My water broke early in the morning. Contractions followed shortly thereafter. I was four weeks early and did not have my group B Strep screening yet. Our midwife and physician thought it best to birth at the hospital. We were so excited and confident in our decision to birth at home, but circumstances we could not control changed that.
Birthing at the hospital was the farthest thing from our minds. Sure we read about all the scenarios, but we were planning for a certain outcome. I did not feel fully unprepared. We feel like we got the closest thing to natural in the hospital as we could have. Oscar was delivered without the use of induction, Pitocin, or any pain medications. Ben was still able to catch him and cut the cord. I held him immediately. His breathing issue was noticed shortly after and he was taken to the incubator for inspection. The neonatal doctor decided they should take him to NICU, but I was able to hold him again before they left.
Your class was a joy to attend. Ben did an amazing job of helping me during labor. He really listened and helped guide me and reassure me all the time. Lots of touches and kisses and kind words. He was quick to remind me to loosen my shoulders to slow down my breathing. And I can honestly say that labor was not-that-bad! I focused and powered through my contractions almost silently, thinking only about my breathing and visualizing the baby moving through me. Screaming, swearing and even moaning seemed counter--productive to me. I felt like it went pretty quickly, considering that my water broke at 6 a.m. on Sunday and Oscar was born at 5 am.m. on Monday without induction or Pitocin. True labor didn't begin until mid-evening on Sunday and I dilated quickly by giving into each contraction and working with it rather than against the pain.
Yes, I was very disappointed that our birth plan had to be modified. I am still grieving the loss of the experience for myself and for Oscar. All the choices I made in the last nine months were to give him the best possible birth and unfortunately these circumstances were out of my control. We always wanted what was best for him, so though I am sad that things didn't go as planned, I am happy that he is safe and healthy.
Jessica & Ben, Milwaukee
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