hours from Boise, ID, to my parents house in northern Wyoming. My parents were amazing. My mother and I spent the morning walking the path behind our house, she drew me a bath, we watched our favorite movie, and spent quality time together. My parents never made fun of me for whining on all fours on their living room floor...or maybe they did. I was just too focused to notice. ;)

Around 1pm, my contractions were about 4 minutes apart. We made the 3 minute drive to the hospital, which we could literally see from their house. I had preregistered, so I had to do very little paperwork. When we walked in, we were all very calm, and spirits were very high. The staff was hilarious! I Walked in, announced that I was in labor, and they panicked! I assured them that I wasn't THAT far in labor, and everyone calmed down. The staff was very, VERY warm and accommodating.  They got me settled into my delivered room, and introduced me to my nurse team. All of the nurses were very nice, though some were more "no nonsense" than others. At that time I appreciated their professionalism. My parents and I relaxed (as much as I could) while various machines were set up, and nurses came in and out. 

About 4pm, the anesthetician came in to do my epidural. I had decided before hand that I would be getting one. As my mother said; "They're not going to write on your head stone 'Here lies Roni: She didn't get the Epidural!' ". The epidural was great in many ways, and very bad in others. At first, it felt amazing! What a great "high"! Until...it made me sick. Thankfully, it let me relax enough to nap a bit.

Around 7pm, I felt things were ready. The doctor confirmed, and we got things ready to start pushing. Here is when I made my biggest mistake- I pushed the button that administered the pain meds, to give me one more dose before I pushed. It ended up being SO effective that I couldn't feel to push! I ended up pushing for over an hour! Towards the end, things got very scary. Because I was taking so long to push her out, her arm became lodged around her throat while she was in the birth canal. By that time, it was too far along for a c-section, and people started to worry. They brought in a crash cart for the baby and one for me, and I had to lay on my side between contractions so that her arm would fall away from her throat.

Finally, at 8:13pm, Jacquelyn Rebecca made her grand entrance into the world. She scored 10 out of 10 on the APGAR, and had no negative effects from the delivery. In retrospect, the whole labor and delivery was blissful (aside from the very last 15 minutes).

As of this coming Friday, my Amazing father of a husband and I are going to start trying for baby no. 2. I am very seriously considering natural in home child birth. As easy as the epidural made the whole experience, I think I can handle the real thing this time.

The Birth of Pearlanna- A 2nd Homebirth

A few weeks ago I posted the birth story of Maya Patience, Katie's 1st homebirth. This is the story of Katie's 2nd homebirth. Definitely read Maya's birth story, then come back and read this one!

Pearl is my second baby and second homebirth. Same midwife, bless her heart. I love her immensly! Anywho,  I was 22 years old. My pregnancy was pretty uneventful. I hadn't even had any elevated blood sugar levels like I did with my first. Smells really bothered me with Pearl, though. Ugh, I remember I could not handle incense at ALL. And I could not get enough popsicles, lol!

Okay, so anyway. I had just seen my midwife earlier that day and she told me I would be having the baby anytime. So that night I was not surprised when I went to the bathroom and discovered I was losing my mucus plug. I got ready for bed and went to bed as usual. At about 3 am or so I was having contractions that were mildly strong and decided to get up and watch some tv and eat popsicles (lol). I did not wake the girls' dad because I wasn't entirely sure I was in labor. I thought maybe I was just gearing up but not in full on labor because the contractions didn't hurt near what they did with my first and my water hadn't broken like it had with my first either. So I sat and ate popsicles, watched tv, and had contractions for about 3 hours til I decided to wake up the girls dad. I woke him up and let him know that I thought I was in labor and we called my midwife shortly thereafter. I was like "um, no hurry, I think it'll be awhile". She said she was on her way.

