Halloween Baby?

My most recent client sure has the gift of patience!  After going well past her due date, they set an induction date for Halloween.  But during her appointment on Tuesday, the 29th, they decided that an induction was needed that very day.  So at 12:45 pm, cervidil was administered to soften the cervix and get contractions going.

Contractions began around 3:00 pm, but mom could handle them just fine, and didn't even call me to her until midnight.  I arrived shortly before 1:00 am on Wednesday morning.  At 3:00 am, mom was checked and was only 2 cm dilated, even though her contractions were very intense and close together.

It could only mean one thing:  a posterior baby.

From 10 years experience, there are two things that can make a birth very difficult.  Getting induced, and having a posterior baby.  Having both is just plain awful.  But mom was a champ, and spent the next 12 hours trying everything I suggested.  She walked the halls, squatted, used the birth ball, got in the jacuzzi, the works!

At 8:30 am, she was only dilated to a 3, so she went ahead and had her doctor break her water in the hopes of stirring up her hormones.  She also used her breastpump to stimulate hormones.  I'm not kidding when I say we tried everything.

Dad was a great support.  He guided her breathing, and always knew just what to say.  I just love seeing a couple work so well together!

Around noon mom was exhausted.  She had now been in labor for 24 hours and was beyond needing a break.  She opted for an epidural.  Such a hard decision!  But it proved to be the right decision when she was still only dilated to 4 cm at 4:45 pm.  Her cervix just wasn't changing fast enough, so pitocin was administered to hopefully the strengthen the contractions.

Mom and dad were both able to nap quite a bit during the afternoon and early evening.  With all the needed interventions, I was starting to stress that pretty soon we would be talking cesarean.  But then, at 8:30, much to our pleasant surprise, mom was complete!  

Mom was an awesome pusher!  She had great control.  But as with alot of first time moms, pushing was slow going.  We all wondered if this would still end up being an Halloween baby.  

But at 10:58 pm, little Finley slid into the world.  

Covered in meconium and with a VERY impressive conehead.  :)

Since there was so much meconium, Finley was taken over the nurse's station to be suctioned before being placed on her mother's chest.  Here she is holding her daddy's hand.

They were so happy to be close again.

First family picture!

Look at those long arms!  

 

What falling in love looks like...

And even though she came TWO full weeks AFTER her due date, she only tipped the scale at 7 pounds and almost one ounce.  Some babes just need more time.  

I was so happy with how this birth ended!  Not a single stitch needed.  That alone kind of makes up for everything else this mama had to go through.  :)

Home Birth

I was so excited when this couple hired me to be their doula at their home birth!  I hardly ever attend a birth outside of the hospital.  But when I get to, it is always a wonderful and peaceful experience.  I had a feeling this mom would go quickly, too, since her first birth went well.  

I received a text at 3:20 am saying that her water had broken.  I got myself up early so I could be ready to leave any time.  Well this mom is a tough cookie, and made it almost 12 hours before calling me in for support!  I arrived shortly before 4 pm, and mom was clearly making her way into transition.  She labored in front of her bedroom window (It was a beautiful fall day, and the fresh air was perfect!), and leaned over during her contractions.  

Around 4:20 the intensity was even stronger, and mom said she was starting to feel the urge to push.  I was VERY relieved when the midwives arrived several minutes later!  Mom continued to labor until about 5 pm, when we moved her to the bed and she began pushing.  I sat behind her on the bed and wrapped my arms underneath hers to support a deep squat.  

And at 5:12, this little cutie slipped into the world.  

Caught by daddy and placed on mom's chest.

Both parents were pleasantly surprised at how quickly things went.  Big sister was busy at Grandma's house making a birthday cake, and they were excited to have a family birthday party tonight.  

Such a cute little guy!  

Cervix of Steel

A week ago, my client was told by her OB that she had a cervix of steel.  Sitting at 40 weeks, her cervix was still totally shut, long, and hard.  You know, just the opposite of what you want it to be.  So she spent the week trying to get things softened, and was able to get herself to a whopping 1 cm.  

