I was asked to write out a better description of my childbirth for a childbirth publication.  I thought I would cut and paste what I sent the author and what I could recollect from Ayla’s birth here.  The other three were just about as uneventful!  I’m backdating this to January, even though I just wrote it this month (Sept 08). 

I have been fortunate and blessed enough to have four pain-free natural childbirths.  I will recant the story of my fourth, the most vivid in my mind, but very similar to the others.

Being 40 years old and getting ready to have my fourth child, I never dreamed I would make it to full term, 40 weeks.  My doctor also felt the same… so as my due date of January 1st got closer, we got more and more anxious for the day to arrive.  We anticipated having the baby around mid-December.  Well, Christmas came and went and still no little bundle of joy… but then on the morning of January 1, around 3:00 a.m., my water broke (my water has broken at home for all of my children).  I called the doctor to let her know what had happened, but I was not having any contractions so I didn’t feel it was time to head to the hospital.  I know there’s no urgency even when water has broken.

Then my doctor reminded me of how long my last labor was – 46 minutes from the time my water broke.  Okay, maybe she has a point.  Baby #1 took 89 minutes.  Baby #2 took 43 minutes.  My doctor didn’t make it to baby #3’s birth… but she wanted to be there for #4, so she instructed me to go ahead and head on in.  We lingered a little while at home, taking our time, and letting our teenager know we were leaving and that he was in charge of the family and would be back home in a few hours.  We got to the hospital around 4:00 a.m. or so.

This time they put me in the room across the hall from the coffeemaker.  See, they learn. 

I had refused all internal exams up to this point (at the doctor’s office and in the hospital) because frankly, they’re pointless.  So I could’ve been at 0 or at 10, we didn’t know.  My Birth Plan was very very clear in it’s instructions to the hospital, so when I arrived, I was left to my own devices.  I was escorted to a private room, where the lights were dimmed and my husband and I were left alone to enjoy labor.  I had no IV, no silly rules saying that I couldn’t eat or drink, no being stuck in a bed.  No nurses or doctors came in to intrude on this natural experience – no continuous fetal monitoring, no exams, nothing – it was perfect, just the way it was meant to be.

At 5:00 a.m., I felt the first real contraction.  I allowed my doctor to check me at that point, just as a baseline measure.  I also allowed her to put the fetal monitor on for a few minutes, again as a baseline.  I had my coffee in one hand, hubby’s hand in the other, and was enjoying this beautiful experience.  The contractions were coming fairly regularly, and as I did with the other three, I simply envisioned the rollercoaster ride – going up the hill is always a little scary, but when you hit the apex, you realize it’s all downhill from there – until the next incline… but they all are so brief, and yes, pain-free.  The mind is an amazing tool, it can make your body feel pain, or make your body reject pain.  It is true.  Through a form of modified hypnosis, I controlled the pain, and there was none.  Don’t get me wrong, there WAS discomfort, but never ever a moment when I felt real pain.  And since I went into all of my labors knowing medications and interventions were NOT an option for me, I didn’t have that “out” to think that I couldn’t complete my labor and deliver an alert, happy, healthy baby with no dangerous drugs in either of our systems.

I know some disagree and say you must be prepared for every situation, but I believe that as long as I didn’t have that “out” of medication, I was less likely to think about taking it.  I highly recommend this for every mother.  It’s absolutely possible to control the pain, control the situation, control your own childbirth.  Unless my life or my baby’s life was in imminent danger, drugs would never be allowed near us.  Period.

So, the contractions had begun.  I choose the sitting position for my labors because I believe that’s the most beneficial for gravity and nature to do it’s job.  So I was sitting, and riding through my roller coaster contractions, and truly having a good time.  Really.  The lights were kept low, I was in a birthing suite that didn’t make it seem like a hospital room, no staff other than my doctor were present, and all of my wishes from my Birth Plan were honored.  I was having fun.  At 5:49, I told my doctor to get ready, she was coming… at 5:50, I pushed her out.  My little miracle Ayla arrived in our world.  Weighing in at 8 pounds 5 ounces, she is tied with my second son for weight (my first was 8 pounds 10 oz., my other daughter was only 6 pounds 4 ounces).   My doctor counts labor as the time from contractions starting to the time she arrived, so we chalked up our third labor under an hour – 50 minutes.  And again, I fully believe my mind controlled the entire situation.

