Kasandra's Birth Story: Kaylee

“In early 2016, I was diagnosed with PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) which meant when my husband and I decided to have a child, it would be very difficult.  (Reading that line “when my husband and I decided” is quite funny now.)  Shortly after that I started praying to God to make me fruitful; I had no idea what that would entail for me!

“August 15, 2016 I went home early from work feeling flu-like and just overall crappy.  I was getting sick (so I thought) and decided to go home and rest.  I felt this way all week but pushed through work.  That Wednesday something was pressing on me and I just needed to be with my husband; he was 3 hours away in Pecos working.  I decided to pack me and the dogs up and fly down there for a nice surprise.  I can do a 3 hour drive, a few hours of sleep and 3 hours back before work- no problem.  I used to do it all the time!  I got up the next morning feeling woozy and under slept.  “What is wrong with me?” I remember thinking, “just shake it off, once you get on the road you’ll be fine!”  I was not fine.  A little while into the trip I was starving and drifting off.  I decided on coffee (bad mistake!) and those heavenly, lovely French toast sticks from Burger King (which didn’t last long a la coffee).

“Finally, later that Thursday I confided in my husband “I just don’t feel well”.  “Take a pregnancy test,” he replied, which is his answer to everything!  I told him no, absolutely not throughout the day until he finally convinced me.  Friday morning I walked into the bathroom and 3 minutes later could not believe my eyes.  I called my husband crying, speaking inaudibly between sobs and snot, and all he said, “It’s going to be ok”.  Four pregnancy tests later throughout the weekend, different brands of course, I was convinced that God had made me fruitful.

“Fast forward to April 14, 2017, 10:00 PM.  I am lying in bed, waiting for sleep to take hold of me, and I get this cramping sensation in my tummy.  I did not even have to question it- my first contraction.  I left my husband sleeping and worked through the contractions every hour that night.  That morning, April 15, my contractions worked up to every 30 minutes apart.  “This is the real deal,” I thought and told my husband we were in labor.  I decided to give Alex a heads up.  Call me crazy but that morning we went grocery shopping and even dropped items at the church for the Easter cook out all amidst contractions!

“Finally that afternoon, my husband convinced me that it was time to put the dogs in the pet hotel.  I agreed.  The contractions were consistently coming and getting stronger.  At 5:30 pm, we dropped our beloved Labradors at the pet hotel.  As I was getting ready to say good-bye, I felt a sudden gush of warm fluid.  I tried to keep my composure and politely asked for a restroom.  I waddled to that restroom and sat on the toilet as the rest of the fluid gushed out of me.  Quietly, I waddled back to my husband, said good-bye to my labs, and walked out of the pet hotel.  Back at the truck, I told my husband that my water broke.  I also texted Alex.  Labor up to this point was peaches and cream!

“Once we got back to our apartment, the contractions were consistently 5 minutes apart and getting stronger.  I helped my husband cook dinner, periodically stopping to breathe through a contraction.  At this point, our doula arrived and shortly after Alex arrived to check on me.  When Alex checked me, I was already 6 cm dilated!  Holy wow, I had gotten this far all by myself! And, of course the wonderful encouraging support of my husband. 

"From here, most everything is a whirlwind of events to me.  I could not tell you times of when things happened or in what order things happened.  I thank Jesus that we were able to get our beloved photographer and not miss those moments when we could not remember them.

“I do remember sitting on my ball with my husband behind me, supporting me, talking me through the strong contractions that I thought I would never live through.  I remember the beautiful ladies surrounding me, talking me through things, supporting me in every way possible.  Encouraging me. 

"Amidst all of this, my “doula kitty”, as she was named, was keeping everyone entertained playing with my affirmation cards that had been laid on the floor in front of me.  I do remember attempting to go for a walk to help labor along; we made it around the corner of our neighbor’s apartment.

"I remember getting in the shower with my loving husband to help ease my contractions and just standing under the warm water being held in his strong arms, knowing that those strong arms would soon be holding our daughter.  This is where I transitioned. 

