Oh boy! Or rather, oh girl! This birth journey was a surprising one! This was my second time serving Rachel and Bruce in birth, having welcomed their first baby in a close call (I got there right after baby did, and they had only been there a short while before that), we wanted to make extra certain everyone was assembled to usher their sweet Evangeline Marie into the world. Their first daughter was born in 2020 at a local hospital with all of the restrictions in place like masks and only one support person in addition to your doula. While their baby was in such a hurry Rachel hardly spent any time laboring in the hospital, she knew from that experience and the timing of the drive that she would like to welcome this baby into the world in her home.

We had our prental visit in their home, recently purchased, and looking pretty put together. Nothing like having a due date looming to get you nesting a new home in a rapid pace. Rachel had her bedroom set up and the main living areas. Her plan was to labor and birth in the tub in her bedroom with just her birth team, husband, and mother present. It would be a beautifully intimate experience and we were excited for it.

Rachel sent a text to me at 6:30 pm on October 29, right as I was leaving a birth at a local hospital, telling me she had been feeling contractions all day that seemed different than Braxton Hicks. They weren’t getting longer, stronger, or closer yet, but they reminded her of the contractions that began her previous labor. There was also some fluid that was leaking, so Rachel’s alarms were up. She alerted her midwife as well, who as luck would have it was also just getting home from a birth. So she and I planned to get some recovery rest in until Rachel said any different.

Just past 11:30 pm, Rachel texted that the past 4 to 5 contractions were picking up in intensity and lasting about a minute. I recommended she update me after an hour had passed unless they changed significantly before then. And 50 minutes later she texted that they contractions were coming every 3 minutes. This seemed a good time to hit the road, and I was on their doorstep by 12:50 am.

Bruce greeted me with a big grin, and I headed upstairs to Rachel. She was very calm and chatty, and I wondered if I might be there too soon. Her midwife was not yet there but had tasked us with letting her know when to come. This would be a tricky call to make but considering she had just been at a birth we wanted to let her rest if possible, too. (Our words, not hers.)

By 1:10 am I reached out to apply counter pressure to Rachel’s lower back through a contraction. She told us her back was bearing a lot of the contraction pain so I thought it might help. Bruce went down to the kitchen to brew some coffee and returned with two mugs and handed one to me as if I was visiting for coffee.

The pool was inflated, and Bruce had started filling it before I arrived but paused the filling to make sure the water was the right temperature once it was needed. He could add hot water when Rachel was closer to giving birth, for she certainly had a way to go based on her demeanor. Rachel breathed quietly through her contractions and chatted pleasantly between them. She even asked Bruce to bring up a snack basket for her to grab a bite to eat. Little dd we know she would have her baby in her arms about 45 minutes later.

The diffuser going, lights dim, and a labor playlist going, Rachel crawled onto the bed and labored on hands and knees there. As the time approached 2:00 am I heard Rachel exhale a quiet sigh through her contractions. It seemed prudent to time a few and see if it might be time to alert her midwife to head our way. After just 3-4 contractions, it was evident Rachel’s contractions were every 2 ½ to 3 minutes, and it was time to call her midwife. Her midwife had a 30-minute drive which didn’t seem a problem when we called. I also told Bruce to resume filling the tub so it would be ready when the midwife arrived. Rachel’s midwife said not to get in the tub until she arrived, and we wanted it ready to go.

Rachel wandered to the bathroom and when she wiped there was blood. She paused at the sink through a contraction before washing her hands. And she even posed with Bruce for one last belly photo. As Rachel returned to the bedroom she was hit with another contraction. She braced herself against the bed and said, “I feel it in my butt now,” and rolled her eyes with a nervous smile. It was 2:10 am. Rachel’s quiet sighs grew louder and longer, moving into moans. Rachel’s own mother sat on the bed beside her and reached out her hand to place it upon her daughter’s hand. This would be her first birth to attend outside of her own.

Rachel swayed beside the bed, and I could see her cheeks turning flush as her body heated up with labor. By 2:18 am she was visibly sweaty and told us of the pressure she felt. I put my fan beside her and angled it so it would catch her face with some wind. We also placed a wet washcloth on her neck. All the while I was texting her midwife updates, telling her “Things have taken a really active turn,” at 2:22 am. She still had about 15 minutes left before arriving, but it felt like it would still be enough time.

But two minutes later Rachel said she felt pushy, and then the next minute at 2:24 am her water broke. I tried to exude calm but at that moment I was pretty sure the midwife wouldn’t make it. I helped Rachel get her pants off, had Bruce put some chux pads on the bed, and suggested Rachel get on the bed in case she was about to deliver. I texted her midwife the update that her water had broken, and she was feeling pushy to which she recommended we put her on speaker phone.

We called the midwife and placed the phone right beside Rachel so she could hear her voice and get coached through the delivery, if needed. Her midwife said, “If you want to slow it down,” (I love that she said if you want to) go on your hands and knees with your head lower than your butt. We already had her in that position and had recommended blowing when she felt pushy to hold things off. Rachel blew the candles out and rested her head upon the bed with her bottom in the air. And she managed to wait for her midwife’s arrival.

