Elly’s Labor Story by Crystal Ogle
Monday June 5th, 2005 12:58 pm: After a few wet, restless days full of contractions, I finally receive a page from you. I think the Castor oil began it’s work. As we were speaking on the phone, you drop it, and begin breathing through the intensity of the contraction. This was all I had to hear, and headed your way!
1:32 pm: Cynthia has arrived at the house. I’ve been timing contractions for the last 10 minutes or so. They are 3-4 minutes apart, obviously intense, but not lasing very long … only about 20-30 seconds. Cynthia chats with you about antibiotics in labor and you agree it’s better safe than sorry. Before administering them, she decides to check you and finds to all of our astonishment you are only 1 cm! I know that after days of contractions this had to be VERY disappointing to say the least. You handled it much better than most in your situation. I must say how much I admired both your s and Bronco’s relaxed, laid-back approach to this labor. It was amazing.
2:26 pm: Cynthia and Janette head out. I decided to hang out a bit. We sit and have some wonderful tasting fresh salmon for dinner and talk about the labor a bit. You decide that it may be best to try and rest now, the intensity of the contractions have calmed a bit. We decide that after dinner, you would try the tub.
3:12 pm: Ahh, the tub … and a tiny glass of wine with it! There you are submerged, and sipping on a glass of wine, what more could a girl want? How about those contractions to go away a bit …
3:39 pm: You’re in bed, and I’m heading home to let you rest.
9:42 pm: You call, contractions seem to have “changed”. I head over and we observe them a bit. WE sit on your bed, cross-legged, and I use some guided relaxation to help you focus and remain present through the contractions. These contractions are different in my opinion too. For one thing, they are lasting 60-90 seconds, which means they are doing good work. Once you learn how to breathe and relax with them, they take off.
11:00 pm: I suggest we give Cynthia a call. The contractions seem to be very regular. This is the change we were waiting for. Bronco dials her up.
11:40 pm: Cynthia checks you … 5 cm!!! What tremendous progress. We all are happily surprised and relieved. She begins administering antibiotics. Tuesday June 6th 12:20am: You and Bronco return from a walk. You went down to smell the roses, but had to come back. A short walk compared to your regular routine!
2:10 am: You’re liking the shower. It feels great on your back.
5:36 am: Janette check you 5 cm, but very soft. Again, this had to have been hard to hear. After working so hard all night long … you and Bronco decide to try and lay down for some more rest. Your body is working so very hard at birthing this baby.
7:23 am: You’re up and weren’t able to get much rest. While everyone’s still asleep we decide to head to the tree house and greet the morning there. Once inside, you strike yoga poses that make every non-pregnant person drop their jaw! We practice acupressure and reflexology while greeting each contraction and allowing it to flow through you. You squat in hopes of dropping baby further in your pelvis, and we work with each contraction.
9:11 am: After stopping for three contractions on the way back to the house, Janette checks you and you have made progress … stretch 6 cm!
10:19 am: After some breakfast, you have another dose of antibiotics, then head into the tub for a break.
2:05 pm: Cynthia returns from her clinic visits. They talk about doing some massage on your cervix to help break things up and help it along. You so bravely accept their suggestion and cope just beautifully through it. As contractions pick up we are trying various positions. You really like the shower. In there we carry the sweet melody of “returning” while basting your nostrils with rose scent. You look so beautiful laboring and your strength seems endless.
7:02 pm: You are 9 cm and trying to push the last lip of cervix away. We try squatting and pushing with the mirror so you can see what push produces most progress. We try the lunge in an effort to reduce the rim. We even try lying flat on your back while pushing.
11:45 pm: A bit of progress and a glimmer of hope as baby descends further into the pelvis. You are on your hands and knees using Childs pose while pushing.
Tuesday June 7th 1:10 am: After trying every position we can think of, you consider and make the decision to transfer to the hospital. While Cynthia makes the arrangements you and Bronco head out to the tub for a bit of relief. What’s to hurt, right? You linger there for about 10 minutes, then step out to get ready for the hospital. Cynthia does one more check as we get ready to leave. You are completely dilated and little Forrest has moved down to be born! This is it! Cynthia asks you to try pushing. I can tell you are exhausted and fell you doubting your strength. As you push, we see Forrest’s head. I call Bronco to have a look. He sees it too! The excitement in his voice and the beam on his face as he says “There he is honey, he’s right there!” is all you need! Any fear, or doubt you had is now gone. You have this renewed strength found from Bronco. You push and push and give it your all. As he descends even further, you can see his head yourself. You are taken aback and are so enthused by the image in the mirror. It drives you on.
2:04 am: William Forrest slips from you into his father’s hands, and right onto your chest. He is alert, crying, and pink. This boy is vivacious! Tears are flowing out of everyone’s eyes as your new family gathers in to cuddle and begin the much-anticipated bonding. Weighing in at 7lbs 13oz, his head measures 14 inches and his chest 20 inches! Apgars of 10 and 10 … you can’t beat perfection!!! Eighteen minutes later the placenta is born. After a few hours Janette and I take off. Cynthia stays to keep an eye a bit longer and make sure everyone is doing well.
