A Calm Water Birth at Willow Birth Center in Mesa, Arizona | Phoenix Birth Photographer, Videographer & Doula.
I don’t know about everyone else, but when I hired my doula for my second pregnancy, I was so nervous that I would go into labor in the middle of the night, or wee hours of the morning and I would have to call them while they were asleep. I felt so bad thinking of that. But here I am now, answering phone calls at 2, 3, 4 in the morning and ENJOYING those crisp cool mornings. The calm of the night. This is part of the job and it comes with the territory. I hope none of my clients feel the way I did, because truly I kind of enjoy being woken up for some excitement like a baby making their way into the world.
It was 4 am when this mama called me. We had previously had a false alarm, because sometimes prodromal can make you think it’s the real thing and then it says “JUST KIDDING!”. Prodromal is cruel and exhausting for a mama who is anticipating her baby’s birth day. This wasn’t a false alarm, and I could tell by the calm certainty in her voice it was time. I got up and made my way out for the birth center. When we arrived to Willow, the midwife checked her and said she was only 3 cm. This can be crushing for a mama who has already experienced false labor. Being on her 4th baby, she didn't want to risk having a car baby, (though I think it would make for some awesome photos!) she wanted to get to the birth center sooner than later. It was about 5 am, and we decided to just walk the curb and see if we can bring the contractions closer together. We walked the curb, and then we walked the stairs. As her doula, I encouraged her to keep upright and relax into her contractions.
Her husband tended to her needs so wonderfully, and massaged her through contractions. Walking with her, up and down the stairs. Contractions kept coming, but she handled so well. After walking for a bit longer, she decided to get checked for progress. The midwives told her that they would admit her since she had definitely made some progress but didn’t give her a number. This is excellent for a multitude of reasons. MENTALLY, it’s good to know you’re progressing but getting hung up on a number (unless it’s a 9) can really drain you of the energy you need to move forward. I asked the midwife to let me in on the secret and mama was a 6 already! That was definite progress from just an hour and a half prior. We got them comfortable in their birth suite and used the ball for a little rest from walking. The midwife encouraged her to keep walking as it was clearly helping. After another round or two of stairs, mama was tired. She sat back on her birth ball and felt a contraction that broke her water. The look on her face was priceless. Confusion and excitement. When your water breaks in labor, it usually really strengthens the contractions and speeds up the process. Mama was in full on labor land, and this is my favorite time to suggest the shower. It’s helpful in so many ways. The sensations can be so helpful in distracting her from her contractions, which really HELPS the process along RELAXATION. This is when some people want to get into the tub, but I think waiting it out as the last resort can help contribute to giving birth in the tub if that is your ultimate goal for the birth.
While in the shower, she was able to get into her own space. She was free of everyone around her, and able to let loose. The sounds that came from the shower were the “we’re going to have a baby really soon” sounds, and it’s music to my ears to hear those deep moans and groans. As her husband was drying her off, the midwife walked in and could tell it was close too. She stayed in the room “just in case”.
Immediately mama felt the need to get into the tub. It definitely was good time because she had exhausted the other avenues of labor comforts and was clearly in transition. She got into the tub, and was pushing within minutes. She worked so hard, so calmly. Dad became emotional watching her groan in pain and it was such a sweet display of affection to see a grown man weep for the mother of his child’s pain.
Before I knew it, the head was born, and then the body. She pushed her baby out so easily. Like a superwoman. She didn't scream like in the movies. She stayed quiet, calm and listened to her body. Worked with her body. And she birthed her baby. at 9:37 AM.
The midwives helped to let her grab her baby and he cried right away. Covered in vernix, he was the cheesiest baby I have seen born to date. The midwives and I helped her out of the tub and onto the bed to deliver the placenta. He latched like a PRO and kept feeding throughout.
The golden hours were so beautiful, and quiet. Spending time feeding and skin to skin, the midwives checked on them periodically. Dad was able to cut the cord, and the midwives weighed and measured him in his newborn screening. He was a healthy 8 pounds 8 ounces , and not to toot my own horn but i’m always pretty close on my guesses. I guessed 8.7 (so close!)
After the midwives did their checks on baby, it was my time to leave this family to bond a little undisturbed before heading home to their other 3 that were eagerly awaiting to meet their new baby brother. This is the story of Baby Colt coming into the world.
Birth Center: Willow Midwife Center for Birth & Wellness - www.willowbirthcenteraz.com
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Carey is a birth photographer, videographer & doula serving Phoenix, Arizona and all major surrounding cities including Peoria, Scottsdale, Glendale, North Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe & Chandler