Ug.

So the decision was made to induce labor at 41 weeks.  Mom and dad arrived at the hospital at 7 am Thursday morning, and mom was given cytotec.  She had been having small contractions the previous evening, and thought that there might be progress already.  

Nope, still 1 cm. 

Mom and dad spent the day at the hospital, trying to get things moving while cytotec was administered twice, and the contractions kept coming enough that mom wasn't even given pitocin.  But at 4:30 pm, mom was still only 1 cm.  Her spirits were still good though.

Around 6:00 pm, there was a noticeable change in mom's contractions, and I was called and asked to join them around 7:30.  When I arrived, mom was laboring in the tub.  She was doing great!  I could tell that things were really intensifying, and I figured early labor was well behind us.

But at 9:45, mom was checked and was now only dilated to a 2.  The nurse cheerfully pointed out that mom was TWICE AS FAR as she had been last time, but still, the news was very discouraging.  We then spent time walking the halls and squatting, and mom was a 3 at 11:15.  

Around midnight mom became exhausted, and asked for the epidural.  It kicked in quickly, and we were all able to sleep off and on for about 5 hours.  At 1:40 she was dilated to 4, and her water was broken at 2:30.  I thought for sure we would wake up and find out that mom was complete, but at 6:30 am, she was only 5 cm.  Still, she was progressing!  

Mom was then given some pitocin to try and get her the rest of the way, but dilation still came slowly.  The contractions began to become intense enough that the epidural was only dulling them.  At 9:20 mom was dilated to 6 cm, and was given an intra-uterine pressure catheter to determine the strength of her contractions.  The decision was made to up the pitocin, and hope that things picked up.

I stepped out for lunch at 11:30, and when I returned at noon, mom was bright eyed.  She was now dilated to an 8 1/2!  Now we're getting somewhere!  We figured we were just moments away from pushing.  This far in the game, dilation should happen very quickly.  But 2 hours later, there was no change, and mom's cervix was starting to swell.

Because of the prolonged labor pattern, it was getting safe to assume that baby boy was not in a good position, and may never engage in the pelvis enough to be born vaginally.  Mom was given two options:  1: Go ahead and have a cesarean.  2: Keep waiting it out and see if she ever dilated fully.

This is an extremely hard decision to make.  But ultimately, mom and dad both felt that there was a reason her body wasn't dilating anymore, and they opted for the cesarean.  

During the birth, I was able to chat with all four grandparents in the waiting room.  It was fun to answer their questions, and it gave us something to do while we all anxiously waited to see the new baby!

Welcome Carter!

Born Friday, Sept. 27th, 2013

8 pounds, 11 oz

2:56 pm

I was so impressed by how these parents handled this hard situation, and didn't let it ruin their day.  They are so in love with each other, and so excited to start this new step in life together.  They worked together as a team the entire time, and it was such a privilege to be their doula.

A cervix of steel, and a heart of gold.  

Congratulations!

The Long and Short of It....

My latest client had a loooooong first birth.  She labored over the course of several days (yes days), pushed for about 3 hours, and ended up with a cesarean.  Her child was posterior (positioned incorrectly) which makes labor longer, and can ultimately make a vaginal birth unsuccessful (especially in first time moms).  The experience was difficult and disappointing.  I hoped so much that she would be able to have a VBAC.  The days have ticked on and on, and mom was approaching 42 weeks, and had to schedule an induction.  This was not at all what she wanted, but I was still optimistic that things would go well.  Especially because an ultrasound had shown that her baby was in optimal positioning for a vaginal birth. 

The night before the schedule induction she called me at 7 pm with my heads up call.  Considering how long her first labor was, I thought I still had time to do an evening walk.  Shortly before 7:30, her husband called and asked me to come to their house.  So I RAN home, put the baby to bed, and jumped in the car.  During my drive, he called again and told me to meet them at the hospital!