Still on speaker phone, we heard her unload the car and instruct the birth assistant which bags to grab, and then they ran up the stairs to us. The midwife greeted Rachel and went right to business. “If you want a water birth, get on in there! Let’s do this!” and Rachel wasted no time getting herself in the warm water. She sank down onto her knees and leaned over the edge of the tub facing her husband. And with the very next contraction she pushed, and her midwife could feel the baby’s head. Another contraction came and Rachel brought her baby into the world. Rachel pushed for just 3 minutes and Evangeline Marie was born at 2:39 am just 3 minutes after her midwife set foot in the room.

Rachel and Bruce cried joyfully at the arrival of their second daughter, and grandma was teary too. The midwife called out for the necessary items, and they were handed to her by the birth assistant. Baby was covered with a towel and the midwife listened to her heart and breath sounds and nodded with a smile that all was perfect. Rachel lingered in the water with her baby and the placenta was born when Rachel was ready to release it. Once the placenta was out, the cord was clamped and cut. Bruce got some skin-to-skin time as we helped Rachel up out of the tub into bed.

The midwife and birth assistant stayed nearby watching over mom and baby to make sure they were transitioning well. And they were. It was quiet and gentle, and the environment in which Evangeline would spend her life. She snuggled with her mom in the bed and in a short while she was ready to latch for a feed. Then we stepped out into a nearby room to allow the new family some privacy before the newborn exam. Eventually we would learn that Evangeline weighed 8 lb. 2 oz. and was 21 ½ in. long. We also learned that Rachel had no tears, setting the stage for an easier healing process.

We lingered awhile and then went our separate ways to leave this sweet family to begin the road of recovery and life with two little girls. There was nowhere to go but sleep. And Rachel’s mom was ready to take care of big sister when she woke up, which would probably be in just an hour or so. It was a beautifully orchestrated family birth, all except for calling the midwife a bit late in the game. In my defense, Rachel’s transition was about 2 contractions, and her active labor was about 30 minutes. Those are some short stages in anybody’s book. All told it was perfectly timed though, for everyone arrived when Rachel needed them.

One might look at how things unfolded and think we came together too late and almost missed it. But you might also see that Rachel’s labor unfolded as her team arrived and she held off on birthing her baby until the final members of the birth team had arrived. The mind and heart have a strong pull on labor, even stronger than the body. Either way, it happened just as it was meant to. It’s amazing to look back on this birth and see how miraculously it all came together as calmly as Rachel labored for most of it. Truly.

Laura and Chris welcomed their second child, this time a girl!, on June 17, 2021! We had walked this road before as doula and clients and hoped this time Laura might not have to work as hard or long to meet her baby. She was ready though, and she also knew she had tools should she need them. They attended my 2-week refresher class over Zoom, carving out those hours to really think about and prepare for this birth. It’s a difficult task when you have a young child at home. Of course, this was during the COVID-19 pandemic so worries were heightened and there were added measures taken at the hospital that while had health and safety in mind, weren’t ideal for labor. Still, Laura felt good knowing she had the same providers as last time. And she knew the end result was what was most important, finally meeting her sweet Eliza Rose!

Laura’s body had warm up contractions that had her wondering if it might be labor. She struggled with the idea of leaving her son behind to go to the hospital for birth since it would be his first overnight without them, but she understood that this anxiety was not helping her labor. And wouldn’t you know it, once she finally felt at peace with that reality, her body was able to let go. On Thursday, June 17, I got a text at 12:38 am telling me that Laura’s body had been contracting at a regular interval for the past hour and a half. The rapidly moved to 4 ½ minutes apart and since she suspected her water might have broken, they thought it best to call the midwife. It was a busy night so they waited for that call back, but her midwife agreed that it was a good time to come to the hospital.

Once settled in her room, an exam confirmed that Laura was dilated 4 cm and 80% effaced. Her baby’s head was low at 0 station too! It was just past 1:30 am and Laura found herself doubting her baby would come that day. “She’s coming today, right?” she asked us and we responded with a resounding YES! Laura was concerned about her energy after some sleepless nights, and remembering how her first labor went on and on, she opted to get an epidural. The CRNA was in the room within minutes and Laura was comfortable by 2:30 am. What’s more, about 20 minutes later she was already dilated to 7 cm and 90% effaced! We made sure to keep her moving to allow her baby to continue to traverse her pelvis. Some bouts with nausea were unpleasant but Laura also knew it was part of labor and would help her baby move down. 

Sometimes an epidural can slow things down which was the case with Laura. But she was patient and things were still moving along at a much quicker pace than last time. She was dilated 9 cm by 5:28 am and she had also managed to get some rest here and there. Shift change brought in a new nurse and midwife, and since her water hadn’t yet completely broken, Laura agreed that it was a good next step to break it completely. It seemed the only thing keeping her baby in, after all! And within 30 minutes she was completely dilated!

Laura waited until she felt such pressure she needed to push. It grew at 9:05 am to that point and at 9:09 she was dilated complete with her baby’s head low at +2 station! Laura gave her first push at 9:11 am and it was immediately clear she would not have to push for 4 hours like last time. In fact, it was hardly 4 pushes! The midwife pulled the cart up beside the table and with the second pushing contraction nursery was called to delivery. Laura welcomed Eliza Rose after just 6 minutes of pushing at 9:22 am on June 17, 2021! What a difference a birth makes!

