A monsoon storm brings us new life

In the late afternoon this past Thursday we got a fantastic storm, which brought with it over 4 hours of rain. That night as I watched Sofia pitter-pat back and forth through puddles in gentle drizzle I was also breathing through fierce contractions. After putting Sofia to bed, I began to time the contractions. By 9 pm I called my midwife knowing I needed to go in to the birth center. I then called my friend Abby who came to stay with Sofia overnight; after she arrived and was all settled, we left for the birth center. Since it was 9:30 at night the drive was really pleasant and by then the rain had stopped as well so we didn't have to deal with driving in that. We arrived at the birth center the same time the midwife did and we were lucky enough to have the place all to ourselves. I ended up choosing the room the had the same furniture as the room that I had Sofia in (birth center moved to a newer facility since I had Sofia). It was really comforting, like going to a place I'd already been too.

I immediately made myself at home, which inevitably meant taking all my clothes off as the last thing I wanted to do was restrict my movement with clothing. For the next four hours I moved from position to position breathing in meditative rhythm. I just listened to what my body said about standing or sitting, lying down etc. I spent about two hours in the tub. Every time I had a contraction I would envision myself hiking up the steepest switchbacks I've ever been up. When the contraction would start I would take my first step breathing and counting the steps and when I neared the end of the contraction I would arrive at the top of the switch back and rest. Then start again with the next contraction.

I thought for sure Viola would be born in the water like Sofia, but suddenly I needed nothing more than to get out. It was when I got out of the water that the real excitement started. At that point I could tell I was near the third phase of labor and an hour later Viola was born. Laboring out of the water was a very different experience. I'm glad I've had both experiences now. I ended up giving birth to her on the bed on my hands and knees; it felt really primal but completely natural.

Viola was born at 2:45 in the morning. I labored for 8 1/2 hours. Not too bad for second time around. This time the pushing phase was very short: only about 30 minutes. Much easier then the hour and half I spent trying to get Sofia out.

The healing process has been going very well, along with mother-infant bonding. I'm amazed to see how much easier it is to read Viola's signals now that I have some experience.

I wish you all a lovely relaxing week.