I have been trying to write this for a long time, and am just now feeling able. This birth story is from a while ago, and was during my intense time of trial by fire earlier this year.
The labor was amazing. A beautiful primip, working in harmony with her body. A loving, supportive husband, present in the moments. The birth was sweet, a lovely little dark haired girl welcomed into the world with trust and love. Enjoying the time of golden bliss and a babe who latched herself to her Mamma's breast. It is after these births that I just want the placenta to come on out, so I can exit the room and leave this new family to themselves. To explore this new creature and count all the fingers and toes, marvel at the smell of the head and just get to know each other in private.
Unfortunately this placenta had other thoughts. I was watching closely for the signs of placental separation and could find none. No lengthening of the cord, no little gush of blood, no change in uterine shape and Mamma had no cramps...not even after a lovely nursing babe. I gave her some medicine and asked her to close her eyes, breathe deeply, relax and talk to her placenta. It had done an amazing job and helped nurture and create this beautiful baby girl, but now its job was done and it was time to let go. Still nothing. I used my finger to follow the cord up through the vagina and to the cervix, to feel if the placenta was there.....nothing. Next, I tried some light downward cord traction, again nothing. During all this, Mama and baby are doing great. However, now we are 30 minutes out from the birth and this third stage has veered off the course of normal. I make the decision to transfer to the hospital. We are sad to do this...Mama will be separated from babe and Dad, but it is needed......
During the whole time to call the ambulance, get loaded up, the trip over to the hospital and getting in to her room, mama was great. The doc came in and evaluated her, the decision was made to attempt a manual removal of the placenta. This tough, tough Mama decided not to go to the operating room for sedation during the procedure and opted for IV pain medication, in the hopes that this would be quick and she could get back over with her husband and baby sooner. Everything is ready, all the personnel are present and the manual removal is attempted. I am with the Mama, by her head, explaining everything to her and giving her support. It is difficult to convey what happened after this...many things happened at once...when the doc attempted to get the placenta, it did not want to come and there was a lot of blood, followed by more blood and still more. I stayed with Mama, talking softly into her ear, reminding her of her gorgeous little girl, telling her she would be ok, that she was well taken care of...which she was. This went on for what seemed an eternity and through the amazing work of the doc and nurses, Mama was stabilized. During all of this, Dad was back with baby, wondering what was going on with his wife. As soon as I could, I called and updated everyone and then headed over to meet them. The plan was to get Dad and baby and bring them over to Mama, who would need to recover at the hospital. Plans don't always go as we would like...
As I am sitting here and writing this story, tears are streaming down my checks and I must take a break before I can finish the telling. I apologize for the two part post, but I must...
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