I am a huge advocate for water birth if you can do it. I knew I didn't want an epidural, I hate needles and for me, the bad outweighed the good with an epidural. I chose a birth center where I knew it wouldn't be an option along with many other reasons. I read about how soothing water can be and knew that's what I wanted. I did a lot of preparing for my water births and hope to do posts on what helped me get ready and how my other births went. For now, here is the story of my third:
My third baby was born in the same spot as his two older brothers. I began having contractions at midnight 5 days before my due date. They picked up around 4:30 AM but I still didn't quite believe they were real. I had never had an early baby and didn't want to be dramatic lol. I called the midwife and my husband luckily heard me on the phone because as soon as I got up out of bed they became 3 minutes apart. Grampa came over at 5 and we arrived at birth center by 5:30.
I entered the tub immediately (no checking my cervix and no IV- birth centers rock!) and was able to breathe through the contractions with just my husband in the room, sitting behind me outside of the tub. My husband never got in the tub with me, I think it's great if people want that but it's a tad too far for me. I really go into my own world and don't want to engage with people unless it's on my terms during birth. My husband fed me ice chips and a pack of fruit snacks. I hadn't eaten since dinner the night before and I needed some energy.
We called the midwives in around 6:45 AM when I was feeling the need to push. The midwife was so helpful as I reached the point where I said 'I can't do this anymore'. She encouraged me to feel for the baby's head. I was able to feel his head and then I knew it wouldn't be much longer. She said to direct my energy with each contraction towards her. This helped me stay focused on breathing baby out.
I was able to gently bring baby boy into the world at 7:38 am. My water did not break until after baby was born meaning he came out with the water bag still around him, called an en caul, or mermaid birth. This happens in about 1 in 80,000 births. I had never heard of it before and it was such a special moment. En caul birth is seen as a blessing and lucky charm in some cultures. Many believing they are born with protection and enhanced spiritual sensitivity. Add this with it being Memorial Day and it's something we will never forget!
After I had baby I felt great and was so happy when the midwife checked me and said she wouldn't have even known I had a baby. It was my easiest birth and recovery yet. My body definitely knew what to do and the relaxed pace helped to minimize the trauma to both baby and me.
We left the birth center a few hours after baby was born which I love. It's so nice to be home and rest. Grandparents and my boys couldn't believe it when we walked in the door at noon with our new baby! I was only in labor for 4-8 hours with each of my three boys and I know part of this was due to how safe I felt in my environment. The birth center has been a special place for our family and we are forever grateful for the calm and informed care we received throughout our pregnancies and births.