They aren't kidding when they say the body just takes over and KNOWS how to give birth.
After weeks of false labor things finally started to get real Monday night, I had a long night of contractions that got progressively worse, but nothing to say "This is it!" I knew that I couldn't labor effectively with T around. I can't switch off Mommy mode. So we called MDF's dad to come take her for the day.
I called the midwife, she came over, checked me. I was at 3cm. (Need to make it to 10 to birth a baby) So we knew it would be a while and with very little pattern to my contractions we figured it was going to be a long day. (And me with no sleep) So she wrote me a script for Ambien. I took half of one and then took a FABULOUS nap.
Woke up and the contractions were gone. Disappointed and frustrated we went for a drive and a walk to try to get things moving in the right direction. Contractions came back but still not enough of a pattern. Took another nap.
Woke up and killed time. Finally in sheer frustration at around 12 I decided to take a bath and then head to bed. The bath got things going a little stronger - strong enough that I started to groan during the contractions - but they were still anywhere from 8-11 minutes apart!
Chatted here with my SG Pregnant group friends and they brought my morale back. Before talking to them I felt completely defeated. Afterwards I knew I could do it. Signed off with them at around 3:00. Tried to rest, but the contractions laying in bed were MUCH worse than in the tub, so I decided to get back in the tub.
A few contractions later (around 3:45) I called the midwife and told her I needed her to come. (contractions were still REALLY far apart - but I lied and said they were closer than they really were. Good thing too, check out the next bit!)
Immediately after getting off the phone the time between contractions shortened. Alot. MDF was trying to be supportive but he was also trying to blow up the pool I PLANNED to birth in. At this stage of the game, I couldn't really manage words, I did manage a "help" when my water broke.... and he brought a towel for me...
After my water broke I really didn't get much more than a 10 second break between contractions. I somehow managed to hop up on the bed and get into a hands and knees position. By the time I was there though, there was a serious urge to push during the contractions. I managed to fight it for a couple contractions but something took over my body and I couldn't refrain. I also had lost the ability to communicate and the (very loud) pump was on filling up the (now obsolete) birth pool.
I reached a hand down to see just how effective this takeover was being, and discovered a head. MDF looked at me and wondered why I was clutching my vag only to come around and see the head being born. He panicked (understandably so!) and said "The baby is here, I'm calling 9-1-1" So he caught the rest of the baby while on the phone with the dispatcher.
EMT showed up. Paid attention to Dahlia - while I'm still on my hands and knees unable to turn around and see her yet.
A police officer showed up.
I called my midwife and said "the baby is HERE" she sped up a little and ALMOST fishtailed her car on the fresh snow into a ditch.
Once she arrived we dismissed the EMT and the cop thanking them profusely for their FAST response time.
Linda checked me out and I got a clean bill of health!
So now we're laying in bed while MDF tries to catch a nap - because he's stuck dealing with T in about an hour.
Welcome to the world Dahlia! 8lbs 7oz, 4:15am
