F and M started care with me in the first trimester of their second pregnancy. F and M had their first baby with me, and were looking forward to another home birth. You can read about their first journey here.
Prodromal labor kicked in with a fury once F’s estimated due date passed. On May 23rd at 40.4 weeks, F was getting frustrated with things. She had experienced contractions every 8-12 minutes that were strong enough to effect her sleep. She was ready to get the show on the road. She asked about coming over for a membrane sweep, so we set up a time for later that afternoon.
F’s body had been working hard, as her cervix had made a good amount of change since her last exam. F was 4cm dilated, 60% effaced, and baby was at a -1 station. When F and M left, F planned to see her chiropractor to ensure things would progress optimally.
Contractions continued coming about every 8 minutes through out the evening. Around 930pm, F was planning to take a shower and get some rest until things picked up more.
Contractions shifted at 11pm, coming on much stronger and regular. F called me at 12:38am, and I could tell things were very active, and it was not going to be long until she was going to meet her baby. F said contractions were coming every 2-5 minutes, and she wanted me to come and break her water because she was done.
I arrived at 1:24am, and found F laboring on the toilet, with her doula at her side. F was feeling very pushy, and was giving some pushes on the toilet. The birth pool was filling, but it was not looking optimal that birthing in the pool was going to happen this time.
F moved to her bedroom floor on hands and knees at 1:27am. My back up midwife, A, was on one side to help with delivery, and my bed rest self was on the other side while the birth assistant rapidly set up for delivery.
The head was visible on the perineum at 1:31am. F did a beautiful job slowly moving her sweet girl down. The head crowned and was birthed rapidly, while the song “Godzilla” played. The head just hung out there for a minute, before swiftly bringing the rest of her baby into her arms at 1:34am.
Welcome to the world, Kathleen! Born earthside on May 24th, 2018 at 1:34am, weighing in at 7lbs 2ozs, 19.5in long. Her mama was a champ through her long prodromal labor and quick active labor phases, bringing her sweet girl earth side perfectly. It was such a joy to work with this sweet family for a second time.
#sacredjourneymidwifery