Per our instructions, she was left on my chest for quite a while – no doctors interfering with the natural bonding process between mama and baby (and Daddy too!).  She took to breastfeeding like a champ.  I did not authorize shots or other tests, that’s not for the baby so soon in her life. 

We left the hospital at 10:30 that morning, a short five hours after she was born (personally, I think it’s a waste of gas to go to the hospital at all, but that’s another story altogether).  Recovering at home was so much better than staying in a hospital, I can assure you of that!  I highly recommend that every mom and baby head home, providing all is well, immediately after birth.  I was so much more comfortable in my own bed, with my own shower, and surrounded by all of my family and friends.

 

And there’s my story!

 

I promise I won’t update everyday… lol!

We took Ayla to our family doc (she’s our “pediatrician”) yesterday for her 24 hour check up – that’s done in the hospital for moms that stay, but since we left we had to sign a letter “promising” to take her within 48 hours to our own doctor… and of course Dr. S. got us in right away.  Everything checked out perfect, she’s only lost 3 oz. since her birthweight and the way she’s nursing I anticipate her gaining that back very very soon!

Dr. S. can’t do the initial hearing screening or the PKU, but we’re heading out today or tomorrow for it at a separate lab that does these for moms that don’t stay in the hospitals or go to birthing centers.  None of theses tests are rushes, so we’re taking our time.  The baby doc at the hospital was so cool – he was an “elderly” man, so I figured he would be very old school, but when he came in to sign Ayla out at about 10:00 a.m., he agreed that the plethera of tests given so soon are really not such a rush… he even agreed that we were right in declining the first HepB shot they like to give right away! 

I stopped in to talk to my OB (in the same office) and she said that she really wishes more moms took responsibility for themselves.  She really thinks a lot stay because they don’t ask, for one (duh!!!) and two, they lack the confidence to just get up and DO something.  She truly thinks they’re “programmed” to be incapacitated and believe they must be in bed for 48 hours.  Now don’t get me wrong – those that choose to stay are right in making that choice, and those that do have complications during labor have EVERY RIGHT to cater to themselves! Oh yeah!

Although – she did tell me she wanted me to adhere to the “no sweeping/laundry/lifting more than 10 lbs” for 2 weeks “rule” this time – because of my age!  Awww, twist my arm, I say, as hubby is right now sweeping the living room!

Anyways, I haven’t had a chance to personally thank everyone that’s emailed me – your wishes were all received and all truly appreciated.  Ayla is beautiful, just perfect, everything we imagined.  I had the childbirth I planned and prepared for, was home, showered and comfortable and Ayla was visiting with her grandparents in under 6 hours, what more can I ask for?  She’s sleeping in our family bed with Daddy and I, nursing virtually non-stop (which is wonderful!), and seems to be thriving… although it’s weird to realize she is just now slightly over 48 hours old!  I’m truly enjoying what very possibly will be my last baby (sniffle) but we shall see…

 

Hugs and love to all of you!

I’m making the vax post a page on it’s own, due to it’s popularity.  05/29/09: THE SEPARATE MMR VAX WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN!  SEE DR. SEARS’ SITE HERE FOR INFORMATION!  You can also find information on the MMR vax here.  The separate MMR is not available anymore, as of the beginning of 2009.  Contact Merck and demand that they service the hundreds of thousands of families that want these vax’s spread out.

**********************************

We are following a more modified version than Dr. Sears (posted here).  My doc has actually moved a few out longer, giving even less at some appointments.

And we will never give the Rotavirus, Flu, or Chicken Pox vax, and until and unless they perfect the problems with the Gardasil, my daughters won’t get near that one either.

Dr. Bob’s Alternative Vaccine Schedule
2 months – DTaP, Rotavirus
3 months – Pc, HIB
4 months – DTaP, Rotavirus
5 months – Pc, HIB
6 months – DTaP, Rotavirus
7 months – Pc, HIB
9 months – Polio, Flu (Do 2 doses of flu between 6 and 12 months if nearing flu season, then yearly tereafter, up to age 5, as flu season approaches. Try to use only a mercury-free shot. If its not available, don’t get it that year, or get the nasal spray)
12 months – Mumps, Polio
15 months – Pc, HIB
18 months – DTaP, Chickenpox
21 months – Flu
2 years – Rubella, Polio
2 1/2 years – Hep B, Hep A
3 years – Hep B, Masles, Flu
3 1/2 years – Hep B, Hep A
4 years – DTaP, Polio, Flu
5 years – MMR (can group together for this booster)
6 years – Chickenpox
12 years – Tdap, HPV
12 years, 2 months – HPV
13 years – HPV, Meningococcal (once the Meningococcal vaccine is approved for age 2, Dr. Bob will move it there and delay hep B by 6 months)

We’re home with Ayla!  She was the first baby born at our hospital for 2008 – we made out with da gifts!

