So believe it or not, but I have 7 new birth stories I need to write about. June was incredibly busy with births on the 1st, 7th, 8th, 19th, 22nd, 26th and the 30th!
The first birth of June was my first transport and first cesarean. With her first son, L had tried for a natural birth in the hospital with a doctor. It ended in an c-section which left her scarred emotionally and physically. For her second son she tried for a natural birth in a hospital again with a nurse midwife, which also ended in a disappointing c-section. For her third pregnancy she decided to try again for a natural birth, but this time at home with a midwife. Although it too ended in a cesarean, this time L was very happy with her birth experience.
VBAC's and HBAC's (vaginal birth after cesarean/ home birth after cesarean) have spurred a lot of controversy. Many hospitals will not let a woman who had a previous cesarean even try for a natural birth. They've coined the phrase "once a cesarean, always a cesarean". There's a whole movement by the International Cesarean Awareness Network (www.ican-online.org) to prevent unnecessary cesareans through education, to support women who have had cesareans so they can heal emotionally and physically and to promote VBACs. It's an issue that I'm very passionate about, especially because I've had friends and family who experienced unplanned cesareans.
So naturally this birth shook me a bit. I wanted to believe that if a woman trusts in herself and her body, and has a completely supportive team and environment to birth in, that a cesarean can be avoided. I've learned first hand that even with all those things, sometimes cesareans are neccessary. What reaffirmed my faith in midwifery is knowing the statistics. That the cesarean rate among midwives is only 3-4% compared to 25-30% in most hospitals.
So what are midwives doing so different? They openly communicate with the mother so she understands what is happening, they work together as a team to try different positions or techniques to try and help the baby turn or descend. What is so fantastic about midwifery is that in the rare case that a cesarean is neccessary, you know that you tried everything, that it you didn't just give up or get pushed into something scary. That the mother is always calling the shots and is in control of her birth experience. And that makes a world of a difference.
I got the call around 3am. It seems like I get most of the calls at 3am these days =) Luckily there was very little traffic because this family lived an hour and a half away. I was the first to arrive, as usual. They had the pool inflated, but Sue had the hose adapter so we couldnt fill it yet. L was laboring beautfully. Staying hydrated and rocking her hips on her birthing ball. Her husband B was at her side helping to time the contractions. Their two sons asleep on the air matress set up in the living room.
When Sue and Jake (her other apprentice who was about to get her license) arrived I helped them set up her equipment and started to fill up the tub. Sue checked L to see how dilated she was, around 4 cm. We got the tub filled up and she got in and was able to relax and be more comfortable. She labored in the tub for a while and we monitored the baby's heart. They didnt know the sex of the baby, it was going to be a surprise =) As the contractions intensity grew she needed to really focus. Her sons woke up while we were bustling around setting things up, so they decided to have them go over to the neighbors. Her older son was none to happy about that and started crying.
He really wanted to be there for the birth. I was able to talk to him quietly, telling him that I knew he wanted to stay and help, but that the best way he could help right now was by giving his mom some quiet space. And I promised that as soon as the baby was born I would run over and get him. This calmed him down and he told his mom that he loved her as he agreed to go. (I didn't know that we'd endup transporting though, and still feel a bit guilty wishing that I had been able to run over and get him...)
After a few hours went by Sue checked her again to see if she was making any progress. It seemed that the baby's head was tilted to the side a bit with her chin up a bit, making it hard to apply even pressure to the cervix so it would dilate. Ideally the baby's head would be straight with its chin tucked down so the top of the head is right on the cervix. We suggested to have her get out of the tub and try to walk around a bit. Sometimes the movement of walking and the gravity an help the baby reposition its head. By then the sun was rising and it was really nice outside. They lived on a ranch in the hills, so we were surrounded by trees and birds singing. She walked around for a bit outside, and drank some tea with honey, but was pretty tired so we headed back in. I suggested that we set up her birthing ball next to the bed, and put a bunch of pillows on the bed, so that she could sit and lean forward and rest her head.
This worked perfectly and she was able to get some rest between contractions. Another hour later and Sue checked again to see if the baby was able to reposition its head, no luck. With her energy restored a bit we went for another walk outside. The warm sun helped her perk up and we suggested she stomp around a bit and wiggle her hips. I demostrated for her which got a good laugh and then she did it herself including some sassy shoulder/chest shakes. So together we wiggled and stomped our way back and forth across their lawn smiling and giggling between contractions. We even went up and down a couple steps to see if that would help.
Once back inside Sue checked her again. Baby wasnt budging =( inspite of all the strong contractions and our dancing. We talked about the options. We could try and keep going at it, but L was getting tired. She'd been up the night before with some toning/practice contractions and even with little breaks between contractions didnt feel like she could keep going another 12 hours. She decided she was ready to go to the hospital while she still had energy and the baby was still doing great. It was a hard decision to make and her husband was reluctant, but L was certain, so they packed up and got ready to go. They decided to go to a better hospital that was about 40 minutes away, instead of one that was closer because Sue knew about its reputation.
So they drove off to the hospital and I was left behind with my car to clean up, pack up and meet them at the hospital. Draining the tub felt like it took forever, I finished packing everything up and took a small nap while the tub was being pumped down the toilet. (fyi bigger tub + long hose = long time to drain) Finally I was on my way and realizing how tired I was. Since that drive I've decided to keep some chocolate covered espresso beans in my car to help keep me awake and alert. I arrived at the hospital and they were filling out paper work and getting her set up for the cesarean. Sue talked with the doctor and nurses, handing over her charts and talking about the labor so far and what she observed.
