Birth Stories: The Home Birth of Our Peaceful Baby

With the birth of our first child, we thoroughly educated and prepared ourselves for a natural birth in the hospital with a doula. It was very exciting and chaotic. Miranda was almost born at home, in the ambulance, the ER, and actually in a labor and delivery operating room because the birthing rooms were full. The rushed environment resulted in a level-3 episiotomy and the forced birth of the placenta. And there wasn't time for the doula to join us.

For our second child, we knew our choice for a natural home birth was best. Based on my previous super-quick birthing experience, the last thing I wanted was to slow down progress by transferring to a hospital or birth center. After all, if things went wrong with a home birth, we'd transfer to the hospital — same as before.

So after preparing mentally, physically and spiritually for almost nine months, I was done. The items for the birth and baby were in place. Our home and helpers were prepared and ready. Now, it was time to wait and wonder. Will our prayers and intentions be fulfilled?

My husband and I envisioned:

• a quick labor and blessed home birth to a peaceful, healthy baby not before May 15, 2004,
• during the early morning hours so everyone would be at home when labor began (including our midwives)
• and that I would stay present and welcome the whole experience (pain and all).

On Friday, May 14th, I got nervous and wasn't ready. Dear God, give me more time! Of course, my Braxton-Hicks contractions were ever increasing. Thankfully, within a day, I was truly ready for the big event to begin. So ... I tried lifting heavy objects, doing yardwork, a long walk and eating spicy food. By Sunday, we went to church as usual and prayed some more. After a productive Monday, I was more than prepared! Since the intensity of my Braxton Hicks contractions had calmed down and I verified tomorrow's prenatal appointment with Laurie Fremgen, I suspected tonight was it.

The Birth

Around 1am, I awoke as usual to use the restroom. However, at 2:48am, I woke up to do more than pee. And by 3am, I went back to bed. At 3:30, I got up for more toilet time and knew my labor had begun. With my first labor, I spent my early labor and transition on the toilet — it was like having a terrible stomach flu with back cramps. Thankfully, the symptoms weren't as severe this time.

By 4am, I decided to wake my husband and ask him to handle a couple of chores before the serious labor began. Being of sound (or should I say sleepy) mind, he immediately called the midwife. Since I hadn't timed the contractions and just felt cramps and backache, we decided to call her back when I was in full labor and ready for her to come over.

Two minutes later, Ken called Laurie back. That's when I started whailing and "whoa"ing, which meant I was transitioning to 10 centimeters. I had forgotten how much that stage of labor hurts! Ken coached me to take one contraction at a time. With the bathroom window open, I was hoping the neighbors were sound asleep and not listening to my pain. Once the oscillating fan was blowing on me, things were a bit better.

When Laurie arrived around 4:20am, we had time to say "Hi" and get the baby's heartbeat. While I had another contraction, she quickly unloaded her gear from the car. When she returned, I told her I felt the urge to push. And she agreed that I was ready to have a baby right here and right now. Here being on the floor by my bathtub. And the now took another 38 minutes. During that time, Laurie had called our backup midwife, Meredith Klein, who arrived sometime before 5am Additionally, she setup her equipment and the necessary items from my home birthing kit.

There was no pressure from the midwives to push hard, so I went at my own pace. I really wanted to move to a more comfortable birthing position, but leaning on the side of the tub was going so well, why mess with success. Plus, delivering on all fours has the least risk for tearing. That too was one of my birthing goals — no rips or cuts please!

Laurie and Meredith were so calm and reassuring. The atmosphere was very peaceful. There wasn't extra talking, just encouragement. Finally, I wanted the baby's head to come out - no more of this in and out feeling. My contractions were slowing and tiredness was overcoming me. After a stronger push and just a bit more, ahhhhhhh! Our baby's head was out. Everyone enjoyed looking at this precious purple head with slow moving lips while I pushed through two more contractions. I wanted to look too; but, decided to stay focused. I would meet my baby in full form soon

When Laurie passed our newborn to me, I just marveled in the moment. I stared at and gently touched this brand new face. It was pure essence. I didn't have to check the other body parts to know it was a healthy delivery. Then, my husband announced, "it's another girl!"

The Afterbirth

As odd as it sounds, it was sheer comfort to sit in the birthing chair to deliver the placenta, especially since I didn't tear. After breastfeeding, taking two homeopathic remedies, and 39 minutes, I delivered the whole placenta. During that time, Ken cut the baby's cord while I nursed her. And Meredith took some videotape of these precious moments.

As good as the birthing chair was, my bed was much more comfortable. I was in great hands and felt pretty good. Meredith cooked breakfast for me while Laurie cleaned up the baby and took her stats.

Kyra Elise Ely, arrived on May 18, 2004 at 5:08am measuring 8 lbs. 4 oz. and 20.5 inches

They continued to care for Kyra, clean up from the birth and set up the items we would immediately need for infant and mother care. After all my questions were answered, they left. And still it wasn't even 7:30am

The Meeting

With the midwives taking such good care of me and Kyra, Ken was able to make some phone calls. By 7:45am, our 27-month old, Miranda awoke. She had slept soundly through the whole thing just as we had intended. When Ken brought her into our bedroom to meet her new baby sister, our hearts melted. She had a glorious time holding our new baby.

All in All, It Was Almost Perfect

Just as we had intended, we had a gentle, natural home birth to a healthy baby. We had a very quick labor of 1 hour 38 minutes for the baby and 39 minutes for the placenta. My body executed flawlessly. Everyone was at home and available when labor began. Laurie reached our home in about 15 minutes, since there wasn't any traffic. Our midwives provided a peaceful and relaxed environment for us to truly enjoy the miracle of life without worry or concern. Their reassuring nature let me focus and welcome the pain and joy.

The only thing that didn't happen as intended is we didn't have time to document more of the birth on videotape. Had we let Meredith know about the camera sooner, she would have handled that too.

A million thanks to our midwives, Laurie Fremgen and Meredith Klein. My husband and I had a wonderful birthing and post-partum experience. Hooray for home births — I can't imagine having a baby any other way!

Thank you for reading about Kyra's peaceful birth and many blessings!

Sandy Ely

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