So this was about 7 am when we called her. She got to our house about 7:45. She checked me and laughed. I was already 7 cms! I couldn't believe it! This labor was a breeze! So she felt around on my belly. Every thing seemed great. I labored a while longer. Then all of the sudden with each contraction there came a glob of straight meconium! So, my midwife checked me again and as she puts her "finger went straight up a little butthole", lol! The baby was coming butt first! The little booger had flipped at some point in late labor. Very rare. My midwife told me straight up- We can go to the hospital now and they will most likely give you a c-section, or we can go ahead and do this. I said lets do it! She called a midwife friend of hers that specializes in breech birth and talked with her for a couple minutes. So I continue to labor. The baby is doing fine, I'm doing fine. My mom shows up right before I start pushing. I swear I pushed all of 5 minutes and out comes this little baby girl.

Pearl was born butt first into the world at 9:45 AM April 19th 2000. My midwife says she just unfolded beautifully into her awaiting hands. She had the most perfect little head and a purple bruised booty, lol! She was my smallest baby at 7 1/2 pounds. And by far my easiest birth! And it was a much quieter reception than with the first. No hordes of hippies this time, lol

This post is really great and it speaks volumes for the amount of trust that is automatically put into doctors (and other professionals). Now listen, I'm not screaming conspiracy theory here, or anything like that, but just because someone tells you something is right, or best, or must be done, does not take the responsibility off of yourself to research the subject. If in the end, your findings bring right back to where your doctor had you, awesome. But what if your findings lead you to what this article is about to show you? I'd feel so much better about not getting that shot.

My suggestion to anyone (pregnant or not) this flu season is to research, research, research. Ask your doctor to see the pamphlet that comes with every vaccine. Visit the manufacturer's websites. Go to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention's website. Here you will find possible side effects of certain vaccines. 

And last, but definitely not least, trust your gut and instincts. If you don't want the vaccination, don't get it. Don't let yourself be bullied into thinking if you pass on the flu vaccination, it means you don't love your baby. I have seen far too many mamas-to-be say, "I didn't really want the shot. But both my doctor and pediatrician thought it was best, so I did it anyway."

So read on. Click links. Learn something new and pass the information forward.

-Jen

Thanks to Birth Without Fear for the wonderful post.... 

If You Love Your Baby, You Will Get the Flu Vaccine. Right?

 What a BRILLIANT campaign. Pull at people’s heart strings by telling them if they actually love their family, they must get the flu shot to protect them. What the advertisers fail to mention is how unsafe the flu vaccine can really be.

Did you know there are literally thousands of different flu strands? How do they decide which ones to put into the vaccine? After the WHO gives their recommendations as to which strands they feel are most likely to be a threat, each country has the final say. In the United States, the FDA makes that decision.

 How does this affect a pregnant mother?

The following is an insert from one of the flu vaccine manufacturers:

“Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or Fluzone vaccine. It is also not known whether these vaccines can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.”

Just for kicks, here is what they say for nursing mothers:

“It is not known whether Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or Fluzone vaccine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this vaccine is administered to a nursing woman.”

After reading that would you as a pregnant mother feel safe injecting the flu vaccine into your body? Having knowledge arms us with the ability to make educated choices.

For the 2010 flu vaccine, there are three strands of the flu, including last year’s H1N1 virus aka Swine Flu!  There is no longer a choice of getting the seasonal flu shot and/or the H1N1There were many cases of miscarriages linked to the H1N1 last year. because it is a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. The H1N1 has not been studied for safety on pregnant women or infants. YOU are the study.

What can you do?

The following is a list of things you can do to naturally protect yourself from the flu and ensure you have a strong immune system:

• Chiropractic Care
• Supplements such as Vitamin C and D3
• Regular exercise and fresh air
• Restful Sleep
• Healthy plant-based diet

And what if you DO get the flu? Is it really the end of the world? Think about it. You can get the flu vaccine with chemicals, toxins, and flu strands that include the H1N1. You don’t know exactly how that will affect your baby and there is no guarantee you won’t get the flu. The other option is to decline the flu shot and take the chance of possibly getting the flu as well.  With the latter option, your immune system naturally builds antibodies and becomes stronger on it’s own. No chemicals or toxins.

