Amazing First Birth
Amanda Shares Her Amazing Birth Story
If I told you my birth was *almost* pain free you wouldn't believe it.
This is how it began... I went potty at 8am and had a slight body show. I woke my wife, Sandra, up and told her that I thought today was the day. At 8:30am contractions (surges) began and were at about an intensity equal to 2. I started timing them and they were coming in waves about every 8 minutes. I listened to the labor meditations from the GentleBirth app while lying in bed. I loved listening to the the tranquil labor drums beating as the contraction timer counted each second. When the contractions started coming every five minutes, we called the midwife. We had our scheduled appointment for one hour later at 11am, and she arrived right on time. When the intensity got to about a five, Sandra placed a TENS unit on my back, though I felt most comfortable standing and swaying my hips.
From the very beginning I created a vision of what my home birth would look and feel like. I found the GentleBirth meditations, affirmations, and tools helpful throughout my pregnancy. I created a vision and told my midwife my ancestors would be the with me.
“During labor I closed my eyes and went to where my mind takes me while I meditate... a beautiful rainforest, where I’m wearing a white flowing gown. Hundreds of women were there, my ancestors, each with different shades of brown, caramel, and fair porcelain skin; from different periods, clothing types, and ages. They were standing together, all smiling, and some held their hands over their hearts. I felt so calm and so empowered with their presence and support.”
During my pregnancy I learned about FER, the fetal ejection reflex and wanted my body to essentially drive baby's birth. My midwife drew a warm bath for me, in my mind I thought it was time. This was the final moments of feeling connected, as one, with my baby. This was the last moments I'd carry him in my womb, keeping him safe, and feeling his movements, excitement, kicks, and stretches. Emotionally, I wasn't ready for that journey to end. Physically, I was eager to get my body back.
Sandra sat on the edge of the tub and as we rehearsed, she recited positive affirmations and encouraging reminders to relax my hands and face. The few minutes I spent in the tub felt like an eternity. I focused on the affirmations and exhaled baby out in three powerful breaths (along with a powerful roar). Sandra delivered our son and placed him in my arms. I wished him a happy birthday and melted into a love that I didn't know existed.
On August 18, four hours later our son was born!