Around 8 PM we finally decided with our midwife, Dinah, to come to the birthing center. Once we got there we found out I was only dilated to a 2 1/2. The midwife sent us home to hopefully get some rest through the night.
After being home for a few hours, my contractions started to intensify; so we made the 25 minute drive back to the birthing center. At around 12:30 AM we discovered that I was dilated to a 3. We were somewhat discouraged with the lack of progress.
We spent the night at the birthing center. I spent most of that time laboring in a tub. It was during this time that I understood why so many women decide to go the epidural route. I somehow made it to the morning with the help of my husband.
Around 7:30 AM, Dinah let us know that I actually made progress and was dilated to a 7. It was at that moment, I knew I could make it through the rest of labor. It was a relief to know I was progressing.
I continued through the day dancing to Bob Marley, taking a couple of relaxing showers, drinking lots of water, and moving through contractions.
Close to 3 PM I started the pushing phase.
Around 6 PM, our midwives, Dinah and Ginger, informed us that we may need to transfer to the hospital because I was not making much progress. Thankfully, mine and the baby's vitals were great so that was not a concern. While Dinah worked on contacting her backup doctor, I worked on pushing.
A little after 7 PM, I had actually made enough progress that it would not be possible to transfer and Dinah said we were staying!
After pushing for 5 hours in almost every position possible our little baby emerged. Dinah handed me our baby and Scott announced that we had a sweet boy.
At 8:15 PM August 5th, Pratt Del Brady entered our world weighing 7 lbs 2 oz. and 21 in. long. As I held our boy in our arms, all I could say and think was "We did it!" Birth is truly a miraculous event. I felt so empowered by this marathon birth.
Our midwife Dinah is on my left. Ginger, in the back, is another midwife who came to assist with the birth.
OH my gosh Janae you are so beautiful, even after just giving birth! What a sweet story. I am thankful you shared it. We hope you guys are doing well and enjoying post-chiropractic school life. Love the Asay's.
ReplyDeleteYea Janae! So wonderful that you were able to give birth in the birth center. Dinah is a gifted midwife. I pushed for 4 hours with my first and 15 min with my second and 7 minutes with my third! It will be faster next time.
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you!