Do not get  the flu vaccine based on fear, especially when pregnant! Educate yourself, then have faith in your body. It was designed to keep you healthy better than any pill or shot can. Do all you can to protect yourself naturally. Your baby will thank you.

The Postpartum Doula is On Your Side

Here is a pretty awesome article written by Nathan at "A Beautiful Place of the World," a great little blog all about amazing parenting. You absolutely MUST click here and check it out...

The Postpartum Doula is On Your Side

By Nathan M. McTague

Click here for full article.

Picture this — you’ve just given birth and you are snuggling up in your bed with your newborn, while a trusted someone is dishing up the food that she arranged to be dropped off for you by your community, right before she helps set up a changing area for your newborn, and then runs to the store for more baby wipes and q-tips. She’s there to guide you when you are figuring out how you and your baby will nurse. She’s there to ensure you and your partner have all the support and information you need. She’s there to help your family know how best to assist you. She’s there to make sure you know what resources you have available to you and how to contact them.

She’s not your best friend. Even better, she’s a Postpartum Doula, and it’s her job to help you do the most important work of your life — care for your newborn. Never heard of a Postpartum Doula? You soon will, as this ultramodern-ancient way of helping new parents is catching on everywhere. And if you, or someone you know, is having a baby any time soon, chances are you can find a Postpartum Doula in your area, who is ready and able to help you in ways your friends and family wouldn’t dream, dare, or even know how. I strongly advocate bringing in a caring professional of this variety for any new family, or any parents looking to get a little extra help providing just the right environment for their newborn.

For a bit more information, check out this interview I conducted with Certified Postpartum Doula, Nina Alviar.

*What does a Postpartum Doula do?  

Well, it varies a little, I haven’t done the same thing for a family twice, but for me there are 3 basic components.

• Education – Among other topics, I teach basic infant care, breastfeeding, best sleeping arrangements for newborns, and self-care for the parents (physical changes for the mother and emotional changes occurring for both parents.) And, although I educate about best practices, my job is not to get them to parent the way I do or think they should. I offer information, and I envelop them in support so that they can discover what works for them.
  
• Supporting Family – I help with light household tasks to allow parents to spend time with Baby. I may help set up nursing stations and changing stations, do laundry, dishes, run errands, or help organize the house. I spend time with the newborn so that parents can shower, nap, play with a sibling, or take a walk alone around the neighborhood.  I can accompany the family to appointments, including pediatrician, family therapy or counseling, etc. I also help to build connection between both parents and their newborn, offer support with sibling adjustment, assist grandparents in connecting and helping appropriately, and offer assistance and guidance to family friends who want to lend a hand or provide food.
  
• Referrals – I help families find community and professional support like nannies, therapists, cleaners, services, community groups, and parenting educators.

Although I can be called to assist anytime, it’s easiest if we get started with a prenatal meeting. That way we can discuss perceived needs, screen for possible challenges, and I can help the family think through some of the basics (like interviewing pediatricians) to make the first few weeks go more smoothly.

*What don’t you do? 

Deep cleaning; dog-walking; and although I do help with sibling adjustment, and I love to play with older siblings and listen to them with full attention, I don’t babysit the child alone in the house while the rest of the family leaves.

*What inspires you about this work? And/or why do you do it? 

I do it because it’s what I wish I had when I was a new mom. And supporting a new family –  getting my self out of the way and being of service – is a wonderful way to be in the world. I love watching a family become confident and feel like they know what they’re doing – to help them reach the point where they say, “We don’t need you anymore…”

*How did you get started? 

When my first son was born, even with family and friends around, we didn’t have the support we needed. I felt the need to have a professional person to tell us everything was OK, and that we were doing well, and to give us information to help us.

