When I first found out I was pregnant, I started down a path of typical OB care. I knew very little about alternative options, even though I was not happy with the care I was receiving at the OB’s office. At the start of my second trimester, I started considering researching resources I hoped would make my experience better (like doula services), and after stumbling across the documentary, The Business of Being Born, I started to look into the midwifery model of care. A Google search led me to Monarch Midwifery, and one meet-and-greet with Donna later, I made the switch!
My husband, Doug was deployed for my whole pregnancy, with hope of a two week leave around my due date. The baby thankfully held off until his arrival state-side and we quickly went to work letting her know she could come out as soon as she was ready. Five days into Doug’s leave and two days after my “due” date, we attended an evening refresher Comfort Measures class with Dawn since Doug wasn’t able to attend birthing classes with me during my pregnancy. About half-way into the class, I noticed my Braxton Hicks contractions started to feel stronger and were coming more frequently. The ride home after class became uncomfortable and by the time I got to the house, they were coming about 10 minutes apart. I started nesting around the house a bit after calling Donna to let her know I thought things were getting started and that I would keep her up to date.
Doug went to bed and I settled into the bathtub to relax for a bit. I rested on and off throughout the night, but had a hard time really sleeping as the contractions would wake me up. By morning, I was feeling a little tired, but the contractions weren’t coming any closer together. I spent time in the shower, ate some breakfast, and did a lot of bouncing on the birthing ball. By lunch-time, I was still not convinced I was really in labor, but called Donna for encouragement. She told me to try to take a nap and call her when I woke up. I “napped” for about an hour before Doug decided to take matters into his own hands and call Donna to come on over. Donna and her midwifery student arrived around 4p and asked if I wanted to have my cervix checked. I said yes, and was happy to hear I was at 6cm and indeed really in labor. Dawn, Karen, and Rebeca arrived shortly thereafter and before I knew it, I was in the “zone”, working through each contraction as it came. I labored a lot in the tub, but as I was getting tired, Donna encouraged me to try other positions, like squatting, as well. The next few hours flew by in a blur, with everyone giving me food and water, rubbing my back, and gently encouraging me through the process. It was a wonderful feeling to be so totally supported throughout the process. Before I knew it, it was time to start pushing. I had a lip which I asked to be held so I could start pushing. I tried pushing while on the bed, but couldn’t get comfortable in that position, so we moved me onto the birthing stool. Things really took off then (thanks, gravity!) and before I knew it, Scout was crowning and Donna was encouraging me to try not to push as my body eased her out into the world. Moments later, at 9:06PM on July 15, I felt as Scout left her cozy home inside of me and was placed in my arms for the first time. It’s a moment I will never forget… I was ecstatic! The placenta came quickly and easily and everyone helped us over to our very own bed where I got to cuddle my baby as Donna and the team took care of me, my family, and the house. Doug had made a delicious batch of spaghetti, and before I knew it, I was being served a late dinner in bed while nursing Scout for the first time. No one took Scout from me, and all of her newborn care was done snuggled up on my bed.
I can’t even begin to adequately describe what a beautiful gift was given to my family through this process. The services that Monarch Midwifery are offering are amazing and I couldn’t ask for a better birth experience than what I had. You know it was good when you can’t wait for your post-partum check-ups so you can see everyone again!
Scout Sophia's Home Birth Slideshow: http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d2025673k6374807o1/scouts-birthday
Fabulous story!
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