They were expecting their first baby. Her labor had come on fast and steady, more quickly than most firsts. We had a couple phone calls through the day and each time we spoke, it sounded as though progress was happening rapidly.
She arrived on a cloud of calm. Glowing in that way, the glow of labor. We went back to her room and she got settled. Baby sounded wonderful and all was well. Her contractions were strong but becoming less frequent in their pattern. I did a cervical exam and she was completely dilated! She was concerned that the contractions were slowing down. I explained to her that sometimes women are given a "pause" by their bodies. A little rest after all the work of dilation and before the work of pushing. She thought about this for a moment, smiled and then said "great, let's eat!". She began to tell some stories about a birth she had been to and other fun little anecdotes. She was in the birth pool and we all gathered around, spread some food out and all enjoyed a picnic. She continued to have contractions but they were relatively mild and still pretty spaced out.
Then about 2 hours after arriving, and after enjoying her picnic, she started to grunt. The contractions became stronger and closer together. Her body had decided that the time was now right and that the baby could make its appearance. She gracefully worked through pushing and brought her sweet little one Earthside, surrounded by peace and love.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Four Births in Four Days
Four births in four days! As usual, each birth brought lessons and unexpected surprises. Together as a group they are a lovely picture of what out of hospital birth can be and do.
Birth #1
A first time Mama. Another one of my midwife sisters had been with this family through their labor, I was called in to assist because the birth center became very busy. By the time I arrived, she had been working for quite some time, her first stage of labor had been long at just over 24 hours. Her second stage was also long at just minutes short of three hours. She was so brave, tough and dedicated to her birth. I never heard her complain or falter...even through a difficult second stage that involved what I call "Birth Gymnastics", meaning multiple position changes, in every possible position imaginable. Finally, as her darling baby began to crown, the reason for the hard work became apparent; her daughter was direct occiput posterior! Mama worked hard but did eventually birth her lovely 9lb daughter, direct OP, to her loving arms. Since I had not be present for most of her process, I inquired later about her labor pattern and contractions, wondering if the baby had given any clues to her position. Apparently, other than a long labor, there had been no other signs.
Birth #2
A second time Mama came in in the early morning. She had previously been to the birth center a couple days before and was sent home after her labor took a break. This morning she was very nervous about it being another "false alarm". She was laboring, but it did seem to still be in the early phase, so I suggested that she and her husband go out for some breakfast. A while later, they returned, her labor was a little stronger but still not active. They decided to go for a walk. Her labor moved along slowly but surely, picking up little bits of steam here and there. And then, the switch flipped! After hours and hours of watchful waiting the baby decided to make his move and he did not fuss around. She had a beautiful waterbirth 13 hours after her first contraction of the day.
Birth #3
Another second time Mama who had also spent time in the birth center a day earlier and went home after her labor took a break. She returned to birth center, clearly ready to birth her baby this time. She had the look about her, the labor look. When a woman is not really part of our reality, she seems to float above us and is so focused on her work. After her round of stopping and starting, this time her whole process was completed in under four hours. She had been nervous prenatally as with her first babe she had a serious postpartum hemorrhage and a fourth degree laceration. I am happy to report that neither repeated themselves and she birthed a beautiful son with the sunrise.
Birth #4
Another first time Mama. Her husband had called me that morning stating that her contractions had just become the 3-1-1 pattern. Usually, with a first baby there is still some work to do at this point, so we discussed some coping techniques and support measures. I asked him to call me back in one hour to check in. When he called back, I did not need to hear his full "report" because I could hear his wife in the background and I told him to just get in the car and head over to the center. When they arrived all I needed was one look to know that we would very soon be welcoming their child to the world. Just under five hours from her first contraction she had her darling son snuggled in her arms.
All of these births had lessons within them. What do you think some of those were?.....
Birth #1
A first time Mama. Another one of my midwife sisters had been with this family through their labor, I was called in to assist because the birth center became very busy. By the time I arrived, she had been working for quite some time, her first stage of labor had been long at just over 24 hours. Her second stage was also long at just minutes short of three hours. She was so brave, tough and dedicated to her birth. I never heard her complain or falter...even through a difficult second stage that involved what I call "Birth Gymnastics", meaning multiple position changes, in every possible position imaginable. Finally, as her darling baby began to crown, the reason for the hard work became apparent; her daughter was direct occiput posterior! Mama worked hard but did eventually birth her lovely 9lb daughter, direct OP, to her loving arms. Since I had not be present for most of her process, I inquired later about her labor pattern and contractions, wondering if the baby had given any clues to her position. Apparently, other than a long labor, there had been no other signs.
Birth #2
A second time Mama came in in the early morning. She had previously been to the birth center a couple days before and was sent home after her labor took a break. This morning she was very nervous about it being another "false alarm". She was laboring, but it did seem to still be in the early phase, so I suggested that she and her husband go out for some breakfast. A while later, they returned, her labor was a little stronger but still not active. They decided to go for a walk. Her labor moved along slowly but surely, picking up little bits of steam here and there. And then, the switch flipped! After hours and hours of watchful waiting the baby decided to make his move and he did not fuss around. She had a beautiful waterbirth 13 hours after her first contraction of the day.