My water broke at about 3:00 a.m. this morning, and I deliberated going to the hospital because I wasn’t having contractions… but we called the doc and based on my history of labor, she told us to head on in just for giggles…  Got there at 3:30 or so… contractions started at 5:00 a.m., Ayla joined us after three pushes at 5:50 a.m. – au natural, as planned! 

We were discharged at 10:30 a.m. and are at home cuddling our new one… I will post pics here as soon as Daddy is done taking them – he’s going a little nuts! LOL!

Here she is at 5.5 hours old, safe and sound at home:

Thanks for reading, not very exciting I know… lol… so Ayla Kendra joined us 01/01/08 at 5:50 a.m., weighing a wonderful 8 lbs. 5.6 oz. with a head circumference of 14.5″ and a length of 19.5″.

I’m so thrilled to be holding her – finally!!!!!!!

 

Yeah, my old 3x used uterus won’t hold this baby until the due date.

Surrrrreeeee…… at this point I don’t think I’m gonna get a 2009 deduction! LOL!

Sigh.  I know I wouldn’t nearly be this anxious if I hadn’t assumed Ayla would join us a few weeks ago.  I realized this is why I’m having the emotions I am – with the other ones, I simply “aimed” for the due date and was pleasantly surprised when I had a HEALTHY baby early – I would never want a baby early if she wasn’t going to be healthy, mind you – which is why I still won’t do anything to “help” this one along. 

My hubby – the voice of reason, I tell you.  Right when I’m at the end of my rope, considering doing something like letting the doc break my waters, he sits down, looks at me, and says “You know, you don’t believe in the intervention, does it really matter if you go a few more days?  What if something goes wrong?  What if, like you believe, intervention leads to more intervention?  Would you ever forgive yourself?”

Nope.  I wouldn’t.  He’s right.  Why is he always right?  Thank God I have him – he is truly my strength and my heart.

 

To my friends:  I wish words could explain how I feel about you.  Your generosity, prayers, love, and friendship mean so much to me that it almost hurts.  You bring tears to my eyes with your thoughts and gifts.  I truly would be lost and alone if I didn’t have your shoulders.  So Jacks, Pen, Tres, and Jonesie – my heart is going out to you every single blessed day.  I love you.

 

Around 3 p.m. yesterday I started praying to the labor gods not to send me into labor until at least 3 p.m. today so I didn’t miss the boys’ and Autumn’s Christmas morning.

The gods have cursed me and methinks perhaps this child would like to attend Kindergarten in my tummy.

She has now made it longer than Justus or Autumn had made it.  And I know, without a doubt, her conception date… so clearly she doesn’t feel she’s done cooking.  And I’m fine with that.  I still refuse to mess with nature and God and I will let this happen on it’s own, in her own time.  It’s best for her and mama, I know.

Mama does, however, feel it’s time! LOL!  I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, I may not even go, I’m so frustrated… and what’s she going to tell me – Oh, Sandra, your BP is fine, your weight is fine, baby’s HB is at 148, moving great.  See ya next week.

Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I hope all of my friends and family were blessed with a warm and safe holiday today.  Sending love to all, you are all so important in my life.  God bless and hugs – have a safe New Year’s as well!

 

Had a great appointment yesterday at my 38 week mark.  Ayla has dropped a little more, giving my doc hope that she will be here before Christmas.  If not, I go in on the 26th for another appt.  From my mouth to God’s ears, I won’t make it… lol!  I certainly want to ensure she’s “cooked”, but she’s already made it longer than Autumn did and Autumn was perfect.  Ah well, it’s not up to me, is it?

