MUSIC BIRTH STORIES: 19 Minutes to Spare

I met my latest client several years ago at my chiropractor's office. She would bring my son goldfish and read him books while I would get my adjustment, and it meant the world to me! I was so excited to have a chance to serve her this time around.

She texted me early Thursday morning saying she had had some contractions through the night. She felt a little anxious, but was overall excited and coping well. We kept in touch throughout the day. She had an appointment with her midwife at 4:00 pm and found out she was already 100% effaced and almost 4 cm dilated. Off to a great start!

I arrived at her home shortly after 7 pm and found her laying in bed, breathing deeply, and listening to relaxing music. Her husband was rubbing her back, and I could tell she was definitely in the throws of active labor. I heard her pray for strength, and we decided it was a good idea to alert the midwife.

I couldn't resist snapping a picture of her wall hanging. So appropriate for today!

We got to the birth center at 8:20 pm. After a few contractions leaning on the bed, mom made her way into the tub.

The water brought instant relief, and also brought back mom's smile. So much so, I started to wonder if she was really as far along as I had originally thought! She told us how much easier the contractions were and started talking to her husband about Father's Day coming up.

But the respite was short, and intense contractions quickly reappeared. The midwife checked her cervix at 9 pm and she was 6 cm and baby was very low. After feeling too hot, mom got into bed and labored on her side. Her husband was an awesome doula and remembered all the massage techniques we covered in class.

At 9:35 her water broke, and I knew we were getting close! By 10:00 pm mom was grunting through parts of her contraction. At 10:15 she moved back into the tub to get more pain relief and to be ready for her desired water birth.

Mom was so instinctual in the tub and naturally found positions that helped her body open and cope. She vocalized often, and it sounded like she was singing! It was beautiful. When she started to doubt herself she said "She believed she could, so she did.". :)

The urge to push was increasing, and at 10:58 pm mom said she wasn't ready, and wasn't sure if her baby was really ready yet. The midwife checked her again, and not only was she fully dilated, but baby was low enough for mom to feel on her own. Knowing everything was truly ready, mom didn't hold back, and listened to her body and it guided itself through the process.