Storey’s Story
The Birth of Story Aug. 7, 2010
Early Saturday morning around 7:30am, your mommy called me, explaining how she was having some pretty intense contractions about 5 min. apart and maybe 30-40sec. long. She had had some the night before, but since they were very manageable, she decided to go to sleep, and get some rest for your big day. As her doula, (a fancy word for a person who helps moms and dads through the birth process), I was excited to meet you too, and I began to get ready to meet your mom and dad at their house to help them get ready to meet you.
I got another phone call from your daddy about an hour later, saying that yes, indeed, your mommy lost her mucous plug and the contractions were still intense. I asked him if he would like to just meet at the hospital now, or if he still wanted me to come to their house. He said to just come on over. I arrived at your house around 9:15am, and your mommy was sitting in the restroom having some very strong contractions. They were a little closer together, and seemed to last a little longer than before. Your mom also started to express some doubts about giving birth, saying, “I don’t know if I can do this.”
Now, don’t worry, Story. This is very normal for women to say during labor, especially towards the end, during a time called transition. Judging from the intensity of her contractions, her emotional state, and the long drive we had to get to the hospital, I told your mommy and daddy I thought we had better take off. Your daddy was ready to go in a heartbeat, and after holding your mommy for a few good contractions, we finally got her and your grandma into the car.
Following your daddy to the hospital was quite an adventure! Sometimes he was even going 95 miles and hour. (This is very fast, just in case you want to know.) We arrived from SW Austin to St. David’s in Georgetown in record time, and got your mommy checked into her labor and delivery room around 10:45am. She sat on the toilet for a while, and tried to get in the bed for the nurses to get a good read on your heartbeat, but it was very hard to do this. You see, her contractions were at this point very strong and close together. I held her while she stood up and we rocked back and forth, and I kept telling her she could do it when she said she couldn’t. She did great when it came to taking good deep breaths and relaxing her body, so that you could eventually make your way out. When we finally got her onto the bed, she was 8 cm dilated, and definitely in transition. She was also very patient with all the nurses’ questions and proddings during this time, which was very impressive. When the Dr. came in and checked you mommy, she was very impressed that your mommy was already dilated some more to a 9.5. Your mom was ready to push, and the doctor held back a small cervical lip while she squatted and pushed with a birthing bar for a while. Then, she laid back and with all her strength, and a few more good pushes you were born!
You had such a sweet little cry and went from purple to pink very quickly. Already, you had beautiful curly, dark hair and pink chubby cheeks! You weighed a little over 7lbs. Your daddy and grandma and I were there to cheer you and your mommy on. You were also born one day before your daddy’s birthday and one day before your due date, Aug. 7, at 12:58pm. This was only a little over 2 hours after being at the hospital! Wow! Not only did you come fast, but your mommy was able to deliver you naturally, with no medications at the hospital! What a Momma! What a Baby!
