Life along The Way with the V's

Derek Simon's Birth story, LONG...

Derek Simon’s Birth story

I woke up around 5:30 am Thursday morning having contractions.  These contractions were different than the ones I had been getting for days.  They were stronger and longer.  They were coming fairly regular every 10 mins. 

Rien got up to go to work.  I told him I didn’t think he should go to far due to the contractions.  He took his time getting ready and we decided that he would go as he had an appointment that morning and if anything changed he would turn around and come home.  I was a little stressed about this however nothing had changed or gotten more strong so I agreed.

The kids were put in charge upstairs and I stayed downstairs in our room.   By lunch the contractions had stopped.  I was so sad.  I had called my midwife and let her know what was happening.  I had been spotting and had a show so I knew this was real labour.  Rien came home around that time as well.  My midwife called and suggested I take some herbs to help get things going again.  I took them around lunch and went to bed for a sleep with Elias.

I woke with strong regular contractions again around 2:30.  My midwife called and suggested we ship the kids out as that was likely distracting me enough to keep me from better labour. She said she would come and check on me in an hour or so.  I called my mom and had her come.  As soon as I made that decision my contractions changed and really stepped up.

Kathy came around 5 and checked me.  I was 6 cm and almost completely effaced.  I was encouraged as usually by 5 cm I am in transition and everything happens quickly there after.  Rien got the pool ready and I hopped in.  It felt like heaven.  My contractions slowed down and I started feeling discouraged again.  Kathy reminded me that things were still happening I was just more in control and able to handle them.

Labour continued this way with long durations in between contractions.  Kathy continued giving me herbs to keep things going.  She was a little concerned about the way things were going in such an irregular way.   She got me out of the pool to climb the stairs.  This seemed like torture.  Rien helped me through the contractions, which had strengthened considerably.  At one point we stopped and he prayed.  I got back in the pool.  Rien kept encouraging me and telling me that he was praying.  I reminded myself that I could do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

By 8pm I was 9 ½ cm with a small lip left.  I had to breath through what seemed like a million contractions trying my hardest not to push  because of the lip. Finally Kathy pushed this out of the way which was awful.  I started to push.  It felt like forever.  Finally the baby’s head was out.  I reached down and felt it.  I started to push harder but he just wasn’t coming out.  I couldn’t stop pushing.  Kathy stepped into the pool and tried to gently pull the baby.  He wasn’t coming.  She stepped right into the pool then had me put my knees to my ears (or so it seemed) and put her hands inside and pulled the baby while I pushed.  I felt like she was going to pull my internal organs out.  Finally he was out and I was holding him on my chest.  It was amazing! 

I had only a very small 1 degree tear which needed no stitches.  Derek Simon was born at 9:23 pm weighing 10 lbs 10 oz and 21 ½ inches long.  He has a nice bit of dark hair.  He was born on the anniversary of Rien proposing to me 16 years previous.  I told Rien I won any future or past gifts given for an anniversary.  :)  He agreed.