I arrived at 8 pm, and found mom laboring in the tub.  She was already 7 cm!  

Things were moving so much quicker than I had expected (which is wonderful!).  Mom was vocalizing through her contractions, dad was there to hold her hands and offer encouragement, and I provided music and massage.  Mom listened to her instincts the entire time.  Shortly before 9:00 pm I sensed a change in mom's vocalizations.  It sounded almost like she was pushing, so I encouraged her to be checked and she was already complete!  

Then mom hit a wall.  Pushing felt scary, and her previous birth made her worry that this baby wouldn't fit through the birth canal.  It is a common fear for a VBAC.  We talked it through, and mom began really pushing.  It was amazing to see her reach inside and find that inner strength and faith in herself.  

Shortly after the shoulders slipped into the world, the OB instructed mom to reach down and lift her baby onto her chest.  It was such a beautiful moment, and I was thrilled that this woman got to experience such a wonderful birth.  

Remington

Born Thursday, September 12th, 2013

10:39 pm

8 pounds 7 oz

The smile says it all.  This birth was so much shorter than her last one, and couldn't have gone any better.

Right away, this little man knew who his mama was, and loved snuggling.

Living proof that sometimes it really does take 42 weeks for mom and baby to be ready.

Dad joined in on the skin-to-skin contact, which I loved!  It's so awesome to see so many dads out there really wanting to be a part of the birth and a great father.

Couldn't be happier for this couple!

"It's a Cute One!"

Since my last two clients both delivered past their due dates, I assumed that my third would as well.  I was so confident, I went ahead and let my kids plan a water party in our backyard today!  But this mom went into labor pre-due date, and I headed out to my 3rd birth in 8 days!  

I received a text at 8 am that real contractions had started, but that they were coping well and not needing support yet.  Things changed quickly.  An hour later they called to say they were heading to the birth center, and I joined them shortly after 10 am.  

I found mom laboring on the birth ball, leaning into her husband during contractions.  I could tell things were definitely intense; but they were a great team, and managing things beautifully.  Dad was so supportive, and never left mom's side.  He sweetly held her face during contractions, and said things like "Thank you for birthing our babies".  I was touched by the love I felt between the two of them.  What a lucky baby to be born to this awesome couple.  

Mom labored in the bed after about an hour on the birth ball.  I could tell she was progressing quickly, so I was surprised at 1:30 when she was checked.  The midwife said she was 6 cm, and stretched to 8 during contractions.  I thought for sure she was complete.  Her bag of waters was still intact, and the midwife said it felt very strong and tough.

So weren't we surprised when it broke in a huge gush just a few minutes later!  Instantly mom felt the urge to push.  And at 1:49, Phoebe was born.

Tipping the scale at a healthy 8 pounds, 14 ounces!

She was quite blue when she was born, and had a lot of fluid to work out of her lungs.  But she was a trooper.  She slowly pinked up, and was nursing about 90 minutes after she was born.  

Dad is just as crazy about this little baby as he is about his wife!

He was even able to catch this little angel.

Big sister was soooo excited to meet her little sister.  Upon first glance, she excitedly exclaimed 

"It's a cute one!"

Grandma was able to come in several minutes before the birth, and share in the magical moment.

This little girl was so alert and ready to meet her family.  

It wasn't the water party I was planning on, but I sure came home covered in amniotic fluid, lol!

Posterior Challenges

I received a text at 6:00 am Sunday morning, saying that my latest client was in early labor.  With a first time mom, I never know what to expect.  Early labor can last for days, or it can go quickly.... but most likely, last for days!  I spoke with the dad on the phone around 7:00 and was informed that mom's back hurt.  Not good.  Immediately I was concerned that her baby was posterior.  An hour later they headed to the hospital.

I met up with them at 9:30, just as they were being officially admitted.  Mom was coping by leaning over the birth ball while dad rubbed her back.  She was 4 cm, coping well; but I could tell that she was already experiencing alot of discomfort.

