Birth Stories: Rachel and Io, Unassisted at Home

39 weeks, 6 days
Active Labor: 1 hour 30 minutes (pre-labor on and off all day)
6 pounds, 14 ounces. 18 inches long.
Birth Lingo: 2nd HBAC, born unassisted. Posterior, water birth.

Our family's journey to a joyful birth was a full circle experience. 5 years prior our first daughter died in my arms on the operating table, born via c-section at 39 weeks. She had a genetic condition not compatible with life. The subsequent weeks, months, and years of our recovering from the events around her brief life and death were complicated by environment into which she was born: bright lights, rough handling, the nausea of being medicated, and a general feeling of disbelief and shock. Pregnant again 8 months later, we decided to leave the hospital behind and find a birthing environment where we felt safe and honored. Our son was born at home after an uncomplicated labor, although in hindsight it took months to even process what had happened in the last 18 months. We were still in shock over his sister's death. By the time our third child was ready to be born, I was finally in a place of peace and excitement. I felt completely supported by my team and extended family, our house was settled, and all the long lonely nights of visualizing the birth I wanted could come together in an event of utmost joy.

Wednesday morning was 1 day before the official due date. I was awoken around 7:00 AM with a mild contraction, then again about 10 minutes later…  It was gorgeous outside, I had slept fairly well, and it was my son Leif’s first day of preschool. I spent a few moments thinking that today might finally be the day, and decided to time some contractions and call my husband Britton after an hour if they seemed to be going anywhere.  The contractions came about every 10 or 15 minutes, but were fairly mild; they were not getting “longer, stronger, or closer together” as is expected from active labor.  But I decided to call Britton and have him come home just in case, since I felt like if my water broke or things decided to turn into active labor it could go quickly. I walked Leif to school, came home and cleaned, took a bath, and then a nap. I went and got a pedicure and then took a long slow walk on my favorite road.

Around 8:45 or 9:00 PM I felt anxious and irritated about everything… started pacing in the living room and noticed that I had a couple of contractions in a row. By 9:15 I needed to vocalize through them and was pacing back and forth in figure eights all around the house. I barked out some orders to Britton and Leif to call the midwife, doula, and other helpers and to get the tub ready.

Around 10:00 the tub had enough water for me to sit in (came maybe half way up my belly) and it was such a relief. I remember this with Leif’s birth – being so happy at the change in pace. It made the contractions noticeably less painful, spaced them out a bit, and I was able to be semi-social between them. Britton and Leif sat on the bed and watched; when I wasn’t yelling Leif would come over and talk to me. When one would start again he would scramble onto the bed and be still for me. At one point he went and got his fireman’s hat which made me laugh a little…the water had really helped slow the labor and improve my mood.

About 10:30 the doula arrived and she went upstairs to change her clothes and wash her hands. I noisily pushed through about 2 or 3 contractions during that time – since the doula was there I felt like I could really go for it and have some backup if the baby was born. She wasn’t crowning or even really descended so I felt like I had lots of time.  The next contraction I really pushed and felt her come all the way down (I was kneeling forward over the edge of the tub). Doula asked if I needed anything and I asked for some support from behind, she put her hands on my hips and I felt much more stable. Next contraction a minute later or so (seems like no time at all) and I pushed out her shoulders and she slipped into the water. Doula held her while I flipped over, then she handed her to me and called for Britton.

I sat with her and just stared, rubbed her back and cooed with her. She looked right at me then closed her eyes and took some gurgle breaths through her nose, but no crying. Britton and Leif came in. She was pinkish and I could feel her cord pulsing so I felt like she was doing just fine. We tried to stimulate her feet and back, tipped her up to drain some fluid, still no crying. But her color, tone, and breathing were good so we eventually stopped trying to have her really clear her lungs. She was perfect! Doula was on the phone with the assistant midwife through this time and I felt well supported. It was not in the least bit scary.  The midwife (and friend Hilary) showed up about 10 minutes after she was born. Then we transferred to the bed, cut the cord, took some pictures, and rejoiced. She was alert and perfect in every way and I felt really good.  My parents made me breakfast in bed  – one of the best meals of my life. Orange juice has never been so good! We finally all settled into bed around 3:00 AM and slept till the next morning.