birth story

I was thinking about how when I was having such a time trying to figure out nursing with Penelope, I basically went topless for like two weeks and practically asked every mother I knew to watch me nurse so I could solicit their advice. And then, when I sort of got the knack and started wearing shirts again, I was totally embarrassed. But hey, you do what you got to do, right? Anyway, I was wondering if sharing a birth story is the same way. I'm all gushing to get it out into the world (Hey! Look what I just did!) and then, when the adrenaline has worn off, can't help but wonder: was that the world's biggest overshare?

Clearly, the adrenaline has not worn off. But for those who'd like the eloquent and brief summation, it is as follows: Dave is awesome, Stephanie is awesome, Lucy is awesome, I am awesome. God is awesome.

The end.

And now for the long version:

I had been sick with a hideous cough for about a week before the birth. On Saturday, just as I thought I was getting over it, my coughing and achiness picked back up, which actually turned out to be a blessing because I gave myself plenty of rest and was able to work out more of my leftover sickness.

I woke up on Sunday at around 3:30 am with a strong contraction. I had another about ten minutes later. I tried to rest in between them but got up around 4am to tell Dave what was up—he’d been sleeping in the guest room to avoid getting sick. After that, I called Stephanie (my midwife) to put her on alert. She said to try and rest and to call her when things changed. I went back to bed.

Contractions got stronger and I went into Dave’s room to take his spot and have him get things ready (remake the bed with a plastic liner, set up the birth tub, etc.). Occasionally he’d come in to check on me and I’d have him push on my back through a contraction. I asked him to fill up the bathtub and spent a few contractions in there. Dave helped me get back to the bed where I could lay on my side. As things kept getting more intense, I’d point and flex my feet and squeeze Dave’s fingers as he sat beside me on a chair. I could literally feel the baby moving downward with two of the contractions—a sensation I hadn’t noticed with Penelope’s birth. Dave called Stephanie to come over.

These contractions gave me a very strong sensation of needing to use the bathroom, So Dave helped me back there and my water broke on the toilet. I knew I needed to get to the birth tub asap but felt like I had absolutely no ability to move. But clinging to Dave, I somehow made it into the water and bent over the side. This tub was actually a kiddie pool with tall, thick sides, which helped support me much better than the birth tub we used last time. I told Dave to call Stephanie and tell her my body was pushing. Later, she said that because he’d been so calm on the phone, she hadn’t realized the imminence of the birth! But she was on her way and made it with about fifteen minutes to spare. She knelt behind me and gave me some counter pressure and encouragement. I asked Dave to film things. Because of the great support of the tub, I didn’t really feel like I needed anyone up beside me.

I had torn a bit with Penelope and had talked with Stephanie about how to avoid tearing with this baby. She told me that rather than push when the head was crowning, to just try and breathe through the contraction. Baby would come out gently on her own.

Easier said than done. But after maybe four or five seriously intense contractions, baby was out! I had to ask: “Is she born?” I couldn’t believe it! Stephanie brought her up to me and I was completely smitten. She gave one little cry and then went back to being calm. She looked around a little and then seemed to be sort of taking a nap.

“That was so easy!” I exclaimed in the midst of my I-just-had-a-baby high. Which, of course, it wasn’t, but I was just so surprised at how fast she’d come! The other two midwives arrived shortly after the birth. They live about an hour away and just didn’t make it in time. We waited for the placenta to be born and then I got into bed and started to nurse little Lucy Marie and call our families to tell them the news.

About an hour later, we could hear Penelope chatting in her crib. Dave went to get her and introduce her to her little sister. She didn’t know what to think. She just smiled and stared at her. I can’t wait to see how their interaction develops. I think they’ll be great friends!

The midwives made me an herb bath and Lucy and I got in to clean up. She practically fell asleep in there! Afterward, they checked me for tears: just a miniscule one—no sutures needed. Hooray!

Lucy weighed in at 8 lbs 15 oz. She’s 21 ¾ inches long with lots of dark hair and chunky cheeks.

Marti came over to see her new granddaughter and then took Penelope to her house so we could get some rest. Lucy ate and slept. So did I. I’m feeling fabulous—amazed, surprised, and incredibly blessed.