Once everything was ready we gave her hugs and let them know we'd be waiting for them as they wheeled her off. They said it would be about an hour before we could see them. The three of us headed down to the cafeteria for some much needed food and caffeine. We talked about the labor, and all the what ifs and I was able to ask any questions I had. After that we went to the hallway where they would be passing through to the nursery and waited. About an hour later B came out with his new daughter, bundled up in her little hospital trolly. She was perfect, the operation went perfectly, and L was doing fine in recovery.
Sue and Jake needed to leave. Sue was exhausted and had some other moms due any minute, so she had to get some rest. I on the other hand fully caffeinated offered to stay behind till L came out of recover and keep B company. He went to the nursery with his daughter and the nurse and I was able to watch from the other side of the window as they took her foot prints, trimmed her cord, gave her a diaper, checked her temperature, etc. The nurse took her time doing all these things, coming and going, while the baby fussed and cried. B was a very loving father and held her as much as he could inbetween, trying to console her.
Eventually she was all done and wrapped up cozy. They were issued a room that L would be going to shortly, so we went there to wait. B and I talked as the baby slept and a few minutes later L was wheeled in. Inspite of the hard labor and cesarean, she was glowing and had the biggest smile. She was so happy to have a girl, and told me that she was grateful to have had the labor she did, knowing that it helped prepare her daughter to be born giving her the hormones she needed to help her transition to life outside. She said that she felt very well cared for by us and thanked me for helping and staying.
Relieved to see her so happy I was able to leave content. I knew we did the best we could, and I was grateful myself to be working with a midwife that was skilled enough to know when it was time to go, and not wait till it became an emergency. I hope that someday I'll have all the skills, knowledge and intuition to make the right choices at the right times.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Good luck birth
Simon and I were all cozy in bed very asleep when I got a call from Diane (the midwife) around 3am. I groggily answered and she whispered over the line "Fly like the wind". I knew that ment that our next mom was in labor so hoped out of bed, threw on my clothes and jolted out the door. I'm constantly amazed at how the adrenaline surge from an immenent birth can wake me right up.
I arrived to D's house (the mom) just as Diane was arriving and I helped her carry all her supplies in. We checked on D who was laboring in a downstairs bedroom where they had planned to do the birth. She was doing great, kneeling on some blankets and leaning onto the end of the bed breathing through each contraction with her husband at her side. She asked if Diane could check to see how dilated she was, and she was around 4cm.
We then set up all the equipment as quietly as we could in the room and made sure she had juice to drink and was comfortable. She was very focused on each contraction, whispering to herself what sounded to me like chinese prayers, and then in between she'd checkin on us, asking if we needed any food or drinks, etc. =) so sweet. Of course we told her we were fine and not to worry, if we needed anything we'd forage. =) Diane's backup midwife Davi arrived soon after.
So we all sat there with her, she didn't need or want to be touched, even by her husband. She was seriously focused and would lift her head and ask for water or juice from time to time. Diane would occasionally check the baby's heart rate, which was doing great the whole time. We continued to sit with her as each wave of contractions came, getting progressively stronger and stronger. With each contraction she would make a low moan, which turned into a long slow Om*. At times we would join her with her Om's and the whole room would fill with a vibration of strenght and peace.
After a while she felt like she had to go to the bathroom, so we helped her to the toilet where she sat with Diane for a while. I can't emphasize enough how great toilets are for laboring. The mother can rest without having any pressure from below, and be able to open up and release anything without feeling self conscious. She and Diane stayed in the bathroom with the door open for a while. Just breathing and relaxing and surrendering to the contractions as much as possible.
Soon Diane gave me a signal to bring the birthing supplies over to the bathroom, so I set them all up just outside the door in the hallway. The contractions were getting stronger, so Diane suggested that D move from the toilet to the floor right in front of her, so we set down some towels and absorbent pads and helped her slowly lower her knees to the ground. She was able to lean forward onto the open door and hold on to it with a hand on each side supporting herself.
As she began to push her husband was at one side, and Diane at the other supporting. The head was born with the amnotic sack over his head. Diane used an amnicot, a mini finger condom with a small plastic hook on the tip, to break the sack and carefully lift it away from the baby's face so that he can breath when the body comes out. With the next push his whole body came out and he was handed to D through her knees. We helped support her and the baby while she sat down and cuddled her new little son.
After that it was pretty much the same drill. Help mom to bed, get her something to eat and drink. Make sure she uses the restroom. And get the baby nursing. Once all that is done we do the full newborn exam. Weighing, measuring, listening, etc. He was perfectly healthy and super cute =) In many cultures being "born in the caul" is good luck =) And as the new family cuddled in bed, loving their new son, I felt very lucky to have witnessed this peaceful gentle birth.
*Aum (also Om) is a mystical or sacred syllable in the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions. It has many meanings like the sound the universe made when it came into was created. Some people take this literally and some metaphorically. Also, the phonetics of the sound Aum starts in the bottom of the vocal cavity, then to the glottis, then to the mouth cavity and ultimately disappear into the silent void. This process symbolizes the creation, the maintainence, the destruction of all things and the return to where they came. As a Mantra repeating the word "om" is a great way to slow down the breathing, calms the nervous system and gives the glands and organs of the body a vibrational massage.
I arrived to D's house (the mom) just as Diane was arriving and I helped her carry all her supplies in. We checked on D who was laboring in a downstairs bedroom where they had planned to do the birth. She was doing great, kneeling on some blankets and leaning onto the end of the bed breathing through each contraction with her husband at her side. She asked if Diane could check to see how dilated she was, and she was around 4cm.
