It has been five days now since the arrival of precious Carter, but it feels like it has been weeks. He is a wonderful eater and sleeper and has really been no trouble at all. Ashlyn loves him and calls him "mine brother." She likes to hold him as often as possible and give him kisses. My mom has been here helping and she is a life saver! Her and Brad are just wonderful at making sure I get time to rest and shower and eat . . .
I thought that I would share a few details of the birth for those that are interested. Many of you may know that since the birth of Ashlyn I have wanted to deliver my next baby at home. During this pregnancy I saw a midwife who has delivered hundreds of babies in homes (even breech and twins). A month before my due date, she gave me a box of supplies and a pool to set up at home for the delivery.
On Sunday, September 21 Brad's parents were visiting at our house and I started feeling pains in my back, but I was unsure as to whether they were contractions or not. After about an hour of sporadic back pains, I decided that I was probably in early labor (I think it started at 8pm). I didn't want to call the midwife too soon, especially at night time, so I tried to time my contractions. Unfortunately, they never got very consistent, so when they were getting pretty rough, I decided I should make the call.
We called the midwife at 11 and she arrived at 11:30. She measured me immediately and said that I was at an 8 or a 9. I was honestly afraid that I was only a 4, so it was such a relief! So, I jumped in the pool that Brad set up, had several very intense contractions, pushed for 12 minutes, and Carter was born in the water at 12:01am!
He was born in the amniotic sac (my midwife said that about 1 in 100 babies are born that way) and I got to hold him immediately. Ashlyn woke up just after he was born and we got to enjoy some time all together while the midwife and her assistant cleaned up.
It was definitely everything I hoped it would be and probably even better. I think what we loved the most was just being at home afterwards (and not having to sleep in a hospital bed and a fold-out chair). Most of all, we are thankful that there weren't any complications and that Carter is so healthy and happy!
8 comments:
That's such a great experience. You are a brave woman! =) Looks like Ashlyn will be a great big sister. I'm so happy that everything went well. Congrats again.
Sounds like everything went great. Carter is so cute and Ashlyn is a good sister. I love to watch little ones with their new baby. Can't wait to see you all next weekend if everything goes as well for us.
Congratulations! He is sooo adorable! Jon and I are excited for you!! Aren't they just the greatest blessings ever?!
Go you on an at home birth! I had Leilani at a birth center with a midwife and they are pretty great. We were home a few hours after the birth. And how awesome that Carter came so quickly. It doesn't make natural birth seem so bad. I swear they come faster that way. Congratulations!
Karon - just wanted to say congratulations - what a beautiful family you have! Tabitha
WOW I can't believe it went that fast! That's awesome! Congratulations again :)
wow, the birth that every woman dreams of! congratulations, he is precious!
You really are WonderWoman, aren't you! Oh my goodness....I had no idea you had time at home. Amazing! Your 30 minute labor seems like a dream! Maybe my next one will be easier than 22 hours. Can't wait to see him. Ashlyn was so cute with our little guy that I knew she would be a great older sister. So fun!
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