I have had 2 hospital births, 1 birthing center water birth and 6 home births with a midwife so far. My plan for baby #10 is a complete free birth or family birth. I would say that my 9th delivery has given me the courage and understanding that has lead me to branch out on my own. I had so often tired myself out while my body was beginning labor that I was not able to really enjoy the birthing process. Yes walking and gravity are your friend, but your body knows what to do and rest is not emphasized enough.
Resting and Waiting
I went to the store and picked up my snacks the night I started contractions with baby #9. On the car ride back they increase to 2-5 minutes apart. In a previous pregnancy I would say, “ok baby will be here tonight so I am going to help bring the baby down and walk”. I walked the streets with my third, walked the park with my second and walked our 2 1/2 acres with most of them. When I got home from the store and prepared something for my midwives I began to feel tired. Do I stay up and walk, no, I wanted to try resting and waiting.
Birth #9 Lesson
So Everyone went to bed and I breathed through my contractions while I rested on my side and the family slept. When the contractions could be ignored no longer and lying down was uncomfortable I woke up my husband and told him to call the midwife. I did the three movements/ positions before going to bed and then got up and continued where I left off. Basically side lying with knee elevated for 30 minutes, standing with one leg up on something for 30 minutes, and then 30 minutes chest and arms down while on knees, glutes in air. I breathed through the contractions and tested myself as I opened my mouth relaxed my bottom and leaned on my massage bed. My water started to break and within a few more contractions I felt the need to push and delivered my baby standing for the fourth time. I felt her head and with my husband keeping pressure on both sides of my hips I was able to let out some noise as her head passed through the ring of fire. The next contraction allowed her body to come out quickly then I pulled her to my chest. I have a comfy chair that they helped me lean back into while nursing my baby to help my uterus contract and the placenta arrive.
Rest and Release
I was amazed, my husband thought I had a few more hours to go, but he was used to walking with me in early labor and pushing on my hips for a few hours of contractions. I called him over to push on my hips while pushing the baby out and that was it. I loved testing myself and although I did not sleep leading up to the delivery I rested my body and was not as active. I think if it was day I would probably work until I was tired and just try to listen to what my body needs. I actually look forward to experiencing this coming birth and allowing myself to rest and release.
Preparing Mind and Heart
It took me three labors to understand rest and release. Although I had learned to breathe and open my mouth which in turn opens my cervix and relax during transition. I was usually tired by this time. I tried to control my birth plan seven times until I was sick with Covid with my 8th pregnancy. It was when I had to completely give over my plan and let my body do the work that I realized I had tried so hard to make things happen quicker. In previous labors that was always the goal, labor starts and then hurry and get the baby here. I did not purposefully take the time to listen to my bodies needs. I was always trying to be done. I often brought fear to the birthing process and even stopped labor with my 6th pregnancy. My due date came I felt the contractions start and I panicked. I had everything I needed for this homebirth and yet my mind and heart were not prepared to enter into Labour. My own brother lost his twins on my due date when his wife was 24 weeks pregnant. The fear, anger and sadness were to much and I needed time. My labor stopped and that night I wrote out encouragement and scripture cards to keep my mind on what is good, true, pure, positive, and hopeful. I started studying these cards and within the week I was mentally ready to bring my baby to this world.
My Birth Adventure
I realize now more then ever that this beautiful natural process is better helped by embracing all of it. Working with the contractions and replacing fear with faith. I have learned more about God, my body, faith, and letting go of control through child birth. I walked into each birth with trepidation and fear, calling on Gods strength and mercy for each one. I am so excited to enter this new chapter in my life birthing my tenth baby with excitement and Joy, peace, and a feeling of adventure.
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