We then set up all the equipment as quietly as we could in the room and made sure she had juice to drink and was comfortable. She was very focused on each contraction, whispering to herself what sounded to me like chinese prayers, and then in between she'd checkin on us, asking if we needed any food or drinks, etc. =) so sweet. Of course we told her we were fine and not to worry, if we needed anything we'd forage. =) Diane's backup midwife Davi arrived soon after.
So we all sat there with her, she didn't need or want to be touched, even by her husband. She was seriously focused and would lift her head and ask for water or juice from time to time. Diane would occasionally check the baby's heart rate, which was doing great the whole time. We continued to sit with her as each wave of contractions came, getting progressively stronger and stronger. With each contraction she would make a low moan, which turned into a long slow Om*. At times we would join her with her Om's and the whole room would fill with a vibration of strenght and peace.
After a while she felt like she had to go to the bathroom, so we helped her to the toilet where she sat with Diane for a while. I can't emphasize enough how great toilets are for laboring. The mother can rest without having any pressure from below, and be able to open up and release anything without feeling self conscious. She and Diane stayed in the bathroom with the door open for a while. Just breathing and relaxing and surrendering to the contractions as much as possible.
Soon Diane gave me a signal to bring the birthing supplies over to the bathroom, so I set them all up just outside the door in the hallway. The contractions were getting stronger, so Diane suggested that D move from the toilet to the floor right in front of her, so we set down some towels and absorbent pads and helped her slowly lower her knees to the ground. She was able to lean forward onto the open door and hold on to it with a hand on each side supporting herself.
As she began to push her husband was at one side, and Diane at the other supporting. The head was born with the amnotic sack over his head. Diane used an amnicot, a mini finger condom with a small plastic hook on the tip, to break the sack and carefully lift it away from the baby's face so that he can breath when the body comes out. With the next push his whole body came out and he was handed to D through her knees. We helped support her and the baby while she sat down and cuddled her new little son.
After that it was pretty much the same drill. Help mom to bed, get her something to eat and drink. Make sure she uses the restroom. And get the baby nursing. Once all that is done we do the full newborn exam. Weighing, measuring, listening, etc. He was perfectly healthy and super cute =) In many cultures being "born in the caul" is good luck =) And as the new family cuddled in bed, loving their new son, I felt very lucky to have witnessed this peaceful gentle birth.
*Aum (also Om) is a mystical or sacred syllable in the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions. It has many meanings like the sound the universe made when it came into was created. Some people take this literally and some metaphorically. Also, the phonetics of the sound Aum starts in the bottom of the vocal cavity, then to the glottis, then to the mouth cavity and ultimately disappear into the silent void. This process symbolizes the creation, the maintainence, the destruction of all things and the return to where they came. As a Mantra repeating the word "om" is a great way to slow down the breathing, calms the nervous system and gives the glands and organs of the body a vibrational massage.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Busy Busy Busy
So for those wondering, no, I haven't forgotten about this blog =) I've just been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I still have to make an entry for the last birth I attended which was over a month ago, so hopefully I'll do that soon. But first here's a recap of what's been happening:
I did my first official blood draw on a pregnant woman a few weeks ago. Infact, I did two different moms in one day. And! I did them perfectly. Just one stick, no bruising and even the moms said I did a great job. haha.
The very next day I did my first newborn screen test. Which sadly involves a heel prick and squeezing drops of blood onto a special paper for the test. Theodore and I got to know eachother before the test, and then his mother held and breastfed him during the test. Then after I was able to cuddle him again and appologize for pricking his foot. I like to think he forgave me.
On my birthday I went to a weekend long midwifery conference which was held at a retreat center in Occidental. It was a beautiful facility surrounded by redwoods. It totally felt like sixth grade camp, bunkbeds and all. Except instead of ghost stories there were birth stories =) I took a Neonatal Resuscitation course which was intense and amazing. The teacher empasized the tools and techniques for resuscitation, but also mixed in a lot about the process the baby is going through and suggestions on how to talk to, treat and respect the baby.
For example a lot of the time right as the baby comes out doctors and even midwives will begin to suction the baby's mouth and nose. Recent evidence-based research, and this teachers own experience, shows that in a normal birth a healthy 7lbs baby can clear its own throat and nose without assistance, and that by letting them do this they avoid oral aversions which can cause problems with breastfeeding later. That's just one example.
Another which was my favorite is her description of birth from the baby's perspective. Imagine that you have been inside one of those water therapy pools where they dim the lights and there is very little sound and its nice and warm. And you've been in there for a while just peaceful and relaxed. What you dont know is that just outside all of your friends are there waiting for you, and they've been cooking indian food all day. And they are really into aromatherapy so they have lots of scented candles lit. And on top of all that they are REALLY REALLY EXCITED TO MEET YOU! So the door opens and they help you out and they start touching you and kissing you and taking pictures with bright flashes and rubbing you dry with towels and you can imagine how overwhelming that can all be for the baby.
So she suggests to keep that in mind at births, and remember that the baby may need a minute to process all of this, ontop of all the physical stuff going on inside of them. Their lungs changing from fluid-filled to air filled, their kidneys, liver, bowels and stomach switching on for the first time in preparation of the first food going through the whole system. It was all really facinating.
Since I returned from the conference I've just been busy going to prenatal and postpartum appointments, fostering 3 new kittens, working on design stuff for Fine Design Group, trying to find time to study, helping 2 midwives i met at the conference create their own websites, being a supportive loving wife and keeping the house in order =) So yeah, busy busy busy =)
(ps Right now we have 1 mom due any second, and then 4 more that are due early to mid June. So more birth stories are soon to follow)
I did my first official blood draw on a pregnant woman a few weeks ago. Infact, I did two different moms in one day. And! I did them perfectly. Just one stick, no bruising and even the moms said I did a great job. haha.