Chris was crying at the sight of their baby girl, overwhelmed with a father’s love. But this daughter was extra special because she was the first daughter born after 13 boys on Chris’ side of the family! And another fun fact—the last girl born on his side of the family was born in the 1800s and her name was Eliza! And NO, they didn’t know this when they named their daughter Eliza! Isn’t that amazing?!

Eliza was born weighing 7 lb. 7 oz. and measured 20 in. long. She was just perfect and a wonderful juxtaposition to her brother’s birth. I am so pleased that Laura and Chris had the opportunity to experience how unique each birth can be. And I’m also proud of how they navigated this birth as a team, just like last time, taking labor contraction by contraction, and making decisions that were the best for their family. Great job to you both!

Julia and Erich, repeat clients of mine, welcomed their second COVID baby on June 10, 2021! (Yes, you read that right! They welcomed their first baby just a few weeks into the pandemic!) Julia was well aware of the changes to hospital policy that followed in the wake of COVID-19. She had an unmedicated birth in the hospital, however she had a virtual doula, a mask on her face, mandatory COVID test, and hospital staff all decked out in layers of PPE. This time around she desired a less medical experience and she also wanted more choice. So she brought her birth to the place where she knew she would be most comfortable, feel safest, and make all of the decisions that were important to her. And that place was home.

Her second baby proved to be different in when she came as well, because she surprised her parents by coming weeks earlier than her sister did! Her first baby came 3 days before her due date, but baby #2 came over 2 weeks before her date. Her first labor text came after 10:00 pm on June 9. She was having contractions but they were far apart. By the next morning they had not subsided but were still spaced. Julia had an in-home appointment with her midwife that afternoon and she hoped to get more info then unless things picked up before.

Julia’s labor was confusing and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. She stayed hydrated and she even went through multiple rounds of the Miles Circuit to encourage her baby to move into an optimal position to help labor progress more regularly. And it was after the second round that her contractions jumped to every 3 minutes and longer and stronger. It was around 12:15 pm and I headed to her home. I arrived to find Julia laboring in various positions but battling her fatigue. She had been up most of the night already and the hardest work lay before her. The contractions spaced out which was actually a grace for it allowed Julia time to rest in between. Her midwife arrived for the appointment around then and was able to do an assessment and leave the equipment for pool setup. Julia got emotional with everyone assembled, and when her midwife asked about them, she confessed she was worried about her firstborn. Who would get her from daycare, when would she be home. She wanted her baby back home in the nest before welcoming her newest baby. Erich was on it and in minutes had made arrangements for a family friend to pickup big sister and get her home asap.

And within the hour, Julia’s labor picked up. This was no surprise since she had addressed her emotional hurdle. Julia labored in her shower while the pool was getting setup. Big sister was safe at home by 5:00 and Julia’s relief was clear as she exhaled and relaxed. Her contractions were requiring more of her, so she stayed upright so she could better cope and move how she needed. By 5:22 the tub was ready and Julia did not hesitate to get in. She naturally moved to her hands and knees, leaning over the edge of the tub with her contractions and exhaling audibly through the peaks. She stepped out for a bathroom trip and labored a few of her contractions there. But she returned to the tub where she desired to welcome her baby.

When she entered at 6:22 pm, an hour after she got in the tub initially, she was feeling pressure as though she would be pushing soon. She waited to feel the undeniable urge to bear down, but it was slow to come. By 6:40 she pushed more intently, shifting from hands and knees to sitting against the wall of the tub. Around 7:00 pm we heard Grandma put big sister to bed. Dinner, bath time, and now bedtime routines were completed. This might be the last thing keeping Julia from birthing. Just in case, I also offered her some sugar in case she was feeling weary. Julia was interested in a cervical exam and her midwife obliged, confirming she was fully dilated with a bulging bag of water. No wonder she felt so much pressure but pushing wasn’t quite happening. She pushed some on the bed using the rebozo to tug-of-war push with her midwife for a bit. Upright positions seemed to be in order, so I recommended Julia return to the shower to make use of the ledge so she could do standing lunges. Surely that would bring her baby’s head down to birth.

Julia returned to the tub at 8:25 pm and that’s when we really saw some progress. She pushed in a squat and after just one or two contractions her water broke. Then her vocalizations changed and we heard the unmistakable guttural sound of a baby coming. Her midwife shined a flashlight but didn’t quite see baby. We continued our words of encouragement, cold cloths, and all of the support. And then Julia leaned forward in silence and reached down for her baby! The midwife said, “Oh!” as Julia leaned back against the wall of the tub, baby in arms. It was 8:43 pm when Aurora Grace was born unbeknownst to the people present. It was a secret between her mom and God, just as it was intended.

Aurora cried out right away and a towel was gently rubbed on her back to keep the cries and breathing coming as well as keep her warm. Julia embraced her baby calmly and we marveled at how her baby flew under the radar and the flashlight pointed at Julia’s backside. Clearly she preferred not to be in the spotlight when she entered the world. The placenta came 10 minutes later and was placed in a bowl floating beside the mother-baby pair. When she was ready, Julia got out of the tub and proceeded to the bed where she would stay. Grandparents joined her and her mother’s “Wow! Wow! Wow!” said it all. A miracle had transpired upstairs all while they went about their day.

