**Disclaimer** Do NOT read this if you don't want to read details about a birth. That's what this is!
"A Birth Story"
Gabrielle Gloria Wallace, March 18, 2010
By Amie Stone (Doula)
From the first time that I met your mom, she was eager to learn all there was to know about the "wonder" of pregnancy and birth and how she could best prepare herself for those events. At first she wasn't too sure of herself but as she studied and gained knowledge about the process of pregnancy, labor, and birth and as she learned and practiced relaxation techniques and physical coping strategies she became very confident in her ability to give birth. After gaining this knowledge she decided that a natural, unmedicated birth would be the best choice for the both of you and she prepared herself accordingly.
Your dad played a major role in the preparation process as well, learning relaxation techniques, helping your mom relax, and supporting her in everything she was doing. Your mom was pretty sick for most of her pregnancy but managed to make healthy choices for her and for you. An example of this was her insight into what kind of medical care that the both of you deserved. Your mom changed doctors two times because she felt strongly that they were not giving you and your mom the care you both deserved and needed. She finally got the care she deserved from the midwives at the Mt. Timpanogos Women's Health Center.
As time for your arrival drew near there was much excitement and anticipation. Your mom was having contractions regularly for a couple days in a row. She went to see her midwife who gave her a shot of morphine to help her relax and save energy for labor and birth. Later on the contractions became closer together and very strong, consistently, for over and hour, so she decided to head to the hospital, it was Monday evening of March 15th. Once she was situated in the hospital, to everyone's disfavor, her contractions became less intense and regular, and consequently the hospital released her to go back home.
On Wednesday evening of March 17th your mom's contractions, once again, became intense and close enough that she decided to make another trip to the hospital. This time the hospital decided to admit your mom. The nurses noticed irregularities with your heart rate and so the midwife decided to break the amniotic sac to help move things along. When she broke the sac there was a significant amount of meconium (baby's stool) present. This can cause the baby serious health problems if the baby inhales the meconium into their lungs so they were keeping and extra close eye on you.
As labor progressed and contractions became more intense, your mom became more focused. With each contraction she was able to stay in control by breathing deep and allowing your dad, grandma, and myself to perform counter pressure, hip squeezes, and knee compresses to help her manage the pain. It was clear that all of your mom's preparation had paid off; she showed so much strength by staying calm and in control of the situation.
Around 1am on the morning of March 18th due to lack of sleep, working two jobs, and attending school full-time, your dad was physically exhausted, and laid down to rest. Your grandma and I stayed close to your mom and helped support her as best we could.
About 1-1 1/2 hours later, the contractions were very intense and getting closer and closer together, come of them even double peaking which are both signs that the time was very close for your delivery. Your mom was tired and was having doubts whether or not she would be able to make it without pain medication and decided that she would get medication after her next exam if possible. The exam showed that she was dilated to 9cm and 100% effaced. She was too close for medication. We then woke your dad up and told him that he needed to get up and get ready because soon very soon he was going to be a dad.
While the midwife was getting things ready for your mom to push she told your mom that she wouldn't be able to hold you right after you were born like she wanted to. This was because of the meconium, they needed to clip the cord and immediately get you over to the respiratory therapists. Your mom recognized that this was in your best interest. While pushing you heart rate dropped very low and they needed to perform and episiotomy to help you come out. At first your mom said, "No!" being a little scared but it didn't take more than 5 seconds before she said, "do it, do it". She knew that is what needed to be done and she was willing to experience more pain in order to keep you safe. She loves you so much. During all of this your dad was close to your mom encouraging her and sharing the ups and downs. Your grandma and I were close by as well.
Finally you were born at 3:29am on March 18th. The midwife quickly cut the cord and got you to the respiratory therapists who took good care of you. They did a lot of tests on you to make sure that you were ok, and you were.
I am so blessed to have been at your birth. It was a very beautiful experience. Your mom inspired me with the strength and determination that she displayed. I feel very blessed to have witnessed the love that your mom, dad, and grandma showed toward you and the love between your mom and dad. You are very lucky to have parents who love you so much. Never doubt or question the love they have for you.
That's all she wrote. I am very grateful that I was able to have a doula there for labor and delivery. She is such a great woman and I am so glad I could make a new friend! We're planning on "kid swapping" so the other can go on a date with their hubby :) Anyway, I just want to mention now that I love my baby soooo much. Labor was a very hard but rewarding experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I would go through much more in order to have the miracle that is sitting beside me right now. She's such a beautiful creation sent from our Heavenly Father. Tim and I are very glad He has entrusted us with such a great responsibility and we are trying our best to learn and grow with her. Thank you everyone for all the support and love we get from you.