“I remember Alex asking me to try to go to the restroom to make sure my bladder was empty, because I had been drinking fluids throughout the evening.  I tried, but had the contraction to end all contractions, and I was done.  Someone needed to get me off that blasted toilet and get me some drugs.  My husband was finally able to peel me off that stupid thing (why do they have to make toilets so low to the ground?) and our daughter quietly slipped into my birth canal.  “Baby’s coming!” was all I could say or think, except that now I am in my bathroom, stuck in a half squatting position.  Now everyone is in my bedroom and Alex is trying to get to me to see what is going on.  She cannot; the bathroom is too small.  “I need you to come out of the bathroom, I can’t get in.”  Horror, complete horror.  How is this woman expecting me to walk with my baby between my legs?  One step at a time is how!

“Between Alex and my husband they got me to the side of our bed where she was able to check me and see what was going on.  No visible baby yet.  Check baby’s heart rate, it is dropping.  Time to switch positions. 

"At this point I have my eyes closed, concentrating on my breathing, letting them take me over and tell me what to do.  My daughter is in jeopardy and my whole trust is in these ladies and God.  They get me onto the bed, half on my side, half on my back and check again.  Heart rate is coming back up. 

"Contraction- push.  No one has to tell me to do so, my body is doing what it was designed to do.  My doula is whispering in my ear, encouraging, telling me what is happening. She is already crowning! 

"Contraction- push.  My mind is resounding, you need to get this baby out so she does not get stuck in the canal.  It seems forever until the next contraction hits; I lay there waiting.  Finally, contraction! Push! 

The umbilical cord was wrapped around baby's neck, shoulders, arms and legs.  This is a very common occurrence and typically causes no concern, but in this case, it did cause baby's heart rate to drop when she suddenly dropped into the birth canal and the cord tightened around her.  By changing mom's position, we were able to alleviate the strain on baby and her heart rate stabilized. 

“My beautiful daughter, Kaylee, was born April 15, 2017 at 11:46 pm.  After 17.5 hours of labor, 6 hours of active labor, and 8 minutes of pushing, my daughter was finally here! 

"As I sit here writing this, with her sucking and licking on my arm, I am so grateful God blessed us with a beautiful family, a beautiful midwife, and a beautiful team of people that supported me and encouraged me being a first time mom taking on the challenge of a home birth.  And, especially for God’s gift of a wonderful, strong husband who supported me all through my pregnancy, all through my labor, and was there to catch our daughter into his strong, supportive hands.  And, yes, I would do it all over again and plan to!” ~Kasandra P.

Amelia's Birth Story: Londyn

Londyn Beth was born March 12, 2016 at 5:22pm, weighing 7lbs. 11oz. (exactly the same as Jameson) and was 20 1/4inches in length. Londyn came 7 days late and we were all anxiously awaiting her arrival. We had a beautiful water birth at our home in Lubbock, Texas with Grandma Robertson visiting to witness the birth. It was perfect, she is perfect and once again I’m reminded of the beauty, the sacredness and the miracle of birth. Here’s how the story went...

Londyn was a surprise pregnancy but a welcome surprise from God. I took a pregnancy test intentionally after my husband, Paul, had left for work. It was positive. My first response went from surprise to excitement to tears of joy and then tears of fear. This would be my 3rd pregnancy in 3 years. With a 10 month old son still breastfeeding, a 2 year old, and a 5 year old I felt overwhelmed and doubted my ability to mother another child just yet. I kept it to myself all day as I pondered the results. Even when Paul got home I didn’t tell him until after the kids had gone to bed (this is surprising I could keep it a secret with him home). I wondered what his response would be. He was excited and shocked. Once we talked it over I felt much more at peace about the pregnancy. We discussed the incredible blessing it is to be parents and, of course, would gladly welcome all the children God had planned for us to raise. We were very excited that an out-of-hospital birth would be an option this time, out of my 3 previous pregnancies we’ve had 1 homebirth.  I longed to have my baby in our own home without restricitons. With some intricate planning from God we were able to have a home birth, like Paul and I so hoped.

