Davy, shortly after birth |
I had a lot of Braxton Hicks throughout my pregnancy with Davy, and shopping trips always exacerbated them. So, when I did the grocery shopping the day before his initial due date and started having extra contractions, it wasn't a surprise. But later that night, those Braxton Hicks started feeling more intense and regular, and just before 1 am I decided it was time to phone my midwife. At this point I was feeling very grateful that we'd decided on a home birth, and I wouldn't have to worry about getting to the hospital in time!
1 week old |
I woke my husband up (and asked him to wash the dishes that I hadn't had the energy for after shopping) then texted my mother-in-law and mom between contractions. The midwife's assistant arrived at about 1:40 am, and I moved off the bed so she could put some protective padding on it. But before she could finish, another contraction hit, and midway through it I felt like I needed to move to a squatting position.
1 week old |
So I did, and since resisting the urge to push at that point was impossible, I pushed. A few seconds later, and I was gasping, "There's the head!" and reaching down to support the baby. The assistant, Lauren, thought it was my water breaking. She asked me if I wanted to lay down, but I was too focused, and stayed in a squat until his head was fully out, then knelt. One more contraction, and Lauren slipped his cord off from around his neck while I caught him and lifted him to my chest.
1 week old |
Some time later, the other assistant, my mother-in-law, and my midwife arrived. I'm sure it was a little disappointing to have missed out on the birth! But it was such a special experience to catch my own baby, and I absolutely loved having a home birth. (Aside from the 'lovely' stain in the carpet.)
3 weeks old, and wearing his first mama-made outfit! |
Davy was a full 8lb 12 oz at birth- over a pound more than my heaviest daughter! And he was 20" long. And we are very happy he is here. <3
3 weeks old, and wearing his first mama-made outfit! |
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