Birth Story Extravaganza!

Totally random, right?? I was talking to one of my very good friends today and we started talking about birth stories. She just had a baby 15 weeks ago, so it’s all pretty fresh for her. I know a lot of people say that they forgot EVERYTHING about the pain of labour once they saw their baby. Now… That has me wondering. What’s wrong with my brain? I can still remember vividly everything that happened!

I’ve talked about my OWN birth stories TONS. I’m a self-proclaimed birth junkie. I’ve even talked to Adam about heading back to school after the girls go to school so I can get a nursing degree. I want to work in L&D (Labour and Delivery). I always STRESS that I don’t want to work with kids. People then point out that if I’m working in L&D there are babies. I said “Yes, but for the most part, the baby has it’s own nurse” the end!

I was cruising around my favourite blogs today and came across THIS post by Heather Sphor. Like myself, Heather has had 2 c-sections. The story I’m about to tell is about a vaginal birth. It was so amazing and so empowering! I swear, I was on a birth high for DAYS!

Beqi and I met at work. We both worked for a miserable company but we sat together to pass the time. Lots of checkers games and other fun things while we sat around. I was actually newly pregnant with Lauren when I met her.

Beqi’s boyfriend (at that time) was working as a scallop fisherman. He had VERY small windows that he’d actually be home. At 38 weeks, the doctors scheduled an induction so Ryan could be present for the birth of his son, Raine.

Ryan was due to come into shore that evening, so, Beqi asked me if I’d take her to the hospital to start the induction process. I took her with no problem and figured I’d stay until Ryan got there. Beqi gets into a room, hooked up to an IV and monitor, then they started things along.

For the first little while, we just hung out and chatted. Then things got INTENSE for her. She was 3 cms, so they gave her an epidural. Seriously, those things are gifts from God. (I really wanted a drug free birth, but when pitocen is introduced and your body is wondering what the hell is going on, it’s intense!) I also now know how an anxious father-to-be feels to be in a position where you’re SO helpless for someone who is in pain.

I ran downstairs to call Adam briefly and so Beqi could rest a bit. I called Adam and said that I would probably be a while since she was only 3 cms. I headed back upstairs, and Ryan walked in the door. Wonderful timing! I thought that would have been my cue to leave, but, Beqi let me stay! I was so excited. I know. Lame!

We sat around talking for about 30 minutes when Beqi said she had A LOT of pressure. Her nurse was out on break and another nurse was covering for her. I asked the nurse if she could check her and the nurse sighed and rolled her eyes saying “her nurse JUST checked her an hour ago. I doubt she’s ready”

Finally the nurse checked Beqi since I was pretty insistent. She was SHOCKED to find that Beqi was 10 cms, totally ready to push. I didn’t keep an eye on the clock, but, I was just amazed. SHOCKED at how the human body works. Obviously, since I had c-sections, I never got to experience it. I was thrilled to be there with her.

For me, it didn’t seem like she was pushing for long (as opposed to Lauren’s 2.5 hour pushing stage) To see a baby born vaginally, was amazing, awe inspiring and beautiful. Ryan was pretty squeamish, so he didn’t even GLANCE when Raine was born.

After it was all said and done, Beqi’s totally nice nurse came and asked me if I wanted to see the placenta. Again, I never got to see where my girls lived for 9 months (Lauren) and 30 weeks (Jillian) (the nurse had asked since I stated I was interested in L&D) It was SO cool to see! she pointed out where everything was and just solidified my love and awe of the miracle of birth.

Amazing it’s been almost 4 years since Raine’s birth and I remember it so vividly. I think watching the miracle of birth is something EVERYONE should experience, at least once!

Raine at 6 months old-