We chose to have our baby with certified nurse-midwife Jean Sala because of our shared beliefs that pregnancy and birth are normal, natural events that should not be medicalized. Being a Registered Nurse myself, I was uncomfortable with the many unnecessary interventions that routinely take place in the hospital. Jean carefully monitored Jackson’s growth and at 5:00am on August 13, I awoke leaking a small amount of amniotic fluid. The contractions quickly settled into a pattern of two minutes apart and I took a bath while talking to Jean on the phone. We departed for the birth center with our bag, ready to meet our son.

I managed each contraction by focusing on my breathing and relying on Kevin for emotional support. Upon our arrival, Jean examined me and suggested we “walk our baby out.” We walked at a very fast pace and made an “ooohh” sound as we exhaled.

After a shower, Jean discussed the merits of breaking my water with us. We agreed, hoping things would progress faster.

Breaking my water intensified the force of my contractions and it was then that I told Kevin I thought “all of this was a big mistake” and used some very bad “bad words.” Jean and Kevin helped me regain my focus and manage the contractions which were very strong now and involved more of my lower back. I found it very comfortable to sit backwards on the toilet with pillows supporting my arms on the tank.

Throughout labor, Jean listened to Jackson’s heartbeat with a Doppler and checked my blood pressure. Jackson always seemed to be tolerating labor well and I was reassured and encouraged every time I heard his little heart.

Labor progressed throughout the night and I have little memory of the early morning hours. I was most comfortable standing or swaying back and forth during contractions. I had planned to use the Jacuzzi during labor but the idea of being still in the water was not appealing to me. I held on to Kevin and we “danced” during contractions. I cannot describe the feeling of contractions and I do not have any memories of conscious thoughts during labor. I simply existed from contraction to contraction. Jean calls this “labor land.”

We were both exhausted. I fell asleep standing up in between contractions and Kevin later confessed to falling asleep while sitting on the foot stool. We rested in bed for about an hour to gather some strength. At about 7:30am, we were ready to begin the work of birthing. I felt an overwhelming and involuntary urge to push with each contraction.

I remember telling Kevin, “Go get my family,” and he summoned all our family from the adjoining room as I began pushing. I was relieved and happy to see the people I love most surround the bed Jackson was going to born in. Kevin’s mother, Shirley, my mother, Karen, Kevin’s sister Angie and her two month old daughter, Hailey and my sister, Melissa, all stood around the bed. My 82 year old grandmother waited in the adjoining room as that was her choice.

Kevin laid on the bed next to me holding one leg and my mother was on the other side holding the other leg. I held both of their hands. I pushed with my eyes closed most of the time and I could hear Shirley and Melissa encouraging me, reporting on my progress and the amount of hair Jackson had. When Jackson’s head was crowning, his heart rate dropped significantly several times and after trying several different maneuvers to deliver him. Jean decided he needed some more room and made a small episiotomy.

Jackson’s head was delivered with the next push. The umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck one time and after Jean freed him of the cord, Kevin delivered the rest of Jackson.

Jackson entered the world at 8:14am on August 14, 2000, weighing 8 pounds 14 ounces.

Kevin placed Jackson on my chest. We massaged him and patted his back to help expel the fluid from his nose and mouth. He began to cry and Jean helped us stimulate his breathing. Jackson’s color quickly became a healthy pink.

Jackson was wrapped in a dry towel and Kevin carried him over to the couch to meet my Grandma, in whose honor he was named. Jackson met his cousin Hailey and was held by both of his grandmothers while I received care.

Jackson nursed in the first hour of life. We snuggled in bed and although I was exhausted, I was unable to nap so I looked at Jackson and cried most of the time.

Kevin gave Jackson his first bath. Kevin gently supported Jackson’s head, allowing the rest of him to float just beneath the surface.

Our son’s birth was a powerful, spiritually enriching experience that deeply impacted our entire family. We credit Jean and the competent, compassionate care she gave all of us during the pregnancy and birth. It was a truly marvelous experience and one we would recommend to every woman.

Post script
Jean has become a trusted and treasured member of our family and will be welcoming Jackson’s new brother at our homebirth late Spring 2004

Post Post script
Jean assisted our family in welcoming our third son in May 2006!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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