At 40 weeks and 3 days, on a Tuesday, I had my midwife, Alex, come to strip my membranes for the first time. I was so tired of being pregnant and wanted to attempt this to help get labor started. Mom had been visiting for 2 weeks waiting to witness Londyn’s birth and I knew everyday mom was here and I was still pregnant was one less day she’d be here after I had the baby and really needed her help. After stripping my membranes Alex told me she wasn’t 100% sure it’d work. I was dilated only to 2cm and 30% effaced and baby’s head was at a -2 position (still fairly high) she said if baby was really ready it’d work. I was crampy, had a few contractions come and go but nothing that convinced me labor was beginning. We gave it the typical 24 hours but nothing happened. I was disappointed of course but having mom there as my friend and helper all day kept my mind off labor, or the lack thereof. I really didn’t want to try anything harsh to get labor going so I declined castor oil, and tried not to wear myself out with too much walking.

For the days to come I did squats and other exercises to get Londyn to move further down and push on my cervix to help it open up. Saturday rolled around (I was now exactly 41 weeks) and we attempted stripping my membranes again at 12:30pm. This time Alex was confident it would work, by the time she finished I was dilated to 6cm and 70% effaced and Londyn had moved down (my squats worked!), Alex even felt her ear while stripping my membranes. Alex said, “I think it’s going to work this time. I bet I’ll go home for lunch and be back in a couple hours.” She was right, this time it had jump started labor.

I began contracting 45 minutes later. The contractions were neither consistent, nor intense so I was hesitant to get my hopes up. Mom had taken our other three kids to lunch and I called her to bring them home since this was probably real labor and we’d get them to a babysitters. Like my previous births I was nervous contractions would stop and didn’t want to call Alex, get everyone here and then have it be false. So I kept putting the phone call off telling Paul, “Let’s just time them for a little longer and see if they regulate.” But based on our last 2 births that happened so quickly and without a doctor/midwife present, my husband, Paul, insisted I call Alex and he was right to do so. I gave Alex a call and told her contractions were about 4-6 minutes apart, lasting 55 seconds and mild. She said she’d be on her way (it was about 1:30 by this time). Paul and I went for a walk to keep contractions going and when we got back everyone was here setting up (about 2:00pm now). We had Alex, her assistant Sarah (a registered nurse) and another registered nurse, Elise, who mostly there to observe (this was her first time witnessing a homebirth), as well as Mom. I was impressed at their quickness to get to the house and start setting up, I was also relieved to know that this time around we’d have all our support team here and ready for the birth. I knew then that this birth would be much more relaxing and calm than our last few experiences.

Contractions slowly got more intense but weren’t getting closer together. This was different because in the past when I’ve started labor it has been text book: mild contractions to more intense and closer together, it’s also gone quickly. These were a bit irregular and I felt that they weren’t’ intensifying very quickly. Paul gave me a Priesthood blessing, my gratitude for a husband worthy of that power is deep. In the blessing he said my body would be able to do what my body was built for and that my mind would be strong, he also blessed that our baby would be health and strong. Those words and my faith gave me peace.

Although I really disliked standing while contracting, each time I sat on the exercise ball contractions would slow, so Paul and I walked around the house and backyard. It was the most beautiful day with the sun shining, birds chirping and perfect weather. We walked back and forth in the backyard, talking about where we could plant our garden and what yard improvements to make this spring. Each time I felt a contraction coming Paul would talk me through it as I leaned against his chest and breathed. Alex offered to give me black and blue cohosh to help get contractions consistent as well as Clary Sage oil to rub on my stomach and inhale. Every few contractions Alex would check baby’s heart rate. Londyn was handling contractions like a champ. About 2 hours into labor I was frustrated that this wasn’t going faster, I didn’t feel like contractions were very intense yet and I thought they should be by this time, based on my previous experiences. At one point Alex was sitting in front of me as I rocked on our exercise ball frustrated that contractions weren’t intensifying as quickly as they had with my other births and she said, “Amelia, this is what normal labor is like for most other women and your just used to it going fast.” It made me laugh, but she was right, I tried to refocus my frustration into more positive thoughts.