Posterior babies are a real pain in the rear!  They are facing the wrong way, which puts tons of pressure on mom's low back.  And unlike contractions (which come and go), back labor is constant and exhausting.

We used the ice roller and the jacuzzi.  Both helped, but labor was still difficult.  I worried she would stall out, as is common with posterior presentation.  But at 10:55 she was 6 cm, and was 7 cm a half hour later!  I couldn't believe it!  I thought I just might be home in time to make dinner.

Wrong.  :)

Mom got an epidural around noon, and then she stayed at 7 cm for hours.  This is common with posterior babies, and with epidurals, so it's impossible to know which was the larger culprit.  Thankfully, the epidural worked well and mom was able to rest.  And baby started to rotate all on his own.

The OB came in at 5:45, and the decision was made to break the water.  At 8:15 mom was 9 cm with just a lip left of cervix, and was complete at 10:00 pm.  She was thrilled to make it all the way without pitocin, even with the slow labor.  But she was also anxious and nervous to push.  I hoped that pushing would go quickly since everything else had taken so long  (For her sake, not mine)  Her baby was already +2 station, so I thought for sure this would go well for her.

Wrong.

Ok, it wasn't horrible.  I've definitely seen longer, and she was able to deliver without intervention.  Baby boy was born at 12:18 am weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 oz.

Dad was moved to tears at the moment of birth, and was able to spend lots of quality time with baby while mom was dealing with afterbirth issues.  You know, all the stuff no one talks about....

Afterbirth wasn't exactly a cake walk either.  Mom bled alot, and after laboring all day without pitocin, needed it shortly after she delivered.  But hey, when it comes down to hemmorhaging or getting pitocin: pitcon wins every time.

It wasn't fast.  It wasn't easy.  It wasn't exactly what she planned.  But in the end, she got everything she wanted.  A loving husband, and beautiful, healthy baby boy; everything else is just the icing on the cake.

Boy or Girl?!

9 years as a doula, and this is the 2nd birth I've attended where the parents didn't know the gender of the baby, and it made the big reveal pretty exciting!  

Mom was 6 days past her due date when her water broke as she was walking out of her weekly check up!  (I had a feeling the summer storm might get things going for her!  And she wasn't the only one.  L & D was packed!)  Her membranes ruptured at 11:30, and I arrived at 2:30.  Mom was coping great with her contractions.  She was swaying and rubbing her belly.  Her contractions were already TWO MINUTES APART!  I thought I just might be home in time to make my family dinner.... but I wasn't.  :)

Even though she was cranking out a little more than twice the amount of contractions as a typical woman would in early-active labor, dilation came a little slower than we had expected.  At 5:00 she was 4 cm, and at 7:00 she was 6 cm.  She was making progress though, and that's what matters.  This was baby #3.  Baby #1 was born cesarean, baby #2 was a vaginal delivery that was very long and complicated, so we were planning on baby #3 being a little more agreeable.  :) 

At 7:30 pm mom decided she was "done" and asked for an epidural.  She and dad had worked sooo hard.  He was extremely supportive, loving, encouraging, and affectionate.  

Mom stayed at 6 cm for a couple more hours, and wasn't able to find full relief with the epidural.  Her blood pressure also dropped, causing her to feel dizzy.  She also dealt with nausea and vomiting.  Not exactly the break she was hoping for.  But at 11:10 pm she was dilated to 9 cm and complete at 12:15 am.

She pushed for 3 hours with baby #2, and was really hoping to not have to push that long again.  This time it only took 14 minutes!

Dad was able to announce

"It's a BOY!"

It was so exciting to find out in that moment!

Gotta love the finger hold...

Both parents were thrilled to have another successful vaginal birth with NO pitocin!  

Baby Boy #3

Born July 17th, 12:41 am

7 pounds 12 oz.

20.5 inches long

He was so cute with his eyes open.

He had the CUTEST little chin quiver when he cried, so I couldn't resist capturing a short video of it.