It all began with a "pop"...
It was the tiniest little feeling, but when I went to get up I knew that this labor was going to be different! I called for my favorite nurse, Matt, and he too was surprised!
This was the first time I have EVER had my water break spontaneously! It turns out that laboring with your water broken is not as easy as when it is intact...With my other labors I would go for lovely walks, go shopping, or whatever! There was NO possiblity of a lovely walk now! It was a beautiful day outside, and there was no way I would venture out into public, but I could at least enjoy the outdoors from the security of my backyard.
In the yard, Matt and the kids were jumping on our trampolines, and I wandered around with my toes in the wet and slightly muddy grass waiting for some contractions to begin.
I spotted two ladybugs and called the little boys over to see them crawling in the grass. As I bent down to show them, the baby moved and I was starting to see that this was going to be a very different type of labor, and the bug-show was over. I called to Matt " I'm going in the house to change. I squatted down to show the boys some ladybugs, and I ended up watering the grass!"
Matt decided it would help my labor go faster if he kept the kids busy , so he entertained them all day. First with the trampolines, then with some balls, and finally with softballs and gloves. I wandered around doing a few things and feeling the relief of having less pressure in my large bulging stomach. It was actually more comfortable now than it had been for the last few weeks! I repeated my mantra in my head over and over. I had been practicing it for a couple of weeks now, "I have fast, easy labors", "I have fast, easy labors", "I have fast, easy labors".
Matt came in to see if anything was happening, and we were in our bedroom when we heard a huge crash. It sounded like something glass falling from the top shelf in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it was coming from outside. The kids threw the ball and it broke the basment bathroom window!
My first thought was "How can I labor without the shower?!!!" Matt was happy to report that only one layer of the window had broken, and I could still use the downstairs bathroom shower. PHEW!
Matt made a picture-perfect supper and he was so proud of it that I pulled out the camera for this delicious-mouth-watering proof of his amazing birth support! He was so thrilled with his creation that he asked me at least three times if I wanted any. I declined since labor was picking up and I was feeling a bit nauseous just thinking of eating!
Then my mom called and while we were chatting she noticed I was having some contractions. I admitted to her that my water had been broken since 8:00am and they were actually noticeable and getting stronger -finally! It was 7:30pm. She let me go as I was sounding like I was in labor.
Next I called my little sister, Heather. It was only fair, as she called me in heavy labor. I made sure to call her when it was serious, so it was 9:30pm before I dialed. She chatted with me between contractions, and later told me they were close together, long and sounded strong. To me they didn't seem long or close, but that's what happens in labor...our perception of time is totally gone!
I labored for a few contractions in the shower, but I decided to get out before I ran out of hot water. This way it would be MY choice, and I wouldn't feel FORCED to leave the shower (like my last birth!)
I put my house-dress or "castle-dress" (thanks Matt!) back on, and looked for somewhere else to make myself comfortable. BTW, I highly suggest the moo-moo/ castle-dress for labor. I have three, and I felt modest and covered for the whole time!
I labored for a few contractions on the couch, and fell asleep between them. It felt like such a relief to have a few moments to relax!
I got pretty restless after that and moved from room to room. Matt followed and helped by holding me up in a supported squat which is what felt the best. He was wonderful, whispering "I love you" and giving me small kisses on my neck. In return I squeezed his butt during a couple of contractions, and then laughed as though I had made a REALLY funny joke!
A few more contractions in the hall, and bathroom, and then I sort of collapsed into a tired heap on my newly re-covered ottoman. (I knew I re-covered it for a reason!) I remembered thinking that another 20 hours of this would be unbearable! Still, I kept repeating my mantra in my head "I have fast, easy labors", "I have fast easy labors"
Then, right there in my kitchen I started pushing. It was only a few contractions, and I remember hearing Matt ask if I was pushing. In my head I was thinking there was no way I was moving or going anywhere, and this baby was coming out NOW! ...and then his voice said "slow, nice and slow". I felt the baby crowning, and as the break between contractions came I felt the baby slip back a bit, so I held a slight push to keep the baby in place. A couple more deep breaths and pushes and I told Matt to "catch the baby". He was behind me and had to fight against a fair bit of fabric from my dress, and at that point said in mock exasperation, "Where???"
He said he could see the baby's eyes and nose. My next word was "cord". Matt checked as soon as the baby's head was delivered, "there's cord!" but he couldn't unwrap it as it was too tight and the rest of the baby was born in the next instant.
It was 11:10pm. Less than 4 hours of labor!
He unwrapped the cord and I turned to meet our baby.
The placenta was delivered nearly immediately, and our boy was not yet breathing. The seconds felt like hours as we rubbed him to stimulate breathing. He made a little sound, but still not enough... Matt grabbed his stethoscope. He had a strong heartbeat, but still we rubbed him and I flicked his foot in hopes of a big breath in...a cry...a sound...something!
Matt ran for some of the leftover medical supplies from our other home-births. A Deelee mucus-trap was found and we succtioned his airways and held him in recovery position. Matt clamped the cord so we could more easily move him. More rubbing, more sucction, and then that beautiful sound of breathing!
He squinted and looked at us. He had a slow start, but everything checked out and he was perfect.
His first picture, after I had a shower...
and could see my legs enough to shave them!
Proud Daddy! Best Birth Support! Handsome Hubby!
Sweet Sleeping Solomon Francis Young! BTW, we thought we were having a girl and we didn't have a name picked until he was three days old!
We love the nickname "Sol" and Francis is for my Dad's Dad...my Grandpa Francis Johnny Linteris. His gravestone says "John Frank" as rumor says he changed his name legally after my dad gave him a hard time about his name. His parents were Italian.
Foster and Jessica brought me flowers and my FAVE...Lindor chocolates!