The very next day I did my first newborn screen test. Which sadly involves a heel prick and squeezing drops of blood onto a special paper for the test. Theodore and I got to know eachother before the test, and then his mother held and breastfed him during the test. Then after I was able to cuddle him again and appologize for pricking his foot. I like to think he forgave me.
On my birthday I went to a weekend long midwifery conference which was held at a retreat center in Occidental. It was a beautiful facility surrounded by redwoods. It totally felt like sixth grade camp, bunkbeds and all. Except instead of ghost stories there were birth stories =) I took a Neonatal Resuscitation course which was intense and amazing. The teacher empasized the tools and techniques for resuscitation, but also mixed in a lot about the process the baby is going through and suggestions on how to talk to, treat and respect the baby.
For example a lot of the time right as the baby comes out doctors and even midwives will begin to suction the baby's mouth and nose. Recent evidence-based research, and this teachers own experience, shows that in a normal birth a healthy 7lbs baby can clear its own throat and nose without assistance, and that by letting them do this they avoid oral aversions which can cause problems with breastfeeding later. That's just one example.
Another which was my favorite is her description of birth from the baby's perspective. Imagine that you have been inside one of those water therapy pools where they dim the lights and there is very little sound and its nice and warm. And you've been in there for a while just peaceful and relaxed. What you dont know is that just outside all of your friends are there waiting for you, and they've been cooking indian food all day. And they are really into aromatherapy so they have lots of scented candles lit. And on top of all that they are REALLY REALLY EXCITED TO MEET YOU! So the door opens and they help you out and they start touching you and kissing you and taking pictures with bright flashes and rubbing you dry with towels and you can imagine how overwhelming that can all be for the baby.
So she suggests to keep that in mind at births, and remember that the baby may need a minute to process all of this, ontop of all the physical stuff going on inside of them. Their lungs changing from fluid-filled to air filled, their kidneys, liver, bowels and stomach switching on for the first time in preparation of the first food going through the whole system. It was all really facinating.
Since I returned from the conference I've just been busy going to prenatal and postpartum appointments, fostering 3 new kittens, working on design stuff for Fine Design Group, trying to find time to study, helping 2 midwives i met at the conference create their own websites, being a supportive loving wife and keeping the house in order =) So yeah, busy busy busy =)
(ps Right now we have 1 mom due any second, and then 4 more that are due early to mid June. So more birth stories are soon to follow)
Monday, April 28, 2008
Very First Birthday Cake
On Thrusday evening I was on my way upstairs to grab a sweater when I heard my cell ringing downstairs... Instantly I thought, "K!" We had 2 moms that were due anyday, so granted I had a 50-50 chance of guessing the correct mom. But since I'm trying to tap into my intuitiveness, (a valued skill in midwifery) I was happy to discover I was right!
I was the first to arrive at their house. K's parents happened to be in town because they were all going to their 4-year-old son's t-ball game. K was in her bathtub soaking, her mom keeping her company. She was having some good strong contractions but they were still about 5 or so minutes appart. She felt like getting out of the tub to walk around a bit and I was her little shadow. Wherever she was with each contraction she would lean on something and I would gently massage her back. She said it felt great to have something gentle that felt good to focus on.
D arrived soon after and I started to help her set up all the supplies and equipment. Which I'm getting better at knowing where things are and where they should be placed =) When we were almost done I realized that K's mom had left to attend to their son and she was alone in the bathroom laboring on the toilet. I told D, I feel like I really need to be in there with her right now, and she said "go, go!" being supportive of me listening to my instincts.
When I came in she smiled and then another contraction came on and I stood at her side while she sat on the toilet. (which is by the way a wonderful place to labor for many reasons... not a great place to start pushing though =) So I stood there and she leaned against me singing her birth song, the low moans of a laboring mother. I held her and spoke softly to her to help her remember to sink into the pressure, to relax her shoulders and face, to allow her body to open.
In between contractions her son would poke his head in, he was super excited to meet his little sister. He kept saying it was the best day of his life and he was going to draw her a spiderman picture for her birthday. K's husband would check in periodically too, but he kept himself busy with cleaning up, rearranging and hosing down the back patio. K was happy to just have women around her for this part of her labor.
As the contractions started to get stronger and closer together her husband stayed close. Over the course of a couple hours she tried a bunch of different positions. Kneeling on pillows supported by her husband, sitting on the birthing stool, standing leaning on their bed, sitting in her rocking chair, lying on her side in bed. We were all over the place =) And throughout the whole labor the baby's heart was doing great.
Their son decided that since it was the baby's birthday she needed to have a party with cake. He came in sweetly asking what kind of cake was the baby's favorite, and K explained that the baby wont be able to eat any of the cake, but that he could choose his favorite instead. He was very happy about that =) So off he went with his grandpa to buy the cake and candles. Apparently he gave his grandpa directions on how to get to the Cold Stone Creamery so they could get an ice cream cake. He came back in carrying the cake into the bed room to show it to us, frosting, whipped cream with lots of colorful sprinkles. =)
The contractions kept coming strong and as she was leaning over the bed holding on to her husband her water broke and were excited knowing that Ruby Jane would be coming soon. She decided to turn around to face D who was kneeling on the floor below her, ready to support as the baby came out. With just a few contractions her head made its way out slowly, and then with the next contraction and push she was only half way out and already started to cry. Then there she was, all pink and crying, getting lots of oxygen from the air and still from the cord pulsing from within. They helped K sit down and and then placed her new daughter on her chest. She cried with joy holding this precious babe that she worked so hard with to bring into the world.
