Viola's Birth Story
The Unabridged Version
Early First Stage - Excitement, Uncertainty
On Wednesday afternoon (November 6th), Bandi and I went for a little drive in the countryside. We marvelled at the beauty of the rolling foothills and the prairie landscape, illuminated by the setting sun. We excitedly talked about my brother, Tina and Matthew's upcoming trip to Calgary, and about the things we would like to show them and share with them. I began feeling some tightening in my abdomen, and wondered if these were the early signs of the beginning of labour.
First Stage (Active Labour) - Acceptance
During the night, I was awakened several times by contractions, but they were not really painful not enough to wake Bandi. Thursday (the actual predicted due date) we had our weekly appointment with our midwives. Toby asked if I would like her to check my dilation, but I declined, worried that the excitement of knowing would slow labour down. Contractions were not quite regular and not too intense yet. We decided to go through our day as usual. During the evening, we had planned to go to a comedy show with Ági and Mike. By 5 o'clock contractions were regular, and I could hardly talk through them. I knew, however, that if I were to stay home, I would focus on the pain and this would be quite detrimental. Going out to a public place would ensure some sort of decorum on my part, while hopefully distracting me. The show was great, and thankfully we were seated at the very back (I wanted to be close to the bathrooms). I don't think that I laughed aloud too much - I was focused on breathing. I remember that the drive both there and back was incredibly bumpyroads that seemed quite smooth all other timesnot at all fun.
Once home, Bandi paged Maura, and she came right over. After getting settled and finding out what had happened during the day and evening, she examined me and found that I was at 4 cmshe was staying and said we were progressing nicely. It was 11 p.m.
Late First Stage (Hard Labour) - Seriousness
Maura recommended that we go for a walk to help labour along. We bundled up, and started our slow walk. We didn't get too far before I had my first protein spill. I think we had gone the equivalent of one short block and backand it took over 20 minutes. Throwing up is the one thing that I absolutely can't stand, and I think it frightened me a littlebut I was in for much more of that. After a while of changing positions, using the labour ball, the wall, the couch, and Bandi for support, we decided to get into the pool. While this felt absolutely wonderfulsuch an incredible reliefit slowed our labour and during the early hours of the morning, we endured regular, strong contractions without progressing past 6 cm.
Transition - Self-doubt, and then Surrender
By morning, Maura told us that if things didn't progress within the next half hour or so, we would have to make a decision to go to the hospital. I had been in hard labour for many hours by now, and had emptied myself of all sustenance I couldn't even keep liquids down. Once at the hospital we could either use some Oxytocin to help progress the labour, or I could get some pain relief. I told Maura that I really didn't want to go to the hospital at all. (Had I gone, I knew that I would give in and beg for the drugs.) For a while now I had been swearing never to go through this again; it was just far too painful. Maura's threat did work thoughI was determined to have this baby at home, naturally, and she took this cue and moved us into full force. She had me walking outside, climbing stairs two at a time, hips swinging side to sideshe had me drink a homeopathic called blue and black koash which is absolutely vial but I washed it down with apple juice, then there was some nipple stimulationall these things really made the contractions come on strong. Once my fore-waters broke, the labour really sped up.
Meanwhile, a leak was discovered in our birth poolthere was water all over the floor, and some had leaked through to the basement as well. The tarp we had put down in case of such an event did not seem to do its job at all. Maura phoned the midwife who was on duty from team one, Joy, and she picked up a new pool.
I remember that when Joy arrived I was just coming down the stairs, and met her at the door. I had been worried about this new person that I had never met coming and helping with such an intimate and important event a strangerhow would I feel and how would I react? Joy was absolutely marvellous. I was immediately comfortable with her she was strong, supportive, very caring and compassionate. I was glad that she was there.
Maura suggested that I take a shower for some relief, and I gladly did. It was the second best place to be (after the pool). I had the hot water pounding on my lower back as long as there was hot water (which wasn't nearly long enough we need another water tank!) I had had the urge to push for some time now, and while I had been trying to resist the urgeit was becoming more and more difficult. Maura had me sit on the toilet until the pool was ready for us.
I was helped out to the living room and sat on the birthing stool to continue pushing. I must have been looking longingly at the pool because Maura said that I could go in after two more pushed. At the next contraction I pushed with all my might, and then she said "Good, now two more pushes". I caught her immediately and said that she had promised only two more. She asked for two and got three because there wasn't enough time between the second and third to get up and into the pool.
Second Stage - Calmness and Determination
The water felt great. Bandi got in the pool and supported my back. I squatted for the first few contractions and then leaned back while Maura and Joy grabbed my feet so that I could push against them as well. A few more pushes, the ring of fire, and our little precious baby was out in the wide world. She was absolutely beautiful from the first instant that we laid eyes on her. A happy, little, pink baby - full of hope, full of love, full of promise.
Third Stage - Delivery of Placenta and Membranes
After a few minutes in the warm pool, we moved into the bedroom for third stage. I delivered the placenta while holding Viola in my arms, and marvelling over our little miracle with Bandi. We were able to stay together for the whole experience of birth. All the measurements, and other official things were performed right in our bedroom, so there was no need for any separation.
We had our first bath together and then embarked on the adventures of breastfeeding... but that is another story!
