Amelie – Birth Story

I think it is important to document these moments in life because it takes such a short time to forget all that you physically and mentally went through to bring a little one into the world. So for all those interested, here is Amelie’s abbreviated but probably TMI story.

My dear friend Sheena was over for dinner when around 7pm on Tuesday the 13th, I started to have consistent and noticeable contractions. They were every 12 minutes or so but only lasting 25-30 seconds. We ate and I kept telling Mike “I think this is it” and I asked if Sheena could spend the night to be with Jack. By 9pm, I was sure this was it and I called my midwife to let her know that we would probably be coming in soon. When I gave birth to Jack, my water broke and contractions were intense from the start with the total labor lasting 6 hours. So I was anticipating something similar with this birth. For the record it is not good to have expectations.

By midnight, my contractions were 45 second and 8 minutes apart but somewhat irregular. We labored at home until 3am and then went to the birth center. I threw up all the way there so I figured I was transitioning soon and it would not be long. Once at Andaluz, I got into the birth tub and labored until about 6am thinking baby was right around the corner. By 8am I knew that baby girl had not been moving down and contractions where still consistent but I felt things slowing down. I could not relax. I was dilated to around 7 centimeters and my contractions were still 1 minute long and every 3-4 minutes. My midwife said to relax, lay down if I could.

Now I don’t know why anyone thinks you can relax during a natural birth with no drugs. I should have drank a glass of wine but I was still throwing up everything in my stomach at least once an hour so I hadn’t eating nor did I want much to drink. I was sucking on electrolyte nectar and still was getting completely drained. 8am to noon was a complete blur. I was fully dilated by 11am, 90% effaced and baby was still not moving down. The midwife said I was having a floating baby birth which means that the water had not broken and the baby would not move naturally into the pelvis but she was officially not stuck and her heart rate was maintaining beautifully. Baby girl was in the same position that Jack was in on the right side before and during labor. But unlike Jack, she could not decide if she was going to rotate posterior or anterior. So my midwife messaged my belly to help encourage the baby to move during contractions. That was brutal but I was encouraged that she was trying something that might get things moving.

At 10am, being fully dilated, I decided to start pushing. I wanted the baby out! As I pushed my mucus plug started coming out and I was encouraged by that. The doula said after monitoring the baby’s heart that she was doing great. I was just going to have to help push her down the birth canal. I tried the birth ball – ahh painful! Sitting on the toilet and rocking in the shower. It was all excruciating because contractions were right on top of each other. I was not getting breaks and was pushes each chance I had. The noises I was making clearly scared everyone off. Mike disappeared to start calling in the troops to pray for me. I didn’t think I could do it or make it. But that is a natural emotional signpost that says “yes, baby IS coming soon”. I pushed for almost 4 hours. Finally I got into the birth tub for the 5th time and start rocking and pushing. At about 2pm my water finally broke. My eyes lit up in panic and excitement. I looked around and didn’t see Mike. I cried out, where is Mike??? He was out on the phone – truly feeling helpless and panicked himself. Next thing I knew, he was at my side, feet in the tub, calming me. The baby started finally moving fast. When I experienced the ring of fire it was the most exhilarating feeling because I was SO relieved that the baby was actually at “that” point.

I had the experience I had always imagined when baby Amelie came out. I cried out for her and pulled her out of the water, into my arms. Mike and I cried together in celebration of her arrival. It was the most special moment of accomplishment!

I truly believe that God gave me the most wonderful gift. Amelie Jennifer.

These photos were taken about an hour after birth by my mom. I love that I was glowing in the photo because I was glowing inside!

Jack's first look at his sister.

He loves her!

This is SO telling of how Jack was at first with his sister. Look at my dad's face.

So interested but truly feeling a little like a 3rd wheel. Ahhh...we've been taking lots of time with Jack alone so he doesn't feel like the attention has been taken away from him.

This is our lovely birth center. After birth, I can't believe how pampered we were. The staff was amazing throughout the whole birth. We had a absolutely fabulous dinner from Oba with WINE!! We got a great night sleep without interruptions. The morning after I had a amazing massage in my room and a pamper session and then a fresh lunch and a few photos and we headed for home. I would recommend water birth to anyone looking to do a natural birth. It was priceless! I am convinced that if I had not had this birth at a birth center, I would have likely been a C-section. I am thrilled that Amelie joined the world the way she did. Totally Blessed!!