Henry's Birth Story

-->

It feels so crazy that I have now done this three times and each time has been so very different. I love remembering and recalling the births of my children they were all so special and beautiful. I don’t think I need to write down every detail because I think I will remember them all my life, but I probably will anyway J I remember hearing once that a woman’s birth experience is one of the most impressionable and memorable experiences of her life. I believe that to be true. Start talking about birth with any woman that has experienced it and I doubt she will not have anything to say on it.

            I woke up Wednesday morning around 3:15am to go to the bathroom… like normal… and I had a few contractions, but nothing to keep me up, so I went back to sleep. About 4:30am I woke up again with more contractions and felt like this could be it. So, I started the shower, but the contractions were growing, so I woke Don up to take a shower because he needed one more than me  He tends to be a little greasy and I wanted him to be fresh for the arrival of our baby. So random the things you think before you are about to have a baby. So yes the cleanliness of my husband was on my mind.

We quickly finished packing our hospital bag and headed to the hospital. We got checked in and I was 100% effaced and 4-5cm. I was feeling pretty good, but that quickly took a turn. I will avoid some rather un-lady like details right now and just say I spent a lot of time in the bathroom from this point on. I did find a good rhythm for my contractions. Whenever one would come about I would rub my fingers together or hold Don’s hand and rub little circles into his hand. At one point he started doing it to my hand and I had to give him the stare to never ever do that again. It messed with my rhythm. At one point I was starting to struggle with staying on top of my contractions and I talked to Don about getting an epidural. I thought, “I’ve done this whole natural thing twice now and I am tired and just want to lay down.” And like a good husband he talked me out of it although I know I wouldn’t have really done it. (not at all saying there is anything wrong with a woman choosing to get an epidural it’s just not for me).

After that moment I knew I had to stay with my contractions and just relax my body with every contraction and let my mind stay in the right place. I decided to lie on my side on the edge of the bed and just relax. I actually feel asleep in-between contractions. My doctor came in to check me and I was complete. I was beyond excited. Then came pushing time. My doctor let me wait on pushing because the baby needed to move down more. I was glad because pushing for me is the hardest part. It’s so tiring!! I pushed for an hour and half. So long! I just kept asking if he was getting close and my doctor and sweet husband kept me encouraged that every push he was getting closer. And the most amazing feeling at 10:27am Henry Haddon Gale arrived into the world. I cannot describe how wonderful the feeling is of your child leaving your body and entering the world. Amazing! Within 30 minutes I was up out of the bed and nursing my sweet little boy.  We are enjoying the newest edition to our family very much J