Their son had been taking a bath after returning from the cake shopping and he came in all excited to meet his sister. "Oh she's so cute!" he exclaimed. "I'll go get her cake!" haha. They told him it would have to wait just for a bit. =) We got K all cozy in bed with her babe, and the family just cuddled for a while. Soon after her husband helped cut the cord and she delivered her placenta. Ruby Jane stopped crying pretty soon after, and she was all alert looking around, listening to the voices around her and nursing.
Eventually their son couldn't wait anymore so, with his grandparents help, he put a bunch of candles in the cake and then we all sang a little happy birthday song to Ruby Jane. I was able to make K some scrambled eggs to eat, instead of cake for now, cuz she needed some good protein. It felt good cooking for one of the moms for the first time. As most of you know I love to cook and feed people. Eventually I'd love to include that as a service for postpartum moms, to bring them fresh cooked meals =)
Everyone was so happy in the house. We did all the routine tests to make sure mom and baby were healthy and then left them a few hours later cozy in bed. It was a very sweet birth and K thanked me for being so comforting. I drove home around midnight with my heart full of love and my belly full of cake. =)
I was the first to arrive at their house. K's parents happened to be in town because they were all going to their 4-year-old son's t-ball game. K was in her bathtub soaking, her mom keeping her company. She was having some good strong contractions but they were still about 5 or so minutes appart. She felt like getting out of the tub to walk around a bit and I was her little shadow. Wherever she was with each contraction she would lean on something and I would gently massage her back. She said it felt great to have something gentle that felt good to focus on.
D arrived soon after and I started to help her set up all the supplies and equipment. Which I'm getting better at knowing where things are and where they should be placed =) When we were almost done I realized that K's mom had left to attend to their son and she was alone in the bathroom laboring on the toilet. I told D, I feel like I really need to be in there with her right now, and she said "go, go!" being supportive of me listening to my instincts.
When I came in she smiled and then another contraction came on and I stood at her side while she sat on the toilet. (which is by the way a wonderful place to labor for many reasons... not a great place to start pushing though =) So I stood there and she leaned against me singing her birth song, the low moans of a laboring mother. I held her and spoke softly to her to help her remember to sink into the pressure, to relax her shoulders and face, to allow her body to open.
In between contractions her son would poke his head in, he was super excited to meet his little sister. He kept saying it was the best day of his life and he was going to draw her a spiderman picture for her birthday. K's husband would check in periodically too, but he kept himself busy with cleaning up, rearranging and hosing down the back patio. K was happy to just have women around her for this part of her labor.
As the contractions started to get stronger and closer together her husband stayed close. Over the course of a couple hours she tried a bunch of different positions. Kneeling on pillows supported by her husband, sitting on the birthing stool, standing leaning on their bed, sitting in her rocking chair, lying on her side in bed. We were all over the place =) And throughout the whole labor the baby's heart was doing great.
Their son decided that since it was the baby's birthday she needed to have a party with cake. He came in sweetly asking what kind of cake was the baby's favorite, and K explained that the baby wont be able to eat any of the cake, but that he could choose his favorite instead. He was very happy about that =) So off he went with his grandpa to buy the cake and candles. Apparently he gave his grandpa directions on how to get to the Cold Stone Creamery so they could get an ice cream cake. He came back in carrying the cake into the bed room to show it to us, frosting, whipped cream with lots of colorful sprinkles. =)
The contractions kept coming strong and as she was leaning over the bed holding on to her husband her water broke and were excited knowing that Ruby Jane would be coming soon. She decided to turn around to face D who was kneeling on the floor below her, ready to support as the baby came out. With just a few contractions her head made its way out slowly, and then with the next contraction and push she was only half way out and already started to cry. Then there she was, all pink and crying, getting lots of oxygen from the air and still from the cord pulsing from within. They helped K sit down and and then placed her new daughter on her chest. She cried with joy holding this precious babe that she worked so hard with to bring into the world.
Their son had been taking a bath after returning from the cake shopping and he came in all excited to meet his sister. "Oh she's so cute!" he exclaimed. "I'll go get her cake!" haha. They told him it would have to wait just for a bit. =) We got K all cozy in bed with her babe, and the family just cuddled for a while. Soon after her husband helped cut the cord and she delivered her placenta. Ruby Jane stopped crying pretty soon after, and she was all alert looking around, listening to the voices around her and nursing.
Eventually their son couldn't wait anymore so, with his grandparents help, he put a bunch of candles in the cake and then we all sang a little happy birthday song to Ruby Jane. I was able to make K some scrambled eggs to eat, instead of cake for now, cuz she needed some good protein. It felt good cooking for one of the moms for the first time. As most of you know I love to cook and feed people. Eventually I'd love to include that as a service for postpartum moms, to bring them fresh cooked meals =)
Everyone was so happy in the house. We did all the routine tests to make sure mom and baby were healthy and then left them a few hours later cozy in bed. It was a very sweet birth and K thanked me for being so comforting. I drove home around midnight with my heart full of love and my belly full of cake. =)
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Precious Moment
I was called to another birth this morning. I've gotten to know this family over the last 2 months by helping out at their prenatal appointments, and it was an honor to be at this birth with them. I got the call just a bit before 7am, was out the door by 7am and booked it down the freeways because they live about 45min to 1hr away. I got there in 35 minutes, haha. (shhh... don't tell)
I was the first to arrive and A was busying herself brushing her teeth and getting ready inbetween contractions. She had been having mild contractions all night and was able to sleep through most of them, but around 6am they changed into something stronger and she knew it was time. Shortly after D arrived with her many bags of supplies and I helped her set those up. We always prepare and set up the emergency equipment just incase, even though, in most cases, they never need them.
