L and S transferred care to me in the beginning of the third trimester of L’s second pregnancy. She had been hoping to transfer to a midwife her whole pregnancy, and was thrilled to finally get to make the transition in her final weeks before birthing day.
L’s pregnancy progressed along normally. L had been over 41 weeks when she had her first baby, so we were not surprised when L’s due date came and passed.
L came in around noon at 41 weeks to try some herbs and a membrane sweep. L was 2cm dilated, 80% effaced, and baby was at a -2 station. While I performed the membrane sweep, I noticed that the baby was presenting funny, but was unsure. I felt the length of an extremity, but not a hand or foot to officially tell me anything. I felt around deeper, and could not identify a butt or head behind the extremity. I let L know the baby was presenting funny, and we would give another feel later that day and/or in labor to identify.
L and S left here around 1pm, and went for some lunch. After lunch, they went walking around Wal-Mart. Around 245pm, L text me that contractions were definitely regular and stronger, but she had no problem holding a conversation. They got home around 3pm, and L said she wanted to try a nap, but contractions were definitely increasing in intensity. I encouraged her to nap if she could, and let me know when she woke.
S called me at 3:20pm to let me know that L’s water broke. Something inside me was on high alert. I asked S to watch a couple contractions, and if they were much more intense, then I needed to make sure the entire birth team was on the way.
See I was currently 32 weeks pregnant and on bed rest, and was not suppose to be attending births. However, when S responded that things were very intense, I notified my apprentice, assistant, and back up midwife, and looked at my husband and told him he could drive me or I was driving myself, but I needed to get over to this client ASAP. He opted to drive me, which was helpful because he brought needed birth supplies upstairs for me when we arrived.
I arrived at 3:45pm, and found L laboring semi reclining in her bath tub, moaning with contractions. I could tell things were picking up quickly. I grabbed a couple items I would need in case this baby came before any of the other team members arrived, and was at L’s side.
Baby’s heart tones were great. As 4pm neared, L stated that she was feeling so much pressure in her butt. I helped encourage L, while encouraging her to blow through the pressure as long as she could. About this time, L’s oldest daughter got home from school. I knew then that L would feel free to birth her baby, as it was very important to L that her daughter was there.
I did an exam at 4:04pm, and found L to be 10cm dilated and baby at a +3 station…. and double footling breech. I was still alone with all my birth team en route. I said a prayer, and continued to encourage L to blow.
At 4:06pm, out pop two precious, criss-crossed feet, actively kicking in the water. Three minutes later, baby was out to her umbilicus. My apprentice and assistant arrived at 4:10pm, and moved into high gear for delivery prep as the shoulders were delivered. Baby restituted for delivery, and at 4:12pm, she was here!
Baby K needed some encouragement to breathe after delivery, but after I worked on her for a bit, she made her presence known with a beautiful cry.
Welcome to the world, Katherine! Born earth side on May 15th, 2018 at 4:12pm, weighing in at 6lbs 3ozs, 19.5 in long. After seeing her placenta, which was not fully developed and one of the worst placenta’s I have ever seen, I am confident this sweet girl has an extra special place in this world.
Blessed that I got to be part of this sweet girl’s journey earthside, and get to be part of this family’s journey from a family of 3 to a family of 4.
#sacredjourneymidwifery