Alex and Elise put some Clary Sage oil on my hands and put pressure in between my thumb and index finger, a pressure point that is supposed to help encourage the bags of water to break. Although Paul and I were laboring together well Alex began rubbing my back, the touch was different and felt so good. It was also great to have her encouraging me with different phrases than Paul had used. I let my mind listen. I think having a woman’s voice was calming and encouraging. About 20 minutes (4:45pm) later while in the backyard my water broke during a contraction. At that point my body began to shake uncontrollably and I knew I was transitioning. This is when it gets hard. I was ready to get in the tub.

The tub felt so good! Our water heater had been wacky and although I would’ve like warmer water I knew I wouldn’t be in the tub long. I lay over the side of the tub and hugged Paul, cried and did my best to get through the roughest contractions yet. I listened to Alex’s encouraging words and her reminders to let my pelvis open up, relax and let baby descend. My body continued to shake but I didn’t try to hold the shakes back, I let my body relax. It’s incredible to feel all that’s going on during labor and birth. To feel my body do what it knows, what it was built to do. I love giving birth, I love being present and fully aware of what’s going on and also in full control. It really is so incredible! At this point I had another very intense contraction, about 5 seconds into the contraction I felt baby coming! Londyn, like Jameson and Grace (my previous 2 births), didn’t crown nor did we have any visual of her before this point. I could feel her head moving down. It was amazing! I was so much more aware this time instead of frantic and concerned about the lack of a medical provider being there. “She’s coming.” I told everyone as I moved to the back of the tub in preparation to catch Londyn myself. I reached down to feel her head coming out, as I kept my hand on her head I had a short time to take a deep breath and with the rest of the contraction her body slid out. “Catch her Amelia.” Alex said to me as I looked down and grabbed Londyn from the water and placed her on my chest.

She was here! And she was perfect! She let out an immediate cry as I held her on my chest and stroked her sweet tiny body. Labor was quick, approximately 4 hours from start to finish and the actual birth was just like Jameson’s and Grace’s, ending very quickly with just one contraction (she was fully born within 10 seconds), without pushing and no “ring of fire” burning.

But with all the similarities, Londyn’s birth was also very different. I was so much more aware, I was calmer, I loved the help of my support group rubbing my back and giving me holistic options to help with labor which I’d never had before, I had supporters laughing in between contractions with me and making sure I drank my water and kept my body strong.

I’m so thankful the Lord blessed us with a successful home birth. He also blessed me with an able body to do go through such an incredible and empowering journey. I almost feel addicted to giving birth, it makes me feel so able and then I get to have this brand new life in my arms to care for, love and cherish for all eternity. 

Childbirth Education Classes....Why do I Need Them?

Statistically, people do more research when buying a car than they do when having a baby...isn't that shocking?!  I think childbirth education (CBE) classes are the equivalent to taking Driver’s Ed when you’re a teenager: 1) You take them because you want to and should know what’s going on within the “vehicle”, 2) So that you learn how to take action to make appropriate decisions, and 3) So that you don’t have regrets after the fact if things don’t go your way.  But what type of CBE class should you take?  Where should you take them?  When should you start?  What will the classes discuss?  Do you need to take them if you already took CBE classes with a previous pregnancy or if this is your 2nd, 3rd, 10th child?  What happens if you don’t take them?  Keep reading if you want to find out…

What types of CBE classes are there?  What are the differences between them?