Next on the agenda was food so Julia placed her order and Erich set out on a mission to get it before closing time. Meanwhile, Aurora latched and had her first nursing session as Julia ate some snacks. All was well and there was no rushing any of it. In time, the midwife did the newborn exam so calmly. Homebirth babies rarely cry during the exam, believe it or not. And we confirmed that Aurora weighed in at 7 lb. 2 oz. and 18 ½ in. long. The midwives cleaned up and did some education, while I remained with Julia. And soon it was time to leave. Erich had returned with dinner and she had her parents at home to help. It was time to tuck in for the night. How lovely that she had nowhere to go and she was already home.

This birth was a timely reminder that even as a pandemic swirls about the world, birth can still be intimate and safe, and done at home. I was honored to serve this sweet family as they welcomed both of their babies just 14 months apart. Hopefully by the time they welcome any other babies the pandemic will be a thing of the past. One can hope!

Courtney and Nathan are parents again! And in somewhat of a déjà vu, they welcomed a second son after a surprisingly long labor. Courtney was motivated and driven to welcome this baby in an unmedicated birth just as she had the first time. But the emotional challenge a second prodromal labor brings can be unexpected. Life was busy as it tends to be with a young child. But add in the sale and purchase of a home and the subsequent home improvement projects, and busy was escalated to a whole new level this time. Pile on top of that the unique challenges of giving birth in a pandemic, and you’ve got a totally new and different experience. But Courtney and Nathan were up for the challenge.

Courtney sensed that her son had shifted in utero, feeling as though he was somewhat sideways. I gave some suggestions of positions to encourage her baby to realign himself and the following night, April 12, she texted to say she had been contracting since 4:00 am overnight. They were inconsistent but persistent. She attempted rest for the second night, but with contractions that were escalating she found it difficult to sleep much with contractions ranging from 10-20 minutes apart all night. By the following morning, and after rounds of positions, Courtney was still contracting. They called the midwife and were heading in that morning for some answers. Courtney was 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced but she was not in active labor. Not technically. Her uterus was trying hard to be. Her baby had shifted downward from -3 to -1 station, a testament to all her hard work with positions. It was midday when they got admitted. 

The plan was to eat a meal and then see about getting contractions to be more consistent. After lunch, Courtney and Nathan walked two laps on the labor and delivery unit and then Courtney used a breast pump to bring on stronger contractions. And it worked! Courtney’s contractions were steady at 5-6 minutes apart by 3:30 pm and had her heading to the shower to the relaxation and pain maintenance it promised. Thirty minutes later, Courtney was out of the shower and dilated to 8 cm.

Courtney labored on hands and knees through transition and was still self-aware enough to comment to us how annoyed she was with the process and how anyone who told her second babies are easier was wrong! We positioned the peanut ball in front of her so she could “rest” between contractions. And her midwife told her to push when she felt she was ready and see what happened. A lunge was the next position in the hopes it would solidify that urge to push that Courtney was ready for. She felt pressure like she needed to have a bowel movement but the pushing part she wasn’t so sure about. She remembered it was a challenge her first birth. She lay upon her side for a bit and then we shifted the bed into a throne so she could see if gravity might move her into second stage.

And an hour later she was dilated 9 cm. She was ready for a change and that change was to break her water. Surely that last barrier cleared would bring her baby down for birth. Her water was broken at 5:12 pm and she returned to her hands and knees over the peanut ball, her preferred labor position. She lunged without hesitation, and then stood with her husband to lunge while she stood. She tried the bathroom again, where the familiarity of softening and letting go might yield her baby. And sure, enough when she returned to the bed at 5:52 her midwife had nursery called. Courtney was pushing! She pushed in lunges, and we could see a baby’s head shortly thereafter. And after 24 minutes of pushing, Courtney welcomed her second son, Ford Callum into the world! He was born at 6:19 pm on April 13, 2021, weighing 8 lb. 1.8 oz. and measuring 20.5 in. long.

Ford made his mom work hard right up to the end, when a suspected shoulder dystocia that wasn’t, elevated the tension for a minute. Ford cried immediately after her was born, adjusting to life with the strength and vigor his mom had displayed through the entire labor. He had a head of dark hair and a smear of vernix across his forehead, and once his daddy cut the cord, he lay against his mom’s chest as they both adjusted to being born. Ford was born as Courtney’s son, and Courtney was born as Ford’s mother.  Ford was breastfeeding at 20 minutes-old and Courtney’s phone was already blowing up with all the well-wishes.

Although Courtney’s labor was slow to start, once it was active, I was just three hours long. She was tired and over it by the time those strong and close contractions came, but she was a warrior all the way to the very last push. Nathan was her stronghold, always there believing in her. Thank goodness for a patient midwife who presented options and did not push, and for the opportunity to choose the path that felt right. You showed once again that women are resilient and strong and will stop at nothing to meet their babies. Congratulations again!