Dr. K. asked again about just letting her break my waters.  She knows I’m 100% against any interventions/medications in labor, and if she could guarantee me (she can’t) that AROM wouldn’t lead to other medical interventions, it would be a consideration of mine.  She wanted to book my room for the 27th… but I declined.  I just can’t wrap my mind around childbirth being anything but purely natural and nothing I need to have anyone but me, Ayla, and God messing with, know what I mean?  I certainly don’t remember having these considerations with any of the other three! LOL!  Maybe it’s age – I wasn’t so uncomfortable and ready to meet this little person and get on with our expanded family.  Maybe it’s the holidays.  Maybe it’s…. well… maybe.

ETA 12/20/07: 

So… I shall update if and when there is news, people!  Have a great day!

 

BP low, weight still only 11 lbs (woot woot!)… baby definitely head down and engaged, and ready to go!

Doc and I were discussing the hospital again, I wanted to ensure nothing changed since I had Autumn.  She still won’t “make” me have an IV, I can eat and drink if I want, and basically I run my show.  I’ll call someone in when it’s time to push, otherwise hubby and I can just be there watching TV or whatever… and providing everyone is healthy, I’m going home in 2-3 hours!  The only concern now is that on Friday (yes, odds are slim Ayla will come during that specific day) my doc is at a hospital that’s about a 25 minute drive.  She said if I can make it, that would be fantastic – and that hospital will also respect me as the mother and patient and let me be. 

Sooo… I asked her, “off the record”, if she really truly thought this labor would be as fast and run similar to the other ones, and she’s adamant that there is no reason why she would think differently.  She fully expects my waters to break, she fully expects me to have only about a half an hour from start to finish.  While that’s great news, I’m a little nervous because Gary is still working downtown until this Friday.  After that, he’s working from home and will be able to get me to the hospital.

I’m sure I’m getting giddy prematurely – I truly want to ensure she “cooks” long enough, but admittedly there’s a part that would love to be holding her right now.  I won’t do anything to encourage anything happening before it’s time, that’s for sure!

That’s all for now… have a fantastic Wednesday!

 

Had my 36 week appt today.  BP fine, weight hasn’t changed (woo hoo)… but hmmmm.  Doc thinks I’ll be paging her this week.  Says due to my mental state (just giddy to be alive) and physical state (feeling fantastic, and baby has dropped which I guess doesn’t always happen in 2+ mamas)…  part of me thinks COOL, but part of me wants to ensure Ayla doesn’t spend a millisecond in the NICU either!  The good news, however, is as of today I will not have to spend the night in the hospital (Ayla either) IF everything is healthy and happy with labor & delivery.

Cross your fingers baby cooks at least another week or so!

 

Random thoughts…

When you make a good friend, cherish them.  I’m so thankful for the handful of friends I’ve made over the years – you know who you are and you know I love you so much, sometimes it’s painful.

And we’re gonna get a big duplex and fill it with cats and moth balls when our husbands die so we can grow old together.  Yup.

I love my kids.  I still sit amazed sometimes at them.  They’re growing so fast.  And are just so smart.

Where do 2 year olds get their sense of shame or embarrasment?  In my house, we don’t spank, or even raise our voices, to Autumn… yet yesterday she spilled some cinnamon on the kitchen floor and proceeded to hide her head in the corner of the couch.  Is it instinctual?  She seemed ashamed… we’ve certainly never taught shame here!  Weird….

I love my husband.  I can’t believe I deserve him.  He’s taught me to be humble – for 20+ years I was “independent”, in that I could take care of myself.  He’s taught me to let someone else take care of me.  He taught me it’s not “his” money and “my” money, it’s our money.  And he sincerely means it.  It upsets him if I slip and say “can I borrow $20.00″… he immediately corrects me with a forceful NO and says you can HAVE $20.00.  Gawd, I love this sensitive being that is not only my best friend, but my soulmate and lover.  I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Yes I do.  I’ll go move into a duplex with my friends, fill it with cats….

 

Had good appointment today.  Near-death blood pressure back down, Ayla “measuring” right on track at 36 weeks!  Lost two pounds, making my total weight gain 11 lbs. this pregnancy.  Quite the contrast to the near 70-lb gains with the other three!

Hoping to hold out until December 4th at minimum – doc said she’ll make me stay in the hospital 48 hours if I go any sooner… and Lord knows I only wanna be there a couple of hours!

Here’s a recent pic, Brett was making me laugh so it’s not the greatest, but oh well…

 

« Older Posts — Newer Posts »