They had the birthing pool already set up in their master bedroom and we started to fill it with water while A worked through her contractions with her husband. Eventually she was ready to get into the tub and melted once she hit the water with a big sigh. =) The contractions started to pick up pace and even a couple doubled up on her. She used her voice to moan through them in an almost zen-like chant. It reminded me of the "Om" peace chant in my yoga classes because at one point all of us were "oming" along with her.
The room was super peaceful with music playing and the sound of their adorable 2 year old daughter, Zoe, taking a bath down the hall with her nanny. She wanted to have her own bath just like mommy was, but with less noise, and more splashing =) Soon the contractions were very strong and A was challenging herself to breath through them. I was humbled to be at her head supporting her and encouraging her, while she gripped my hand for strength. Near the end of one of the intense contractions we saw her have the urge to push. You could hear it in the way she grunted a bit and she then told us she felt a bit pushy.
The midwives reassured her to listen to her body and trust in it. She had been lying on her side for while and decided to get on her knees and lean on the edge of the pool to have more stability and to feel stronger for pushing with each contraction. She used her voice and held my hand in one hand and her husbands in the other. I was kneeling facing her and we were head to head as I encouraged her and relayed what the midwives were saying. "the head is right there, i can see it" "you are so close, the next push will bring the head out"
Her husband was going to catch the baby so he moved to be in positition and once the head was out he told her "I have a little head in my hands" and she smiled sweetly. With the next contraction she pushed the baby out and she was caught by her dad and the midwife supporting. A stayed where she was, saying she needed a minute. She cried softly to herself and said "i did it" and when she was ready she turned to meet her daughter. Which was such a sweet surprise because they chose to not find out the sex. She was thrilled that Zoe had a little sister now.
The birth up to this point had already been amazing and beautiful. Such a sweet family all coming together. I was able to take pictures for them while they met and got to know their new little girl. Seeing for the first time her perfect little nose, her gorgeous chinese/caucasian eyes, her plump little lips. Zoe was able to say "baby" and "sister" and was super excited to meet her. Tender kisses were passed between husband and wife, mother and daughters, father and daughters. A lot of love filled the room.
Eventually A started to get a bit crampy, a sign that the uterus was ready to contract again and expell the placenta. They were ready to cut the cord and what happened next was a rare and precious moment. A asked for them to wait so she could talk to her baby before they cut the cord, which was still connecting them. We all respected her space as she spoke to her daughter, caressing and kissing her "I'm going to let you out into the world now. Thank you for choosing me to be your mother, I am going to miss having you inside me, but I will always be here for you. I love you so much." Tears welded in my eyes because I knew what a sacred moment that was, honoring the connection between mother and baby, knowing that so many mothers so often have their babys cut away from them briskly.
So with that the proud papa cut the cord and Zara was welcomed into the world as her own person. She then cuddled with her dad while the placenta was birthed, and we helped A dry off and get into her bed. Soon the whole family was in the bed cuddling, baby nursing and since everyone was fine we let them be for about 20 minutes. At their first birth with Zoe it was a bit hectic with family and friends there, and they never got a chance to be alone and bond with their baby. So this time they requested that we made sure they got their time together.
Once they were ready to recieve people again the midwife did the newborn exam while Zara rested on her mothers breast. Perfectly healthy little girl =) Each birth I have been to so far has been amazing and beautiful in their own ways. But this one will always hold a special place in my heart. It truly was a precious moment.
I was the first to arrive and A was busying herself brushing her teeth and getting ready inbetween contractions. She had been having mild contractions all night and was able to sleep through most of them, but around 6am they changed into something stronger and she knew it was time. Shortly after D arrived with her many bags of supplies and I helped her set those up. We always prepare and set up the emergency equipment just incase, even though, in most cases, they never need them.
They had the birthing pool already set up in their master bedroom and we started to fill it with water while A worked through her contractions with her husband. Eventually she was ready to get into the tub and melted once she hit the water with a big sigh. =) The contractions started to pick up pace and even a couple doubled up on her. She used her voice to moan through them in an almost zen-like chant. It reminded me of the "Om" peace chant in my yoga classes because at one point all of us were "oming" along with her.
The room was super peaceful with music playing and the sound of their adorable 2 year old daughter, Zoe, taking a bath down the hall with her nanny. She wanted to have her own bath just like mommy was, but with less noise, and more splashing =) Soon the contractions were very strong and A was challenging herself to breath through them. I was humbled to be at her head supporting her and encouraging her, while she gripped my hand for strength. Near the end of one of the intense contractions we saw her have the urge to push. You could hear it in the way she grunted a bit and she then told us she felt a bit pushy.
The midwives reassured her to listen to her body and trust in it. She had been lying on her side for while and decided to get on her knees and lean on the edge of the pool to have more stability and to feel stronger for pushing with each contraction. She used her voice and held my hand in one hand and her husbands in the other. I was kneeling facing her and we were head to head as I encouraged her and relayed what the midwives were saying. "the head is right there, i can see it" "you are so close, the next push will bring the head out"
Her husband was going to catch the baby so he moved to be in positition and once the head was out he told her "I have a little head in my hands" and she smiled sweetly. With the next contraction she pushed the baby out and she was caught by her dad and the midwife supporting. A stayed where she was, saying she needed a minute. She cried softly to herself and said "i did it" and when she was ready she turned to meet her daughter. Which was such a sweet surprise because they chose to not find out the sex. She was thrilled that Zoe had a little sister now.