There are many different types of CBE classes and while they all have similarities, they have differences too.  Some of them are strictly for knowledge of the process of birth, while others get into pregnancy and postpartum.  There are classes that are better suited for those birthing outside of a hospital setting, and those where it is more tailored for hospital delivery.  Here are some of them, and a little bit about each so you know where to start in finding the one right for you:

• Bradley: This is the “husband-coached” method of helping to connect you and your partner, while giving him the tools to support you and be your advocate.
• HypnoBirthing / HypnoBabies: These methods use hypnosis and relaxation techniques to keep the mind and body calm throughout labor and birth, with a focus on relieving pain and discomfort.
• Birth Boot Camp: Focuses on natural childbirth and breastfeeding, in a contemporary manner.
• Birthing from Within: A spiritually-focused approach to birth and parenting, based on the book Birthing from Within by Pam England.
• Lamaze: This method has been around since the 1950s and has changed from just the breathing (hee-hee-hoo panting) that we all know, into a well-rounded natural childbirth course.
• Non-Specific Natural Birthing Classes: Many childbirth educators have created their own style of CBE that can be a combination of multiple methods or a creation of the educator’s own making.
• Hospital-Based Classes: These are the classes held at and usually taught by someone affiliated with the hospital (whether on staff or independently hired).  While they can have some information about natural childbirth, the majority of the class is usually about medications, procedures and an overview of the birth process.

Where should I take my CBE classes?

Many CBE classes are held at offices, birth centers, hospitals, or even in the instructor’s home.  My word of advice would be though, if you’re wanting a natural childbirth with as few interventions as possible, take a class that is not affiliated with a hospital, even if you plan to have a hospital birth.  Most of the hospital-based classes I’ve witnessed are focused less on giving you unbiased information so that you can make an informed choice, and more on teaching you on how to be a “good patient” when you arrive in labor.

When do I need to start taking CBE classes?

The answer to this really depends on what type of class you want to take.  For people interested in Bradley classes, I recommend starting in your 2nd trimester since there are more sessions in this class and you want to be done with them all before you go into labor.  If you are planning on taking a class with fewer sessions, that buys you more time before you have to get started.  Overall though, I think it’s a good idea to be taking a class soon after starting your 3rd trimester, if not before.  That way you can benefit from practicing the labor support techniques, breathing exercises, massages (who doesn’t want to have massages practiced on them?!) and relaxation exercises before going into labor.

What will my CBE class discuss?

It really depends on which class you’ll be taking.  Some will focus more heavily on labor support measures and techniques while others will be more information-driven.  All of them though should discuss the following topics (if they’re not hospital-based):

• Benefits of natural birth
• Labor support measures and techniques to help you manage discomfort or pain
• Process of labor, including early, active, pushing and immediate postpartum phases, and what to expect along the way
• When to call your care provider if you’re in labor
• Benefits/risks of medications and procedures
• Creating a birth plan
• Breastfeeding

If I took a CBE class before, do I need to take another?

I get asked this question a lot by moms who have already had another child.  The answer is, it kind of depends on you.  Has it been a long time since your last class?  Do you still remember what you learned?  Do you want to try a different type of class to learn alternative labor support techniques?  Some moms will also just take a “refresher course” with their past CBE instructor to help remind them of things they’ve forgotten or they’ll reread the text book that they received from their past class.

What happens if I don’t take a CBE class?

I’ll throw you in jail and take your sweet baby for myself!  Nah, just kidding! ;-)  Nothing happens if you don’t take a CBE class, and that is both good and bad.  You’re not out the time and expense of a class, but you’re also not reaping the benefits of one.  Moms who take CBE classes and educate themselves have a much higher likelihood of experiencing the birth that they want and feeling more satisfied about their birth outcome.  They’ll know what to expect during labor and birth, as well as things they can do to cope, and the information they’ll need in order to make informed decisions for themselves and their baby. 

In the end, yes, your baby will still be born (you won’t be pregnant for forever!).  Taking a CBE class doesn’t change that, but what it does do is to help shape how you get there.  When you’re driving on a road trip, eventually, you’ll still reach your destination, but what type of journey do you want to have?  If you have constant car trouble, get lost numerous times, or are unable to stop along the way to enjoy life’s blessings, wouldn’t it affect your overall experience and the way you look back on the memories from it?