Repeat clients, Ashley and Stephen, welcomed their second baby in the most beautiful healing, family-centered cesarean, the likes of which are sadly still hard to come by in our area. Ashley’s first baby was in the breech position late in pregnancy, and given her provider’s protocols, welcomed that baby in a scheduled c-section. It wasn’t bad, as c-sections go, except it left her feeling like she missed out on something. And the separation from her baby initially did not help her to feel bonded and like she birthed her child. So, when she saw the positive pregnancy test, she was on a mission to do all she could to have a very different birth experience. This began with securing her best chance for a VBAC. Her unicornuate uterus was a potential challenge, as it would make her second baby more likely to settle in the breech position. But she was not swayed from her goal and did her part with optimal fetal positioning.

But her baby was confirmed breech late in the pregnancy and since she had the previous uterine scar, her providers were not comfortable doing an external cephalic version (rotating baby to head down by manipulating the mom’s belly). Ashley was extremely disappointed and at a loss for options. She studied Spinning Babies and even invested in an inversion table, but to no avail. Her son was still breech. So before completely consigning herself to a repeat c-section, Ashley sought a second opinion. Enter West End Midwifery. This second opinion would turn out to be the single more important thing she did to impact her birth. In one visit just a few weeks from her due date, Ashley felt listened to and the skilled obgyn was able to successfully rotate her baby to the head down position in an ECV. She and her husband drove the 90-minutes home with a renewed fervor and desire for the VBAC they had originally hoped for. Ashley planned to stay with her original providers but as her blood pressure trended higher that week, there was strong talk of admission to the hospital and induction. So, Ashley officially switched care to West End Midwifery in Richmond, making the weekly drive and keeping close tabs on her blood pressure at home. The trust her new providers had in her was illuminating and really helped her to feel supported to follow her intuition regarding the birth.

Then Ashley was thrown another curve ball. Her water broke. I got the text at 8:30 that morning. She called her new providers who recommended she make her way up to Richmond to be seen in the office. Her water was confirmed broken so the doctor recommended she drink a castor oil shake, get something to eat, and walk around. It didn’t take long for Ashley’s uterus to start contracting and by late that afternoon, Ashley’s contractions were steady at 5 minutes apart. She could still talk through them so they would keep me posted. A couple of hours later, hooked to the monitor and admitted to the hospital, it was time to join them. Ashley’s contractions were relentless at 5 minutes apart and stopping her in her tracks—no walking or talking. I arrived by 9:00 that night.

I was immediately amazed and impressed by what I saw. There were twinkle lights strung from the ceiling and a diffuser with essential oils filling the room with lavender. The diffuser was plainly marked as hospital property, which was an amazing addition. In the corner were various birth balls, a peanut ball, and even a cub inflatable birthing chair. The room was abundantly equipped for labor, and aside from the hospital bed, might have been mistaken for a birth center. The shower and tub were one, and included jets and two shower heads, one removable for more focused hydrotherapy. Perhaps most intriguing was the trio of lights that could glow in virtually any color imaginable. Ashley could truly make that space her own and could envision welcoming her baby in that space. It goes without saying that they had multiple wireless options for monitoring—the telemetry unit, but also the Monika which is a sticker monitor that allows excellent contact with baby and laboring freedom for mom.

Ashley had some scar tissue from a previous LEEP that her doctor tried to break up. She was laboring hard but her cervix was not opening. She was left to labor freely as she wished, while her nurse checked on her blood pressure regularly. It did creep up but following hospital protocols, Ashley was given some oral medication before any talk of magnesium. Thankfully, it lowered her blood pressure and secured her freedom to continue laboring without an epidural.

Ashley spent most of the night doing every possible thing. She labored on her hands and knees, sitting on the birth ball and birthing chair, walking the hallways, all while waves of nausea came and went. Peppermint essential oil was a permanent fixture whether in the diffuser or close by on a cotton ball, a much more pleasant and effective tool for battling nausea. She took a walk on the unit as well but returned to her room shortly thereafter. She was do drawn into her labor to be out and about. This was a good sign of progress, it seemed. I did the Three Sisters of Balance to bring Ashley’s pelvis into balance and she had an emotional release in the process, a very healthy thing for her to do! I hoped in the letting go of her tears she might also be able to let go within to birth her baby. 

And as expected, Ashley was growing weary. So, we positioned the bed into a throne to allow her to lean back against a pillow between contractions, and labor upright and forward without having to fully support her weight on her knees and legs. The doctor came in to do an exam and despite 10 hours of regular contractions, Ashley was still not dilated. He suspected the scar tissue was the culprit but to break it up he would need to be more invasive than previous attempts. To preserve her energy, provide complete pelvic relaxation, and to help maintain a lower blood pressure, Ashley opted for an epidural. She felt safe and supported in her choice, knowing her doctor was trying valiantly to give her every chance at a VBAC. This was one in many steps toward that end. Once comfortable, the obgyn broke up the scar tissue and inserted a foley catheter to hold the cervix open until it dilated on its own. Pitocin was also added to the mix at 6:30 to bring stronger contractions than before. They had also spaced out as Ashley rested, so it would bring them closer. Her water had been broken for 22 hours at this point.

Shift change at 7:00 am brought a new nurse and a new doctor and midwife. Before the original obgyn left, he removed the foley and was pleased to confirm that Ashley was dilated 6 cm. His strategy seemed to be working. With pitocin at 8.0 mu, we were hopeful for an active labor pattern and continued cervical change soon. Ashley breathed more deeply into each contraction, a clue to us that they were intensifying. She continued her laboring most of the day, just as she had overnight. We changed her position in the bed from side-lying with a peanut ball, to side-lying with a stirrup, and even to hands and knees. But by that afternoon, even after position changes and steady pitocin and consistent contractions, Ashley was dilated to 4 cm. But more significant than that was the fact that her baby had not moved down at all. This was very telling and it was time to have a frank conversation. 