The birth up to this point had already been amazing and beautiful. Such a sweet family all coming together. I was able to take pictures for them while they met and got to know their new little girl. Seeing for the first time her perfect little nose, her gorgeous chinese/caucasian eyes, her plump little lips. Zoe was able to say "baby" and "sister" and was super excited to meet her. Tender kisses were passed between husband and wife, mother and daughters, father and daughters. A lot of love filled the room.
Eventually A started to get a bit crampy, a sign that the uterus was ready to contract again and expell the placenta. They were ready to cut the cord and what happened next was a rare and precious moment. A asked for them to wait so she could talk to her baby before they cut the cord, which was still connecting them. We all respected her space as she spoke to her daughter, caressing and kissing her "I'm going to let you out into the world now. Thank you for choosing me to be your mother, I am going to miss having you inside me, but I will always be here for you. I love you so much." Tears welded in my eyes because I knew what a sacred moment that was, honoring the connection between mother and baby, knowing that so many mothers so often have their babys cut away from them briskly.
So with that the proud papa cut the cord and Zara was welcomed into the world as her own person. She then cuddled with her dad while the placenta was birthed, and we helped A dry off and get into her bed. Soon the whole family was in the bed cuddling, baby nursing and since everyone was fine we let them be for about 20 minutes. At their first birth with Zoe it was a bit hectic with family and friends there, and they never got a chance to be alone and bond with their baby. So this time they requested that we made sure they got their time together.
Once they were ready to recieve people again the midwife did the newborn exam while Zara rested on her mothers breast. Perfectly healthy little girl =) Each birth I have been to so far has been amazing and beautiful in their own ways. But this one will always hold a special place in my heart. It truly was a precious moment.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Practice makes perfect
Part of my apprenticeship involves practicing hands-on and so far I've been doing things I know how to do well. Last week one of the midwives, D, offered that I could draw blood for one of the tests. (If the mom wanted to do the test and was fine with me doing the draw.) I learned how to draw blood (venipuncture) about a year ago during my Heart & Hands course. A very skilled midwife taught us and in small groups we practiced on each other. Of course everyone was nervous, but we all did fairly well. Needless to day I haven't done any since then and was a bit nervous at the thought of practicing on a pregnant momma.
I told the D how I felt and she was still confident in me. To my relief the mom opted to not take the test, so I didn't draw any blood. I did get to take her blood pressure though... much easier, hehe. I asked D if I could borrow some supplies and try to practice drawing blood at home on anyone who was willing =) She thought it was a great idea and gave me everything I needed. Since I live with three boys, ahem, I mean men... I thought it would be easy to get a volunteer. One roommate declined, my hubby was squeamish, but on the fence about it... and the other roommate said sure, but not right now.
The next day I came home from a yoga class and our good friend S was over. Anxious to have at least 2 victims I asked him straight out "Are you afraid of needles?" and without hesitation he said adamantly "No". haha. If you have to practice on someone, its always better to have someone who is less nervous than you =) So I got all my stuff set up and reviewed the steps one last time in my course binder. I felt ready and confident.
I won't go into minute details. But I missed the vein the first time =( I should have been holding the skin a bit more taught and the vein kinda rolled to the side. I've seen nurses deal with this by pushing to the side to try and find the vein, but since I'm less experienced I wanted to try from scratch. I confirmed w/ S and he was fine with me trying again. Success! I hit the vein, collected a decent amount of blood and he was good to go. whew! I did it!
Even though I missed the first time, I feel more confident now. And I'm hoping to practice it at least one more time before drawing a mommas blood. The roommate who said "sure, but not now" is not so sure anymore after watching me take S's blood, haha. But we'll see if i can convince him =) Practice will make perfect!
I told the D how I felt and she was still confident in me. To my relief the mom opted to not take the test, so I didn't draw any blood. I did get to take her blood pressure though... much easier, hehe. I asked D if I could borrow some supplies and try to practice drawing blood at home on anyone who was willing =) She thought it was a great idea and gave me everything I needed. Since I live with three boys, ahem, I mean men... I thought it would be easy to get a volunteer. One roommate declined, my hubby was squeamish, but on the fence about it... and the other roommate said sure, but not right now.
The next day I came home from a yoga class and our good friend S was over. Anxious to have at least 2 victims I asked him straight out "Are you afraid of needles?" and without hesitation he said adamantly "No". haha. If you have to practice on someone, its always better to have someone who is less nervous than you =) So I got all my stuff set up and reviewed the steps one last time in my course binder. I felt ready and confident.
I won't go into minute details. But I missed the vein the first time =( I should have been holding the skin a bit more taught and the vein kinda rolled to the side. I've seen nurses deal with this by pushing to the side to try and find the vein, but since I'm less experienced I wanted to try from scratch. I confirmed w/ S and he was fine with me trying again. Success! I hit the vein, collected a decent amount of blood and he was good to go. whew! I did it!
Even though I missed the first time, I feel more confident now. And I'm hoping to practice it at least one more time before drawing a mommas blood. The roommate who said "sure, but not now" is not so sure anymore after watching me take S's blood, haha. But we'll see if i can convince him =) Practice will make perfect!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Beautiful Lioness
My trip to SF was wonderful. I had such a great time visiting with all my friends, co-workers and of course lil Dexter. Being in the city felt great, i missed the smells and sights, the random conversations you can have on public transportation, and even the guy holding the "FREE HUGS" sign, who gives amazing hugs =) I'm looking forward to visiting again soon.
