February 2005 started out as a stressful month. My baby was breech and had been since the end of December. I was beginning to think that I would have to deal with a Ceserean birth in the hospital. On February 10, I went into the hospital for an external version to turn the baby and it worked! I was so glad to look forward to our planned natural birth at Madison Birth Center.
Ten days later on February 20, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. At around 4 a.m. I started to have contractions that quickly became stronger and settled into a pattern. I called Madison Birth Center and Aszani confirmed early labor and told me to try to go back to sleep. I couldn't sleep so I continued to time the contractions which slowly became closer together. Aszani called back at 9 to have me come into the birth center to check my progress. I was 1 1/2 cm dialated, 90% effaced, and at -1 station. Aszani told us to go home and try to get some rest. It was a snowy day so my husband, Dave, and I went to my mom's house to rest. We were only there for an hour when my contractions suddenly got stronger and my water broke.
I called Aszani back to let her know and she had me come into the birth center again to get antibiotics for Group B Strep. The contractions steadily grew stronger and more intense, and I soon realized that I was in active labor and would be staying at the birth center. I used the birth ball for awhile, then Dave and I went into the shower, which was soothing.
By 2 pm I was 6 cm dilated, 100% effaced, and at 0 station. I was encouraged to get into the tub if I wanted. I continued to labor with the birth ball which I moved up onto the bed and leaned into and rolled on. Soon my contractions were becoming unbearable so I got into the tub and was instantly relieved. The heat and water made my back pain bearable, and I was much more comfortable for awhile. Transition was difficult, and the contractions were so intense I thought I wouldn't make it, but the water continued to be soothing and helped me to relax between contractions. My urges to push became very strong. At 3:49 pm, and after only about 15 minutes of pushing, I gave birth to my first child, a son, that we named Denali David.
By 10:30 that night Dave and I were home with our new baby! I had no pain after the birth, so I had a completely drug free birth and postpartum period.
I found Denali's birth to be a very empowering and uplifting experience and couldn't have imagined a better way to start my journey into motherhood.
By 2 pm I was 6 cm dilated, 100% effaced, and at 0 station. I was encouraged to get into the tub if I wanted. I continued to labor with the birth ball which I moved up onto the bed and leaned into and rolled on. Soon my contractions were becoming unbearable so I got into the tub and was instantly relieved. The heat and water made my back pain bearable, and I was much more comfortable for awhile. Transition was difficult, and the contractions were so intense I thought I wouldn't make it, but the water continued to be soothing and helped me to relax between contractions. My urges to push became very strong. At 3:49 pm, and after only about 15 minutes of pushing, I gave birth to my first child, a son, that we named Denali David.
By 10:30 that night Dave and I were home with our new baby! I had no pain after the birth, so I had a completely drug free birth and postpartum period.
I found Denali's birth to be a very empowering and uplifting experience and couldn't have imagined a better way to start my journey into motherhood.