The midwife recommended a c-section but one very different than her previous. She would have both the obgyn and the midwife participate in the birth. And here is how it went. The obgyn did the surgical part of the birth and their baby was birthed into the midwife’s hands and passed directly to Ashley. There was no stop at the warmer. Instead, he went straight to his mother for instant skin-to-skin. He cleared her fluids well with crying and some bulb suction, and Stephen cut his son’s cord as he rested on Ashley. They were never separated at any point during the c-section. Benton Leopold was born at 4:18 pm on March 31, 2021 in a very healing birth.

Ashley was returned to her labor and delivery room for her recovery period and Benton latched well for her, especially after his uninterrupted skin-to-skin time. He weighed 6 lb. 6 oz. and spent his first hour of life in his mom’s arms. Ashley emerged from the birth with the most peaceful smile on her face. She was thrilled to have a healthy baby but just as excited to feel the healing that comes from feeling heard. Ashley was met at every turn in Richmond with open minds and hearts. And when her baby was born 32 hours after her water broke, there was not an alarmist response. Instead, she was met with patience, reasonable diligence, and open communication. Ashley was beaming! In welcoming her son, she also welcomed her own motherhood, a stronger, more self-assured mother. She found her voice and listened to it this time, doing the hard things like driving far, and using every possible comfort measure and position to make it happen. She can do hard things. And in doing the hard things, she found herself. And I couldn’t be happier for her or more honored to have watched it happen. Welcome to the world, Benton Leopold! 

Sabrina and Chris welcomed their third child together, Bodi King Ro, on March 12, 2021, much to the excitement of his big sisters! This birth was completely different than the others, including being their only son whose gender was a surprise until birth. As you can surmise, this pregnancy occurred during the pandemic and Sabrina felt strongly that she wanted to have her chosen support people in attendance. She was not interested in the limitations of the hospital and also preferred to have her own babies nearby. This was achieved at her previous birth in the hospital for she had them asleep on a blowup mattress beside her birthing bed. However, this was not an option during COVID. Sabrina decided to welcome this baby in her own home where she felt safest and where her babies would be close.

Things proceeded without incident until the final weeks in which at an appointment her homebirth midwife noticed the baby’s heartbeat was less reactive than desired. She recommended an immediate NST at the hospital to determine next steps. Sabrina’s baby was tired, as they described it, and at 41 weeks they recommended induction. She was told to return that evening. However, when she returned there were no available beds. A call to another hospital yielded the same predicament, no beds. Her baby was cleared with a good NST and so she was sent home. Sabrina’s midwife came the very next day to monitor baby and Sabrina also had another NST at the hospital. That would be the plan—very close monitoring and a call to the hospital (or induction) if anything wasn’t right. This was a roller coaster of a ride for Sabrina who went from a homebirth to a hospital induction, and then to a possible homebirth, depending on baby. It was a challenge but she perfected the art of letting go and seeing what her baby had in store. It was all she could do and it would be the secret to being able to roll with her labor.

Just three days later, Chris texted me at 12:40 am to say that Sabrina was having regular contractions at 3-4 minutes apart already lasting over a minute. They started 45 minutes earlier and they were already going like gangbusters. Since this was Sabrina’s third birth and I had been at her previous births, I knew that she had a high pain tolerance and would be calm through pretty much all of it. Subtle signs would mean big progress so when Chris said she was stopping and bracing for her contractions I knew I’d be heading to their house soon.

Then about 10 minutes later, Chris texted to say that Sabrina’s water broke “all the way” and the labor was “getting really fast.” That’s all I needed and I was out the door. Things were escalating quickly and they had also contacted the midwives who were on their way to the house. I arrived about 20 minutes later at 1:15 am to find Sabrina on her hands and knees leaning against the bed. The midwives arrived one by one soon after, setting up their things and seamlessly drifting into Sabrina’s birth. They listened to the baby’s heartbeat regularly and it stayed strong, even better than the previous days as if baby wanted to show everyone that all was well.

Within the hour Sabrina felt a lot more pressure in her bottom and she required steady counter pressure from me and Chris. But no matter how deeply her labor drew her in, there was always a part of her that was tuned in to the monitor on the bed. The moment there was a peep from one of the girls Chris disappeared upstairs to calm them. Sabrina was surrounded in support so when Chris had daddy responsibilities, she was never alone. In fact, having him available to soothe the restless sleepers helped Sabrina to let go and labor.

By 2:22 we could hear Sabrina become more vocal with her contractions, and within 10 minutes we heard her familiar mantra of “okay, okay, okay,” which had been her landmark transition sign in previous births. We stayed close and applied steady pressure to her sacrum, reassuring her she was strong and capable and her baby was almost here. And in three minutes she said, “I feel the baby coming.” Her breath changed in that moment from a deep inhale and exhale to the catch in breath the precedes the urge to bear down. Sabrina pushed for maybe 10 minutes as her midwife sat at her bottom encouraging her, Chris lay beside her, and I sat nearby. Her other two midwives were attentive and saying words that uplifted and empowered her and in the midst of the support Sabrina opened and birthed her baby. First the head, and then the rest tumbled out at 2:41 am, just 2 ½ hours after her first contraction. The baby’s cord was wrapped around the leg twice and the ankle once but did not slow down descent. It might have explained the low heart rate detected a few days earlier but we will never know.

