Benjamin's Birth Story

The story begins Wednesday, November 21 when I was sitting at the table eating my breakfast. I was contemplating all I needed to do that morning-pack to go to Delta for Thanksgiving, and be ready to go to my mid-wife appointment, wondering if I could get some pies made, and many other things. At about 10:30 a release happened that changed everything. First reaction was that my bladder control was finally gone and I said, "oh dear" as it dawned on me that I hadn't put any muscle behind that "accident" and my water had probably broken ( a new experience- for the other 3 the Dr had broken it at some point during the delivery). The kids were very concerned, Miriam asked if I had an accident as we still have lots of those around our house. It was kind of comic trying to get myself cleaned up when I still was continually leaking.

 First, I called my mom in SLC then my midwife who said to bring in a sample to my already scheduled appointment at 1:30. Then Jennifer and I started gathering everything needed for if we ended up staying and having a baby, yet I didn't have any contractions until 12:30. I have had more contractions with him due to dehydration so it was strange that when I did want them there was none. The midwife confirmed that my water had indeed broke. Everything else looked ok, I just wasn't in labor and he was still not quite in position yet.They told me go home, eat a good meal and rest up in preparation to have him. We also had a big misunderstanding. I thought beyond checking in at 12 hours and then if nothing happened by 24 they would then discuss options. By 24 hrs the only option was to check into the hospital and be induced- not what I wanted to have at all! I had already agonized over going to hospital when he was breech, luckily he managed to turn around after some temp treatment and elevating my body.    

After the appointment we ran some errands, namely Thanksgiving dinner ingrediants and a booster seat for Miriam. As recommended we decided to leave Rachel in rear facing carseat and then when the baby came move all the car seats down. The girls were super pleased- Miriam with a booster and Rachel now facing forward (above picture). I took the picture below that night to remember how huge I was. I was seriously afraid that I was going to have a 10 lb baby (this is after losing water all day too!).

I had a unbroken nights sleep to be woken up around 8ish from the new midwife on call checking in to see what was happening. I was then given the unpleasant news that if labor hadn't started by 24 hours I would have to be induced and that was the only option. I couldn't figure out where all the supposed options had gone and I was very upset. Well I immediately started the process for starting naturally if body is ready a series of baths and walks which got some contractions going, but not regularly (boy were folks surprised to see me out roaming the neighborhood!). We gathered to go meet with the midwife though lost track of time and were late (over the 24 hr period). By the time we reached the birthing center the contractions had completely stopped again. The midwife gave me a quick check over, he was almost in prime position then sent us over to the hospital. It was very weird checking in to have a baby around 1:00 with absolutely no contractions.
I have to say this hospital visit was so much better than when I was there with Aaron despite not knowing the doctor at all. I only had two major complaints. One was the lack of clarity of information, I had to tell everyone several times over my history, personal information, etc. They never quite got it down my whole visit there. So while they were figuring that out we waited for at least an hour and a half before anything significant happened. I had to have antibiotics having ruptured for so long and boy I hate the needle, I think it got squished making it even more painful somewhere along the course of labor. This time I actually managed to get really good use out of my oils. I had the diffuser going, put clary sage, helichrysum, myrrh, geranium and a couple of others on to encourage him in the proper place, get contractions going, and prepare my perineum for birth and it helped so much. Citrus bliss was my all time favorite to revitalize me during labor though. They started me with pitocin and they only turned it up once thank goodness. When labor hit it came hard and then within 2 1/2 hrs Benjamin Joseph was born at 5:30 pm. I was starting to emotionally disconnect again like I did with Rachel somewhere in the middle, but I rubbed some oils on and was able to get back in the game which made everything so much easier. They had started the pit but nothing happened as mom, Eric and I were just staring at each other contemplating starting a game or reading when all of a sudden things started happening. I still had back labor despite all my efforts to position him so I'm thinking I'm just cursed to endure that.  I had a really great nurse that allowed me some more freedom moving around and had some great suggestions during labor. One of the best was toward the end to have Eric get up behind me so I could push against him and it worked well. He said it was interesting to see things more from my prospective.