I had education and training in Child Development, and Early Childhood Education, already, and had worked for the Missoula Community School for 5 years. Then I found DONA, the most highly recognized doula organization in the world, and I connected with them for training, and am also getting my certification though them.

*What are your current aspirations with this work? 

(Chuckling) To have people not say, “A What?” when I tell them I’m a Postpartum Doula… To educate other professionals about Postpartum Doulas, and the benefits we offer to new families. To have an agency of Postpartum Doulas, and eventually link with creating a daycare.

*Are there others out there? An association? Schools?  

DONA.org has links to other doulas, as well as training and certification services. In Missoula, you can find other doulas through The Lotus Project  http://www.thelotusprojectmt.org/missouladoulas.html.

Want to know more, or find out about hiring Nina? You may contact her at ninatanna@yahoo.com, or via her facebook page, StrongStart Postpartum Doula Services, LLC.

The Birth of Sweet Zade

 This next birth story is from Naomi Thomas of Denver Doula. Thanks to the wonderful world of Facebook, I've e-met some really wonderful women in the natural childbirth world, and Naomi is one of them. There is a video link at the end of Naomi's story with amazing photos of the labor, birth, and beyond. This is an amazingly beautiful story...enjoy.

I haven't talked much about my experience in giving birth to my sweet Zade, at least not near a much as I did when I had my first. I found this interesting because as a birth professional I have told the story of the birth of my first son, Levi, hundreds of times. His birth truly rocked me to my core and changed so much for me. I had no idea I could be so powerful and strong. I had yet to experience an opportunity like that to be intuitive while also just letting go. Even now, it comes so naturally to express, with words, how I feel about Levi and he transformed me.

But with Zade it is different. Everything is different with him. There is a steadiness and strength about him. It is quiet and serene. Something I never expected. As I have come to know him, this is how I treasure his birth.

My pregnancy was not what I was planning on. In any sense of the word. Yet I believe that a pregnant mother has an added sense of intuition and connectedness to her growing baby. I felt so clearly that the little life that was growing in me was strong. So very strong. That early in my pregnancy, I had no solid reason to believe so, but knew that whoever this little soul was, they would be strong of both mind and body. Fairly quickly I was able to confirm at least part of that: I felt him moving, distinctly and continuously starting at just 12 weeks. We were in a movie theater to see Avatar and I just knew I was feeling those first flutters despite the fact that I was nowhere near “showing.” My midwives were intrigued enough by this to speculate that I may be a month further along than my LMP indicated.

 This time around I was planning a home birth. Being able to hand pick my care provider and to be able to fully anticipate my surroundings at birth was very important to me. We also were blessed with an incredible back-up OB/GYN, Dr. Johnny Johnson. We were able to get to know him a bit more than expected due to a number of situations that came up that threatened to make me high-risk. Yet through everything: the bedrest, cholestasis, a low-lying placenta, 5-weeks of prodromal labor and being “fully ripe” in July sans air conditioning, my sweet baby was growing beautifully and I was steadily giving life to our little boy. Since I did such a good job of remaining pregnant, my dearest girlfriend DyAnna who is a midwife in southern Utah, became available to be there for my birth after all of her clients had been able to have their babies. With her four children in tow, she made her way from St. George to Denver. She was a wonderful distraction and because she was here I now have a cast of my belly from 13 days past my due date.

With all of the on-again, off-again labor, I kept insisting I was not going to call it “real labor” or even hope for it until I was pushing him out of my body. Every time contractions would get regular and stay for a while, just to leave again, it was just as if someone gets you all excited by telling you “You’re going to D-I-S-N-E-Y-L-A-N-D!! Pack your bags!!” and then as you pull up to the airport all rushing with the thrill of your big trip, they tell you the plane been delayed a week and you will have to come back later. My sister-in-law relayed this analogy to me over the phone after I had yet another round of contractions that produced no baby. Wiping my tears I knew she completely understood as she had just had her 6th little one just a couple months before, experiencing some prodromal labor as well.

