The Birth of Clifton James 10/9/23

Alyson and Chris welcomed their second child, this time a son, in a very surprising birth on October 9. Since their daughter ended up coming about 2 weeks late by induction, baby’s arrival any time before the due date was not even on the radar. Alyson was very adept at ignoring the twinges and discomforts of late pregnancy that seem to come on stronger with subsequent pregnancies. She even requested a book from me to brush up on labor and I had been driving it around in the back of my car to bring to her a couple of weeks prior to the full-term 37-week mark. Worst case I could bring it to our prenatal that was scheduled around then.

The week Clifton was born, Alyson shared that she had been feeling weird all week. That Friday she thought her water had broken but a trip to the hospital and a spent nitrazine paper later, it was confirmed that it hadn’t. She was sent home. It was chocked up to typical last trimester discomforts and left at just that.

But baby Clifton had very different plans! We had scheduled our prenatal for Sunday, October 8 and as I was walking out of church Alyson called to tell me she was pretty sure her water broke, and we would not be having our prenatal visit scheduled an hour later. She was headed to the hospital instead since she was just 34w6. She didn’t expect a baby to come for another 6 weeks!

Turns out Alyson’s water did break. But she was only 1 cm dilated. She texted around noon to update that she would receive steroid injections to help baby’s lungs mature and if labor didn’t happen overnight, they would work on starting things the following afternoon. We covered some birth details via text, including Alyson’s desire to have an unmedicated birth. She labored on pitocin previously and while she hoped to avoid it, she was willing to give it a try again since she labored many hours before an epidural. Alyson would send updates in the meantime.

Sitting in a hospital room waiting for labor can be a daunting task. Alyson was permitted some meals which was a godsend, and Chris helped to keep the mood light. She had excellent staff taking care of her the whole time, easing her mind, and keeping things positive. Alyson tried to stay relaxed and “not freak out” (her words), and even thought she might watch some YouTube videos to reacquaint herself with birth. After all, she had expected to have another month or so to do all of the prepping.

As the date turned to night, Alyson requested some Benadryl to help her get much needed rest. The day had been emotionally eventful even if she wasn’t in labor yet. I went to bed, not expecting to hear about much labor that night based on the day’s lack of action. I didn’t get an update for a few hours, but in the meantime, Alyson sensed some contractions starting up at 3:30 am. She had been napping through the contractions prior to that but wasn’t able to get back to sleep after that.

Chris sent me a text around 5:15 am telling me Alyson was dilated 4 cm and 90% effaced. It was very exciting because Alyson’s body had begun the labor process on its own. We were all hopeful she could avoid pitocin. Alyson added that her contractions were 5 minutes apart and lasting a minute but there wasn’t a rush for me to come yet. Chris was doing counter pressure, and she was managing the pain fine. Her midwife mentioned reaching out so I was aware and would have some time. I asked her to reach out when she gets to the point of needing support and I would head over. Alyson anticipated in an hour would be a good time for me to come but would let me know if things changed before then. It was 5:30 am.

Just 45 minutes later, as I was waking up to head to the hospital, Alyson sent an update that she was in a lot of pain and feeling exhausted. She was thinking she would go ahead and get an epidural. At that point, I told her I should be there if she felt like she needed an epidural and she planned to hold off until I got there. Once I gathered my things and changed, I was on my way. I texted my eta to the hospital of 6:57 am.

The CRNA came into the room to administer the epidural, but Alyson asked her to leave. She was waiting and didn’t really want it. As her contractions continued to roll on through, Alyson moved into positions that would help ease the pain. She found herself on hands and knees on the bed and felt the surprising urge to push. And that’s exactly what was happening! Alyson had gone from 4 cm to pushing a baby out in 1 ½ hours!

Clifton James was born at 6:57 am, which happened to be the same time I texted my ETA. I walked on the unit to the news Alyson had given birth. I could hardly believe it! But sure enough, I walked into a scene of a baby born, but not yet the placenta. Alyson looked exhilarated and Chris was jazzed. They had done it! She clutched her little guy who was crying quite well (thanks to the miracle steroids!). She was given the gift of skin to skin with him right away. He was a strong little guy.

Alyson played over the details and the time frames, and it was mind boggling. Her midwife didn’t even receive a page until 5:00 am so everyone came together in a short time. Alyson was thrilled she gave birth without an epidural and said just knowing I was on my way helped her to hold off on getting it. I was thrilled I was able to help, even if virtually. We helped Alyson get settled and we marveled at her little guy, who weighed in at a surprisingly small 4 lb. 7 oz. He was 17.5 in. long.

Birth is never scripted, and we can’t know how it will unfold even if we think we know. Alyson’s birth was a perfect example of this. I am so proud of how she met the unique challenges thrown her way and kept herself grounded and centered during a very different journey. And ultimately, she did have her unmedicated birth even if for her higher risk labor that required continuous monitoring and elevated concerns for her baby. Alyson rode the tidal waves of her labor with finesse!