I was so fortunate to get to be a part of one of the most amazing experiences ever last night. My best friend Amy went into labor yesterday afternoon and as planned, Job texted me to let me know that things were moving along. Nervous and excited I jumped in the car and headed for Olathe Medical Center where Amy was already progressed to a 4 and effaced to 50%.
Determined to help her achieve her natural birth desires, I lugged my "Mary Poppins" bag up to her room. It was full of things I thought I might use but ended up only using the camera, video camera, and yes...the rolling pin! Soon after I arrived, we went for a walk and she filled me in on how things had gone that morning. A rough start, but no IV or cords or monitors at the moment so she was doing much better. Job went to get some dinner and when he returned Amy was getting monitored and doing great. We watched an episode of Rob and Big and Amy laughed so hard that one of her contractions went through the roof. We turned it off shortly after! Then it was back to the tub and at 5 and 50% she was getting much more intense contractions. The rest of the evening went by very quickly. Amy's contractions kept getting closer and stronger and just when she thought that she was at the end of her rope, the nurse told her she was at a 7, almost 8 and now entering transition. The doctor came in and helped Job, and I get Amy through the worst pain she has ever experienced. At around 9:15 she started pushing and her sweet baby boy was born at 9:35pm!
He weighed in at 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 20 inches long...exactly what Jude was! I am so proud of Amy and Job for sticking with it even when it seemed the end was not so near. She is very strong and has a beautiful baby boy to show for it. I am so thankful that I was able to be there and celebrate the moment with both of them.
Determined to help her achieve her natural birth desires, I lugged my "Mary Poppins" bag up to her room. It was full of things I thought I might use but ended up only using the camera, video camera, and yes...the rolling pin! Soon after I arrived, we went for a walk and she filled me in on how things had gone that morning. A rough start, but no IV or cords or monitors at the moment so she was doing much better. Job went to get some dinner and when he returned Amy was getting monitored and doing great. We watched an episode of Rob and Big and Amy laughed so hard that one of her contractions went through the roof. We turned it off shortly after! Then it was back to the tub and at 5 and 50% she was getting much more intense contractions. The rest of the evening went by very quickly. Amy's contractions kept getting closer and stronger and just when she thought that she was at the end of her rope, the nurse told her she was at a 7, almost 8 and now entering transition. The doctor came in and helped Job, and I get Amy through the worst pain she has ever experienced. At around 9:15 she started pushing and her sweet baby boy was born at 9:35pm!
He weighed in at 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 20 inches long...exactly what Jude was! I am so proud of Amy and Job for sticking with it even when it seemed the end was not so near. She is very strong and has a beautiful baby boy to show for it. I am so thankful that I was able to be there and celebrate the moment with both of them.
Thank you so much for posting. I am so thankful that you were there. You were an amazing support person, and I am not kidding when I say that I COULD NOT have done it without you. I needed you, I borrowed strength from you. :) Thanks for helping me have the birth that I desired.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special story... how lovely you could share in it. Congratulations to the new Mom. Only twenty minutes of pushing... wow! Perhaps she could give me tips for next time! :)
ReplyDeleteGood job Doula! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara - how cool that you do this for a living! I borrowed techniques from you and Vanessa by the way! : )
ReplyDeleteBorrow away! It's very special to help a friend in birth. You will be forever blessed for the help you gave. Last year, I was honored to help my best friend. It was such an amazing experience and made us truly sisters.
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