He cried robustly and was soon declared a boy and greeted with tears from his mother as she grabbed him upon her chest. Tears of love, elation, relief, and ultimate release that comes with giving birth. This journey had been rife with drama, the likes of which Sabrina never would have wanted. But even when she had resigned herself to an induction in the hospital, her baby’s journey to birth took a U-turn and had her meet him right at home where she had planned from the beginning. 

Bodi weighed 7 lb. 9 oz. and was nursing shortly after birth. One of his sisters woke up as well, sending Chris bounding back upstairs to settle her before coming back down to cut the cord. There was no rush to cut it though. Once delivered, the placenta remained in a bowl nearby in the meantime. It stopped pulsing naturally when Bodi was through with it. The first hour was magical and reserved for exclusive skin-to-skin between mom and baby. And even after the first couple of hours passed and it was time for the newborn exam, Bodi hardly cried as the midwife gently assessed him with a tender touch and soft-spoken words. It’s really beautiful how serene the newborn exam is at a homebirth. And it inspired some thought-provoking discussion about homebirth and what normal birth looks like when it is left alone, undisturbed.

Sabrina was challenged to let go of the reins in this birth. And that is not something that comes easily for her. But she was ready to do anything to insure her baby’s safe passage earthside, even if it meant an induction and interventions. But in the span of a few days, she had her baby safely in her arms, born at home in the unmedicated birth she had envisioned all along. In the midst of a pandemic and so much uncertainty, I’m so thrilled this couple was able to welcome their newest baby in the comfort and sanctuary of their own home. There is no better time for a homebirth, I say. Welcome to the world, Bodi King Ro! You are the prince in your family and the king of your mom’s heart.

Haley and Kent, repeat clients of mine, welcomed their second son on November 12. Her pregnancy journey was different than her first. Preterm labor was a concern based on her previous birth, so a cerclage was placed rather early on. It was removed that final month and we were all pleasantly surprised that Haley’s cervix held on and she didn’t go into labor until a day past her due date! I got a text at 7:40 am that Haley’s water had broken a couple of hours earlier. Verifying whether water has broken can be confusing even for a woman who has previously given birth. Thankfully Haley’s body began contracting and by early that afternoon she was heading to the hospital. We met up at the hospital right around the same time and I could see that Haley was forced to stop and breathe through her contractions. Walking up to labor and delivery, and knowing an exam was coming, Haley just hoped she wouldn’t be dilated only 4-5 cm. She wanted to be further along. And she was! Her midwife confirmed her dilation at 6 cm and felt membranes in front of the baby’s head. So perhaps the amniotic sac had not yet broken.

Haley was patient as they admitted her, including strapped monitors around her belly and doing the requisite COVID test. Once done however, when Haley got up out of the bed, she felt a lot more pressure. And the next contraction that came brought her down to her hands and knees upon the floor. Now, things had taken a significant turn. The shower was her next destination, for she knew the warm water would help her to relax and continue to cope with her growing contractions. She labored in several positions under the water flow and we saw some bloody show that hinted of further cervical change.  

Haley emerged from the shower nearly an hour later and her cervix was dilated to 8 cm and her baby’s head was at -1 station. She was vocalizing louder and longer through the contractions, and even paused between two to say, “I’m less chatty now.” Haley was entering transition, the hardest but shortest phase of labor. Her midwife chimed in with, “The smiles between contractions are gone.” But the greatest joy was coming soon! Haley squatted, clutching the rebozo anchored on the back of the bathroom door. She faced the physical demands of her labor with stamina and a willingness to do demanding things. This would soon be invaluable for soon after Haley began to push, her baby’s heart rate dipped. An oxygen mask was placed over her face and she pulled from her inner strength to push with all she had. She pushed with great effort, but once her baby’s head was born, the shoulder’s weren’t coming. There was a delay, but the staff mobilized and worked together with Haley’s strong pushes to bring Emmett Jesse out into the world in spite of a rather scary shoulder dystocia. He weighed 8 lb. 10 oz., by the way.

Emmett was a bit stunned at first and needed some respiratory support. But he transitioned well and was back in his mother’s arms as soon as possible. After working so valiantly to birth her son, poor Haley was left waiting and asking if he was okay since she didn’t hear his cry. We assured her he was fine and getting the support necessary, and in time he did cry on his own which brought tears to her eyes. When he was declared just fine and returned to her, Haley gathered her son in her arms and held him close. After putting forth such great effort she looked into his eyes and was lost in time and memory, seeing all she needed in that moment right in her son. Mothers are such warriors and goddesses, bringing forth life from painful and raw places that leave them so open and vulnerable, and yet strong and ready. Haley is definitely one of those. It was amazing to serve beside her through yet another dramatic birth journey.