Birth #3
Another second time Mama who had also spent time in the birth center a day earlier and went home after her labor took a break. She returned to birth center, clearly ready to birth her baby this time. She had the look about her, the labor look. When a woman is not really part of our reality, she seems to float above us and is so focused on her work. After her round of stopping and starting, this time her whole process was completed in under four hours. She had been nervous prenatally as with her first babe she had a serious postpartum hemorrhage and a fourth degree laceration. I am happy to report that neither repeated themselves and she birthed a beautiful son with the sunrise.
Birth #4
Another first time Mama. Her husband had called me that morning stating that her contractions had just become the 3-1-1 pattern. Usually, with a first baby there is still some work to do at this point, so we discussed some coping techniques and support measures. I asked him to call me back in one hour to check in. When he called back, I did not need to hear his full "report" because I could hear his wife in the background and I told him to just get in the car and head over to the center. When they arrived all I needed was one look to know that we would very soon be welcoming their child to the world. Just under five hours from her first contraction she had her darling son snuggled in her arms.
All of these births had lessons within them. What do you think some of those were?.....
Monday, September 2, 2013
Improve Birth Rally
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Why Fight?
Sitting down to write this at the end of this week, I am exhausted. Physically and emotionally exhausted. I did not catch one baby or attend one woman in labor. Yet, this week has left me drained and close to the edge. Whether you may want it to be or not, whether you are aware of it or not being a midwife in this country is a political act. In some ways, you must always be on guard. Tonight, I am in a space of negativity and frustration mixed with triumph and pride. I am hoping that writing about these things will help to alleviate my negativity.
I do not want to, nor should I go into details. In brief, my birth center was the target of a "complaint" by a local hospital. As a result, we were investigated. Eventually, we were cleared of any wrong doing. I was put on the hot seat for multiple hours on two different days, defending and explaining what we do at the center. I feel triumphant that we eventually prevailed and proud of all my co-workers who supported me through the process. I am also proud of myself and how I handled the pressure. I am frustrated and angry that this process even had to happen. It serves as a reminder that our struggle is far from over. Midwifery is still under threat in our country. ALL midwifery, not just homebirth midwives, but all midwives. Why must we fight? Why did I sit and endure this process? Because the women and babies need us, we must fight for them. We must never get complacent and become too comfortable. We must always fight the fight and stand up for women. Going to the birth center everyday is part of my resistance. The hours that I put in, both at the sides of women and behind a desk, are my contribution. I will continue to do my work and be on the front lines of this struggle.
How do you fight this fight?....
I do not want to, nor should I go into details. In brief, my birth center was the target of a "complaint" by a local hospital. As a result, we were investigated. Eventually, we were cleared of any wrong doing. I was put on the hot seat for multiple hours on two different days, defending and explaining what we do at the center. I feel triumphant that we eventually prevailed and proud of all my co-workers who supported me through the process. I am also proud of myself and how I handled the pressure. I am frustrated and angry that this process even had to happen. It serves as a reminder that our struggle is far from over. Midwifery is still under threat in our country. ALL midwifery, not just homebirth midwives, but all midwives. Why must we fight? Why did I sit and endure this process? Because the women and babies need us, we must fight for them. We must never get complacent and become too comfortable. We must always fight the fight and stand up for women. Going to the birth center everyday is part of my resistance. The hours that I put in, both at the sides of women and behind a desk, are my contribution. I will continue to do my work and be on the front lines of this struggle.
How do you fight this fight?....
Saturday, August 3, 2013
The Hug
First of all, sorry for the long pause on new posts. Summer has a way of keeping us busy while the time flies by. Hopefully, I will be back on the wagon moving forward.
This story is simple, a simple unencumbered birth with a lovely couple an their supportive family. Sometimes the most simple births can be among the most profound. Rachel and Jon are a sweet, young couple expecting their first child. They had done a lot of research and had found the birth center. We are not at all close to where they live and they had to drive multiple hours to get to us. It was a huge commitment for them to choose us. They are not the first family who has made this choice and they probably will not be the last. These families elicit two responses in my heart; first honor, that they choose to come to us and second, some sadness that they have to travel so far to get the care they deserve. I had been able to have several prenatal visits with them. They were polite, open and honest. However, after each visit, I left the room wondering if I had managed to make a connection with them. This is a tricky topic. If I am being honest, I have to admit that it is not possible to make a strong connection with each and every family. Sometimes the chemistry is just not there. This is one reason why working in a group is nice, if I don't have the chemistry with a family one of my midwife-sisters probably will. But I am human and I want to make those connections. Most times I feel that I am successful in delving deeper, going that extra inch and making it. With Rachel and Jon, I felt unsure and always questioned myself afterwards.
