My husband and I recently celebrated our 10 year anniversary by taking a trip to beautiful Belize. Once we booked our tickets, a past client of mine contacted me to let me know she was due the day after we left! I didn't think there was any hope of me attending her birth, but she politely waited until I had been home for several days. :)

Her last birth (http://musicbirth.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html) was about 25 months ago, and she was going for a VBAC. It was a long and tiring night. We spent about 12 hours together, that ended in a successful vaginal birth. I figured this VBAC would go smoother and quicker, but I had no idea it would be as fast as it was!

Mom texted me at 3:20 am saying her water had just broken! We met up at the hospital an hour later. She was coping wonderfully with her contractions. She was listening to Christian music and leaning on the counter. I could tell that her labor was progressing very quickly. She moved to the birth ball and vocalized a prayer during her contractions. Being a Christian as well, I was moved deeply by this beautiful moment.

The urge to push appeared well before the doctor did. And even though there was a floating OB just outside the door, she was told to wait. (Don't even get me started on this topic! RIDICULOUS!) When the correct OB finally appeared we barely got mom on the bed (in hands and knees position) just in time for this to happen...

One contraction and not a single tear later, this beautiful girl entered the world.

It was only 5:45 am!

7 pounds, 8 ounces

While it's nice for mom to not have to push a long time, it doesn't give the baby as much time to transition to breathing. And this little one was struggling a bit. After several minutes it was decided that she would be taken to the NICU. :( Not exactly what you expect with a flawless birth. Mom got to hold her for several seconds before they were separated.

Turns out, she does have an infection and will be spending over a week in the NICU. Poor little thing! So mom is busy pumping, and making it work!