Val’s Labor Story by Crystal Ogle
July 16th, 2005 5:35 am: Jason calls to let me know you have been having contractions for a few hours now. They are 10 minutes apart and are starting to get intense. Unfortunately, you have been feeling nauseous through them. We talk about when you may need me, and some helpful tips, including using your bathtub. Then we hang up. As I tried to go back to sleep, I laid there worrying about the situation. Feeling uneasy, I call back. After discussing it, and realizing that the contractions are tough to get through, we decide it’s best for me to head over.
6:24 am: I’ve arrived to find you in the bathroom. You’re in the tub trying very hard to relax and not be overridden by the pain. You look great and I cannot see much tension. Jason seems relieved that I am here too. It frees him up to do his labor nesting. He’s off to fill the birth tub and get the bed ready. Wow, the excitement!!!
7:24 am: Now that the bed is all ready, we’ve moved you in it. We try positioning you for comfort, in an effort for you to get some rest. The contractions are still only 6-8 minutes apart. If you can rest, now will be the time. You have the TENS unit on, and you’re thankful for the distraction. You are able to close your eyes and dose those few minutes in-between.
8:08 am: So much for some sleep. The contractions have picked up! They are three minutes apart, lasting 70-90 seconds, and are really intense. I suggest we call Janette.
8:47 am: Janette is here, quickly followed by Cynthia and Lara. She checks you and finds you to be 3 cm and 100% effaced .. there’s no more work to be done there!
10:00 am: Diane is here. You are on the birth ball and leaning forward using heat and pressure on your back. Contractions haven’t let up. They are coming rather quickly.
10:34 am: Another check finds you to be 4-5 cm!!! Great progress.
10:46 am: To the tub. These contractions are making you work very hard! Your body is amazing through this tough workout. The contractions stay one on top of another, offering little rest in-between. You begin to feel overwhelmed and wonder if you can make it to transition!
11:18 am: You’re felling pressure, and you move to your knees. Janette check you and you’re 7-8cm! This is it … transition. You’re here and you’ve made it!
12:12 pm: You’re in the tub with just a lip of cervix remaining. All you’re able to do is surrender to this powerful birthing process. You vocalize this intensity, and we gather around you in support.
12:30 pm: With a suggestion to get out of the water, you comply and seek the comfort of your bed. A check reveals that you are fully dilated! The baby is down low, and you begin to feel pushy. Here’s where the work begins!!! For the next 4 ½ hours we try various positions for pushing. There is progress, but it is slow, and you are giving it your all. You try pushing on the bed while lying on your back, on your side, and in a semi-sitting position. What a sport you are! Bit by bit progress is made. Slowly we begin to see a head. Jason and Dian are amazing. They use their bodies, their voices, and their minds in support for you. They hold you, they push with you, and they never leave your side. We try more pushing positions on the squatting stool, and on all fours, then back to the bed. You have been up and down, and all over the room. You were so incredible. Between pushing contractions you were laughing, talking, and making decisions. You are so together. Finally you return to the stool.
5:02 pm: Squatting on the stool, your body supported and cradled by Diane, you give a final push as the baby’s head emerges with a hand tucked up with it. It’s almost as if she dives out into Daddy’s hands. Jason lifts her up as you discover you have a baby girl! Little Freja. 8lbs, 10oz! Laughter sets in and tears begin. What a triumph, what work, and what a beautiful reward!!!