I was on call and the phone rang. I was happy to hear the ring as it had been almost one month since attending a birth! The birth center had been having babies, I had just been missing them. I answered the phone and heard Jon's voice, he and Rachel were at a friends house who lived much closer to us and he thought it might be time to come in. I agreed and they headed our way. I was happy, I really enjoyed them. And I was nervous, did they like me? I thought that they might prefer a different midwife. I also felt silly, like a middle schooler, for even thinking that way. They arrived and Rachel was indeed in good, strong labor and we settled in to the work. Jon was loving and Rachel's mother and sisters were present and wonderful. It was an atmosphere of love. The birth was beautiful and simple. A sweet little boy joined this incredibly loving family. The recovery was uneventful and they prepared to leave. That is when the magic happened. As they were walking out to their car, I went to send them off. Rachel turned to me and gave me the biggest hug. Not a little, polite, quick formality. But a deep, long, heartfelt squeeze and I knew that the connection had been there all along. It was a hug that stayed with me and left a warm, fuzzy in my heart for the rest of the day.
This story is simple, a simple unencumbered birth with a lovely couple an their supportive family. Sometimes the most simple births can be among the most profound. Rachel and Jon are a sweet, young couple expecting their first child. They had done a lot of research and had found the birth center. We are not at all close to where they live and they had to drive multiple hours to get to us. It was a huge commitment for them to choose us. They are not the first family who has made this choice and they probably will not be the last. These families elicit two responses in my heart; first honor, that they choose to come to us and second, some sadness that they have to travel so far to get the care they deserve. I had been able to have several prenatal visits with them. They were polite, open and honest. However, after each visit, I left the room wondering if I had managed to make a connection with them. This is a tricky topic. If I am being honest, I have to admit that it is not possible to make a strong connection with each and every family. Sometimes the chemistry is just not there. This is one reason why working in a group is nice, if I don't have the chemistry with a family one of my midwife-sisters probably will. But I am human and I want to make those connections. Most times I feel that I am successful in delving deeper, going that extra inch and making it. With Rachel and Jon, I felt unsure and always questioned myself afterwards.
I was on call and the phone rang. I was happy to hear the ring as it had been almost one month since attending a birth! The birth center had been having babies, I had just been missing them. I answered the phone and heard Jon's voice, he and Rachel were at a friends house who lived much closer to us and he thought it might be time to come in. I agreed and they headed our way. I was happy, I really enjoyed them. And I was nervous, did they like me? I thought that they might prefer a different midwife. I also felt silly, like a middle schooler, for even thinking that way. They arrived and Rachel was indeed in good, strong labor and we settled in to the work. Jon was loving and Rachel's mother and sisters were present and wonderful. It was an atmosphere of love. The birth was beautiful and simple. A sweet little boy joined this incredibly loving family. The recovery was uneventful and they prepared to leave. That is when the magic happened. As they were walking out to their car, I went to send them off. Rachel turned to me and gave me the biggest hug. Not a little, polite, quick formality. But a deep, long, heartfelt squeeze and I knew that the connection had been there all along. It was a hug that stayed with me and left a warm, fuzzy in my heart for the rest of the day.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Reality Check
I have studied the history of midwifery and the history of birth, both in this country and around the world. I have read many books and talked to many people. I have been involved in birth since 2005 and began learning about it years before that.
Recently, I was attending a completely wonderful birth. Actually, the night before, I dreamed that I was the midwife for this family. So when they called me that morning I was not surprised. They were welcoming their first child and were surrounded by family; sisters, mothers and even a sweet baby boy who was soon to be a cousin. It was simply a beautiful, sweet experience. The soon to be Mama and Daddy were doing wonderfully. A little while into pushing, she reached inside herself to feel her baby's head for the first time. I made a comment about the first physical touch and how lovely it is. One of the soon to be Grandmothers then said, "We never got to do that with our babies since we were strapped down."
It hit me like a ton of bricks. I know the history, I know that it was routine to strap women down during labor. But this personal moment and revelation was so powerful. This is why I do what I do, this is why we strive and struggle for the rights of women and their families to birth humanely. We must always remember the past, so we can prevent it from happening again.
Recently, I was attending a completely wonderful birth. Actually, the night before, I dreamed that I was the midwife for this family. So when they called me that morning I was not surprised. They were welcoming their first child and were surrounded by family; sisters, mothers and even a sweet baby boy who was soon to be a cousin. It was simply a beautiful, sweet experience. The soon to be Mama and Daddy were doing wonderfully. A little while into pushing, she reached inside herself to feel her baby's head for the first time. I made a comment about the first physical touch and how lovely it is. One of the soon to be Grandmothers then said, "We never got to do that with our babies since we were strapped down."
It hit me like a ton of bricks. I know the history, I know that it was routine to strap women down during labor. But this personal moment and revelation was so powerful. This is why I do what I do, this is why we strive and struggle for the rights of women and their families to birth humanely. We must always remember the past, so we can prevent it from happening again.
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