Every birth is amazing and every baby is a miracle. I treasure the precious moments following the birth of each of our three children, but the birth of our son last week- which was our first home birth- was especially amazing. Our first two children were born in a hospital under the care of a medical doctor; I have no reason to criticize either the medical field or those who choose to use it. And I realize that a home birth is not possible for every woman or every pregnancy.
But for the interest of those who may simply be curious as to how a home birth "works", and for the encouragement of those who may be contemplating a home birth, here is the story of our son's birth- at home.
Our Home Birth Story
I'm really not sure how to begin sharing the story of our son's birth... so many emotions, thoughts, joys, and feelings are wrapped up in those memories that it's hard to know just where and how to begin.
So I'll start with the morning of Keith's Birth Day- May 6th.
My eyes popped open around 1 a.m. and my first thought was, No contractions... gggrrrrrr!!
Keith was already nearly a week over due (my girls were both early so this was pure torture for me!!). I'd endured a week of start-and-stop contractions that were sometimes intense, sometimes non-existent. I was exhausted from lack of sleep and another wakeful night with nothing happening did not sound like a good idea to me.
I felt Jeremy stirring beside me, then he asked sleepily, "Can't sleep?"
"No."
"Any contractions?"
"No." Sigh.
Well, I'm not going to lie here all night and stare at the ceiling!
I threw aside the covers, hopped- or should I say managed to lift my heavy self- out of bed and grabbed the journal I'd been saving to record thoughts and memories of Keith's birth and childhood. Maybe a good cup of hot tea and a while writing would ease a bit of the frustration I'd been feeling- not to mention maybe help me get sleepy enough to catch a few more winks before daylight.
I began
writing in Keith's journal, sipping a warmed up cup of tea, and noticed a few contractions as I went. By two o'clock, the contractions had definitely become more intense and closer together; about 3 to 4 minutes apart. I waited a while longer, not wanting to cry wolf too soon; a few minutes later I was back in our bedroom waking Jeremy.
"I think we may need to call the midwife. My contractions are getting stronger."
He looked surprised. "Already?"
I nodded and sank into the white rocker in our bedroom. The intensity had definitely changed, I could feel it.
We timed a few more contractions, then Jeremy went for the phone and I headed to the bathroom to fill the tub with hot water. My back was already hurting pretty badly from the pressure of the contractions. I soaked in the tub until Betsy arrived, about an hour later; by then I knew for sure the baby was on his way. Between contractions I slipped into a comfortable gown and headed back to bed, which Jeremy had already stripped and prepared for the birth.
Betsy set up her supplies quickly while Jeremy rubbed the small of my back and I breathed- and prayed- through more contractions. Ashley, Betsy's assistant, arrived a few minutes later; my mom, who'd been sleeping in the girls' room nearby, woke and joined us too.
"You're dilated to 8, Kristy. Just a little further to go," Betsy encouraged after examining me.
I felt relieved that the end was at least in sight. Betsy asked if I wanted her to break my water to speed things up; I did. This increased the pressure from the contractions and I found lying flat on my back on our bed much too uncomfortable.
Betsy suggested that I try the birthing ball, both to relieve some of the pain and to further dilation. It proved to be a life saver for me. I spent the next half hour or so squatting on the birthing ball, thanking God for the counter pressure that brought at least a little relief.
Jeremy sat beside me the entire time, whispering prayers and encouragement and continually massaging my lower back, which always seems to take the brunt of my labor. My mom was on the other side of me, my midwife behind me. Their murmured prayers and encouragement brought a great deal of comfort as transition pains set in. Despite the pain, I was overwhelmed with the sense of peace that prevailed in our room. Just minutes before the actual birth, Betsy, who had been in a constant state of prayer, told us quietly, "The Lord just spoke to me and said that this child would be a man after God's own heart."
I managed a "thank you, Lord," my heart filled with thanksgiving for an answered prayer. We had chosen the name Keith Allen in honor of my late grandfather, who served the Lord as a pastor and missionary evangelist his entire life. I had prayed many times throughout the pregnancy that God would place His hand upon our little Keith's life, as He had my grandfather's. God had answered my prayers and chose to reveal it to Betsy during the most severe of my birthing pains.
A few minutes later Keith was ready to enter the world. Jeremy helped me to the bed and Betsy suggested I lay on my side to relieve my back labor as well as keep my varicose veins from straining. A few contractions and pushes later, and I felt our son being born- that feeling is completely indescribable! The time was 4:54 a.m. Betsy reached to catch him and Jeremy heard Keith's first gasp for breath- he still gets teary eyed just talking about it!
Suddenly I was looking at a beautiful little blue baby- I laughed and cried with joy, murmuring over and over, "He's here, he's finally here! Thank the Lord he's here!""
Keith nursed right away, bundled in a warm towel, and Jeremy and I just stared down at him in awe of the miracle that had just taken place. We enjoyed a good fifteen or twenty minutes of snuggle time while Betsy and Ashley cleaned up and prepared an herb bath for baby and mama; Keith continued to nurse and stared at each of us with curious blue eyes. It was love at first sight, let me assure you!
Next, Betsy helped me to the bath room where I enjoyed a luxurious soak in a hot, herb bath. Keith joined me a few minutes later and he absolutely loved the water! Jeremy was able to rinse Keith's little body, brush his hair, and just sit back and watch him relax in the warm water. It was a priceless time for us.
Once mama and Keith were clean and snuggled back in bed, Betsy began the usual newborn examinations. She weighed Keith (7 lbs, 13 oz), measured him (20.5" long), checked his little body over, and pronounced him perfect!
I glanced up at the bedroom window and noticed early morning sunlight streaming in through our lace curtains. The day had begun- Keith's very first day. I could hardly wait for Amy and Emily to wake up and discover their new little brother! I had packed an over night bag for them a few weeks prior, but it hadn't proved necessary; they slept blissfully through the entire birth.
Jeremy's mom and dad arrived from their out-of-town home around 7:30. Amy and Emily woke an hour later and the family introductions began!
I mentioned in my previous post that I had initially been anxious about delivering a baby at home. Looking back, I would never wish it any other way! I'm very thankful that God blessed us with an uncomplicated birth and delivery, as well as a beautiful healthy baby- two things that must never be taken for granted.
The response we've received since Keith's birth from friends and family has been amazing- even those who had been skeptical or worried are now viewing our home birth in a new light. Our desire has never been to criticize or intimidate anyone into accepting our decision regarding having a baby at home; our prayer is simply that Keith's birth would be another demonstration of God's faithfulness in our lives. We are truly abundantly blessed.
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