Micah’s Birth Story

Micah’s Birth Story

With this being my fourth baby, I figured this labor would be similar to my other three. But it was quite different! My first girl and she had plans of her own. A few nights leading up to her birth day, I had some contractions through the night but they weren’t super consistent and not overly painful but I wasn’t sleeping as deeply because of them. On the day of her birth, I woke up tired from another night of some contractions and weird sleep. In all my previous births, I’d have the “bloody show” and then labor would start and be pretty textbook progression, so I was waiting for that to happen. I was already 40 weeks + 3 days and had never gone over a due date in the past so this was already very different! 

As I got up for the day, I was a little discouraged but also knew that she’d come when she was ready! I had an appointment with Olivia at 10 am and was letting her know how I was feeling mentally and physically. She offered some options: either just wait it out and be patient, or try a membrane sweep, which could help or not but either way, it wasn’t in our control! I weighed my options and decided to try a cervical check and sweep. She checked me and I was dilated to 4 cm and she did the sweep! Yay! After she left, I took a shower and ate lunch and rested. I was feeling some inconsistent but strong contractions by noon. We began getting the house cleaned up and ready, just in case! My mom came up that day so she could help with our other kiddos. By about 2 pm, I was noticing more of a pattern to the contractions and they were pretty strong (but still anywhere from 8-15 minutes apart). I let Olivia know but was still unsure if this was the real deal because it wasn’t following my previous labor patterns at all. By about 5:30 pm, I felt like things were stalling and I was a little discouraged, but knew that it just might not be the day and that was okay. Philip (my husband) was playing with our boys outside, my parents were in town helping get dinner ready so I could rest, and I was just chatting with my mom about how I was unsure if this was the real deal or not. By 6:15 pm, I had a very strong contraction that lasted a long time and I couldn’t talk through it at all. I went back to my room to have a quiet space and just stretch my body a little. I swayed back and forth and rested.

The contractions were very strong but still inconsistent. I was texting my close friend saying things like “these are so strong but just so confused why they aren’t getting closer together!” I had even told my mom, “these contractions feel like I’m dilated to about a 7 but I doubt that’s true because they are still inconsistent.” It was frustrating! And then boom. It all hit so fast! By 7:15 pm I had gotten in my bed because I could barely sit up straight anymore and I started having the “labor shakes” from all the adrenaline. I knew I was transitioning and my body was ready all of the sudden. I told Philip to call Olivia and fill up the birth tub. Philip said “are you sure, the contractions still aren’t super regular?” I knew though. I told him I was very sure. It all became a bit rushed! Olivia got there quickly and Philip was finishing filling up the tub. Olivia walked in smiling saying “you’re going to meet your baby today!”

It was surreal! Just 30 minutes prior, I was questioning if this was really happening or not. She asked if I wanted a cervical check or not, I said yes because I wanted to make sure I was far enough along to get in the birth tub and not stall things (sometimes the warm water can do that). Olivia laughed and said “I don’t think you will be stalled friend but sure let’s check!” She checked me and let me know I was 9 cm and so close! I laughed out loud and teared up knowing we were about to meet our girl. Shortly after that, I got in the tub (around 8:15 pm) and had a peaceful time just breathing and praying. It was quiet, all the kids were in bed and I was letting my body do exactly what God designed it to do.

I labored in the tub mostly on my knees and started to feel my body push all on its own. My water broke as I pushed and I flipped over to my back and grabbed on to Philip and pushed her out at 9:20 pm. She came out crying and beautiful. I could tell she was a tiny little thing and just as precious as could be. She was here and she was perfect! This was my second homebirth with Olivia and it was truly amazing. She does an amazing job at letting me do my thing. She is so helpful when I ask and so good at her job! We are forever grateful.