Gabrielle Gloria Wallace, March 18, 2010
By Amie Stone (Doula)
From the first time that I met your mom, she was eager to learn all there was to know about the "wonder" of pregnancy and birth and how she could best prepare herself for those events. At first she wasn't too sure of herself but as she studied and gained knowledge about the process of pregnancy, labor, and birth and as she learned and practiced relaxation techniques and physical coping strategies she became very confident in her ability to give birth. After gaining this knowledge she decided that a natural, unmedicated birth would be the best choice for the both of you and she prepared herself accordingly.
Your dad played a major role in the preparation process as well, learning relaxation techniques, helping your mom relax, and supporting her in everything she was doing. Your mom was pretty sick for most of her pregnancy but managed to make healthy choices for her and for you. An example of this was her insight into what kind of medical care that the both of you deserved. Your mom changed doctors two times because she felt strongly that they were not giving you and your mom the care you both deserved and needed. She finally got the care she deserved from the midwives at the Mt. Timpanogos Women's Health Center.
As time for your arrival drew near there was much excitement and anticipation. Your mom was having contractions regularly for a couple days in a row. She went to see her midwife who gave her a shot of morphine to help her relax and save energy for labor and birth. Later on the contractions became closer together and very strong, consistently, for over and hour, so she decided to head to the hospital, it was Monday evening of March 15th. Once she was situated in the hospital, to everyone's disfavor, her contractions became less intense and regular, and consequently the hospital released her to go back home.
On Wednesday evening of March 17th your mom's contractions, once again, became intense and close enough that she decided to make another trip to the hospital. This time the hospital decided to admit your mom. The nurses noticed irregularities with your heart rate and so the midwife decided to break the amniotic sac to help move things along. When she broke the sac there was a significant amount of meconium (baby's stool) present. This can cause the baby serious health problems if the baby inhales the meconium into their lungs so they were keeping and extra close eye on you.
As labor progressed and contractions became more intense, your mom became more focused. With each contraction she was able to stay in control by breathing deep and allowing your dad, grandma, and myself to perform counter pressure, hip squeezes, and knee compresses to help her manage the pain. It was clear that all of your mom's preparation had paid off; she showed so much strength by staying calm and in control of the situation.
Around 1am on the morning of March 18th due to lack of sleep, working two jobs, and attending school full-time, your dad was physically exhausted, and laid down to rest. Your grandma and I stayed close to your mom and helped support her as best we could.
About 1-1 1/2 hours later, the contractions were very intense and getting closer and closer together, come of them even double peaking which are both signs that the time was very close for your delivery. Your mom was tired and was having doubts whether or not she would be able to make it without pain medication and decided that she would get medication after her next exam if possible. The exam showed that she was dilated to 9cm and 100% effaced. She was too close for medication. We then woke your dad up and told him that he needed to get up and get ready because soon very soon he was going to be a dad.
While the midwife was getting things ready for your mom to push she told your mom that she wouldn't be able to hold you right after you were born like she wanted to. This was because of the meconium, they needed to clip the cord and immediately get you over to the respiratory therapists. Your mom recognized that this was in your best interest. While pushing you heart rate dropped very low and they needed to perform and episiotomy to help you come out. At first your mom said, "No!" being a little scared but it didn't take more than 5 seconds before she said, "do it, do it". She knew that is what needed to be done and she was willing to experience more pain in order to keep you safe. She loves you so much. During all of this your dad was close to your mom encouraging her and sharing the ups and downs. Your grandma and I were close by as well.
Finally you were born at 3:29am on March 18th. The midwife quickly cut the cord and got you to the respiratory therapists who took good care of you. They did a lot of tests on you to make sure that you were ok, and you were.
I am so blessed to have been at your birth. It was a very beautiful experience. Your mom inspired me with the strength and determination that she displayed. I feel very blessed to have witnessed the love that your mom, dad, and grandma showed toward you and the love between your mom and dad. You are very lucky to have parents who love you so much. Never doubt or question the love they have for you.
That's all she wrote. I am very grateful that I was able to have a doula there for labor and delivery. She is such a great woman and I am so glad I could make a new friend! We're planning on "kid swapping" so the other can go on a date with their hubby :) Anyway, I just want to mention now that I love my baby soooo much. Labor was a very hard but rewarding experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I would go through much more in order to have the miracle that is sitting beside me right now. She's such a beautiful creation sent from our Heavenly Father. Tim and I are very glad He has entrusted us with such a great responsibility and we are trying our best to learn and grow with her. Thank you everyone for all the support and love we get from you.