I got back on Satuday, spent a really nice day with Simon on Sunday, and was looking forward to starting my adjusted work schedule to have more time for apprentice work. Monday night I went sleep looking forward to the 3 prenatal visits scheduled for Tuesday, but was awakened by a call at 3am from D asking if i was ready for another birth. =) Of course I am! haha.
So bleery eyed and groggy I threw on whatever was at hand, squinted at my computer to get directions to where the family's home was, and headed off into the dark morning. Thankfully the freeway was almost completely empty so it took my only about 10 minutes to get there. When I arrived mom was in her birthing tub already relaxing and talking with her sister and husband.
Since this was her third baby, the midwives thought that things would progress pretty quickly, but... you never really know and this was one of those cases where the unlikely was happening =) The hours passed by as mom focused on her contractions and we gave her support and comforted her.
Inspite of moms efforts pushing, the baby didnt seem to be making progress. Sometimes the baby's head might be at a funky angle or the cervix has trouble dialating and staying out of the way, and it seemed that this was the case. Mom was getting really tired by now and frustrated that things werent progressing. The midwives suggested trying a couple more things to help the baby reposition his head, like having mom walk up and down a couple stairs like a sumo wrestler, and if those didnt help then we would consider transporting to the hospital. Not because anybody was at risk, but just because she was really tired and an epidural might help her get some rest.
Mom didn't want to go to the hospital, so she tried the sumo waddle, and sure enough it did the trick and her contractions became more intense. She was standing being supported by her husband as she growled and screamed with each push. She used her voice to give her strength and power and it did just that. Soon the head was out and then the body followed being caught and supported by the midwives till mom could reach down and lift her to her chest.
Everyone was so happy and relieved. Mom laid down to cuddle with her new daughter and we all admired how pink she was and how she was breathing just fine without needing any suction. Her husband was so proud of her, and grateful to us for helping them. I did get a bit choked up at the overwhelming emotions in the room. It was beautiful.
Even though this birth was more challenging, it was a wonderful experience to see how the midwives deal with situations like this. How they didnt panic, but gave constant support and observation, trusting in mom and respecting her wishes. We all worked really well as a team, each with a dutiful task, and it felt great.
I helped with clean up and packing up while the proud papa forced bagels, fruit and juice on us. Soon after the mothers parents arrived and the house was full of blessings. I was able to help the midwives other apprentice inspect the placenta to make sure it was intact, and that was very educational. You can look at pictures so many times, but the real thing is very different. She showed me the "tree of life" on the placenta, which is made up of the arteries, veins and cord. If your curious here's a picture =) (its black and white, so dont be afraid)
I got home around noon a bit dazed and tired but not tired at the same time. The midwives rescheduled appointments for that day, and I was very grateful to have time to myself to reflect and rest. I fed my foster kitties, took a shower, ate some lunch and then took the best nap ever =) Dreaming of little Isabella and her strong lioness mother =)
I got back on Satuday, spent a really nice day with Simon on Sunday, and was looking forward to starting my adjusted work schedule to have more time for apprentice work. Monday night I went sleep looking forward to the 3 prenatal visits scheduled for Tuesday, but was awakened by a call at 3am from D asking if i was ready for another birth. =) Of course I am! haha.
So bleery eyed and groggy I threw on whatever was at hand, squinted at my computer to get directions to where the family's home was, and headed off into the dark morning. Thankfully the freeway was almost completely empty so it took my only about 10 minutes to get there. When I arrived mom was in her birthing tub already relaxing and talking with her sister and husband.
Since this was her third baby, the midwives thought that things would progress pretty quickly, but... you never really know and this was one of those cases where the unlikely was happening =) The hours passed by as mom focused on her contractions and we gave her support and comforted her.
Inspite of moms efforts pushing, the baby didnt seem to be making progress. Sometimes the baby's head might be at a funky angle or the cervix has trouble dialating and staying out of the way, and it seemed that this was the case. Mom was getting really tired by now and frustrated that things werent progressing. The midwives suggested trying a couple more things to help the baby reposition his head, like having mom walk up and down a couple stairs like a sumo wrestler, and if those didnt help then we would consider transporting to the hospital. Not because anybody was at risk, but just because she was really tired and an epidural might help her get some rest.
Mom didn't want to go to the hospital, so she tried the sumo waddle, and sure enough it did the trick and her contractions became more intense. She was standing being supported by her husband as she growled and screamed with each push. She used her voice to give her strength and power and it did just that. Soon the head was out and then the body followed being caught and supported by the midwives till mom could reach down and lift her to her chest.
Everyone was so happy and relieved. Mom laid down to cuddle with her new daughter and we all admired how pink she was and how she was breathing just fine without needing any suction. Her husband was so proud of her, and grateful to us for helping them. I did get a bit choked up at the overwhelming emotions in the room. It was beautiful.
Even though this birth was more challenging, it was a wonderful experience to see how the midwives deal with situations like this. How they didnt panic, but gave constant support and observation, trusting in mom and respecting her wishes. We all worked really well as a team, each with a dutiful task, and it felt great.
I helped with clean up and packing up while the proud papa forced bagels, fruit and juice on us. Soon after the mothers parents arrived and the house was full of blessings. I was able to help the midwives other apprentice inspect the placenta to make sure it was intact, and that was very educational. You can look at pictures so many times, but the real thing is very different. She showed me the "tree of life" on the placenta, which is made up of the arteries, veins and cord. If your curious here's a picture =) (its black and white, so dont be afraid)
I got home around noon a bit dazed and tired but not tired at the same time. The midwives rescheduled appointments for that day, and I was very grateful to have time to myself to reflect and rest. I fed my foster kitties, took a shower, ate some lunch and then took the best nap ever =) Dreaming of little Isabella and her strong lioness mother =)
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