On my sixteenth day past 40 weeks, I won another trip to go see my back up Obstetrician to make sure everything was looking good. As with my first, I knew my baby was fine and just needed the “extra” time. Even with my confidence, I was still nervous that my doctor’s office would not be so optimistic; if they determined that I was too high-risk to birth at home for being more than 14 days past my due date, or for any other reason, my midwife would have no longer been able to attend my birth without having to worry about jeopardizing her license. And I would have never ask that of her. My fluid levels were checked, Zade’s activity levels were examined and he was measured. The NP, Heather said everything looked really good with the fluid and she was happy with the movements... and that he was HUGE. She said if that wasn’t a problem for me, we would have a beautiful birth at home. Dr. Johnson confirmed and we were relieved to have the green light to go home. Heather stripped my membranes but I didn’t want to know how far dilated I was. At my request, she told Kyle after I left the room since I wanted to know after the birth, but didn’t want to deal with the emotional ramifications of how far a long I may or may not be. With so many regular contractions, I could have convinced myself I was 5 centimeters along. Although I know that it really has no bearing on progress, I didn’t want the burden of that knowledge.

We finished up with the appointment and headed home. With DyAnna staying at our house, we had some extra excitement with all the extra kids. By the time all of them were in bed and settled I felt the need to clean the kitchen! It wasn’t that the kitchen really needed to be cleaned but I needed to be doing the cleaning. This tipped DyAnna off that we may actually be having a baby some time soon. Around 10:30 or 11pm I could tell things were starting to really pick up. After about 30 minutes in a strong, regular pattern I told Kyle to fill up the birth tub because I wanted to be in it in the worst way. We had been able to “test it out” since it had dominating our kitchen space for nearly 6 weeks, enjoying some movies from our “hot tub.” Kyle had become very good at filling it up but that night the tub would finally be used for its primary purpose, not just in false alarms. As the water line rose, the lights went down and the soothing rhythms of Pandora filled the house. Candles were lit and I was able to labor as I had been envisioning.

In between pushes, right before he was born

My body took courage and met the strength of contractions. The surges were nearly overwhelming with intensity yet the safety of my home, surrounded by those that I love allowed for the energy to fill the room; it didn’t need to all be held within my body. Together Zade and I worked and prepared for him to arrive. Kyle was so present. So ready. So excited and so supportive. At some point my incredible midwives Julie and Jen arrived, then Misty, my divine doula, as well as our lovely photographer, Amy. Sarah, Dy’s cousin came to help with the kids should they wake up, and instead was able to witness her first home birth. It nearly felt like Christmas there in the middle of the night, waiting with still anticipation for the miracle.

On my knees, laboring in the deep water, my body told me it was time to PUSH. With the first exertion fear overtook me. “He’s too big!” escaped my lips and I wanted to hold back. He was ready to come but I wasn’t entirely certain I was ready for him. DyAnna swiftly and directedly told me that he is just the right size that I could do this. As the next rush came I met and held its strength. He was crowning! I felt the stretch and joy that it is to give birth. Those tangible, unforgettable moments right before you give, with everything you have inside of you, birth to a new life.

One more steady push and he was here! He was finally here!! At 2:29am and 17 days past my due date, my sweet, strong little boy arrived! I could not wish for anything to be any different than it was - he was perfect in every way, weighing in at just shy of ten pounds. He was worth every moment of pregnancy and every shade of intensity of labor. And every day with him since has been such a joy. Levi has been over-the-moon as a big brother and perpetually begs to hold him. With Kyle, I have never seen a father so very much in love with his little boy.

And to me he feels like an old soul, a beautiful teacher, that has been gifted to our family. My cup runneth over and I am filled.

To view the birth video, click here.

To submit your birth story, click here.