This little boy was so eager to see the results of the presidential election, he came over a month early! Of course, we all know the outcome had not been resolved that night but he was here nonetheless! And here is how it all happened. Stacy and Matt were repeat clients of mine, but this pregnancy was definitely not a repeat of the first. Not a bit of it was the same! This baby and the pregnancy all occurred over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic so that affected things. And this time around, Stacy had some alarming preterm contractions on October 24. She was only 34w3d along so buying more time for her baby boy to cook was ideal. Thankfully, iv fluids helped to settle things down enough to go home, and a steroid shot for good measure would help ensure his lungs were ready when he was. And Stacy was already dilated 3 cm so there was also that! Needless to say, the remaining weeks of the pregnancy brought an elevated level of vigilance and worry.

So when Stacy noticed some bleeding 10 days later she did not hesitate to call her midwife. They were instructed to go to the hospital and get checked out, and soon after she arrived Stacy felt the familiar roll of contractions. They were mild, but they were there. Stacy was 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced and her midwife told her that she would not be going home. She might be monitored until delivery unless she was in labor and would birth that night. Believe it or not, that still remained to be seen. Stacy wasn’t even sure herself, whether she was in labor. But within a couple of hours that changed. Just before 1:00 am, Matt sent me a text that they were pretty sure the baby was coming later that day. Stacy also happened to be 6 cm and 100% effaced so it was definitely labor! I arrived 20 minutes later. Thank goodness I live close.

Stacy felt a lot of worry and anxiety in this labor. Her preterm labor contractions and bleeding, and now facing the reality of a late preterm birth had her struggling to feel calm and safe. She felt a nap and the opportunity to regroup would be instrumental in her mental and emotional readiness to welcome her son. She requested an epidural and the wheels were rapidly set in motion to make it happen. Stacy’s epidural was in place by 1:25am. Naptime! Or so she thought. Her son’s heart rate dipped from the strong contractions and his rapid descent, so everyone watched him closely, while also readying the delivery cart. We knew Stacy would be meeting her son very soon, even if she didn’t realize it. And 40 minutes after the epidural was placed and before the pump was set up, Stacy was fully dilated and feeling a lot or pressure! It was time!

Stacy felt a lot of worry and anxiety in this labor. Her preterm labor contractions and bleeding, and now facing the reality of a late preterm birth had her struggling to feel calm and safe. She felt a nap and the opportunity to regroup would be instrumental in her mental and emotional readiness to welcome her son. She requested an epidural and the wheels were rapidly set in motion to make it happen. Stacy’s epidural was in place by 1:25am. Naptime! Or so she thought. Her son’s heart rate dipped from the strong contractions and his rapid descent, so everyone watched him closely, while also readying the delivery cart. We knew Stacy would be meeting her son very soon, even if she didn’t realize it. And 40 minutes after the epidural was placed and before the pump was set up, Stacy was fully dilated and feeling a lot or pressure! It was time!

The relief that washed over Stacy and Matt was intense as they took in their perfect and healthy son who had them worried sick just a couple of weeks before. He latched in his perfect time at 3:00 am, and finally Stacy was the image of peace and serenity that she had evaded her. This baby’s birth was a master class on the importance of letting go and greeting your birth journey with open hands and an open mind and heart. She was patient, trusting, courageous, discerning, and accepting of the path her baby chose for himself. Their sweet loving relief was clear to me as I saw Matt’s lovestruck grin looking into his son’s squinty eyes, and in the way Stacy cradled her son confidently when just a couple of hours earlier she cradled her belly in anxiousness and fear. Paxton was born in his perfect time and it was beautiful. 

Proud big sister

Alana and Matt were third-time clients of mine, so we eased into a comfortable dynamic from the start. Thankfully, COVID restrictions had been lifted at Alana’s chosen birthplace so as to allow in-person doula support. We rejoiced at the opportunity to be a birth team for the third time. As a woman who had given birth twice already, Alana’s body did a lot of prep work leading up to labor. She felt more contractions and twinges, and accepted them as par for the course. Alana knew that she wanted to labor at home as long as possible for she had no interest in breathing through contractions with a mask over her mouth and nose. She also desired to be upright and moving for all of it—NST or not. And we supported her in her wishes and formulated a plan to best execute them, namely laboring at home until active labor and having a solid childcare plan for the other kids so she could leave quickly. Alana’s due date came and went, just like her others. And she waited and hoped to avoid the induction that had been penciled on the calendar at the 41w5d mark. A well-timed chiropractic visit (the day before the scheduled induction!) gave her the chance for one last adjustment as well as a face to face with me as I was arriving for my appointment as she was leaving hers!

And four hours later, Alana texted to tell me she was having real contractions. She wasn’t timing them yet but was stopping and breathing through them. Then two hours later, Matt texted asking me to come to the house. Things had escalated and they were lining up care for the kids as the grandparents were in route out of state. I left a short time later and arrived at 6:45 pm. I let myself in and found my way to Alana upstairs in the bathtub. During contractions, Alana rocked forward and back and breathed and moaned through the peaks as Matt was gently stroking her shoulders and cooling her with a washcloth. After one such contraction, Alana looked up at me and asked, “So when do we go to the hospital?” Coming from the woman who was bound and determined to stay home as long as absolutely possible, I took this is a sign it was close to that time. And the contractions were closer than Alana realized because when I asked it was Matt who corrected her by saying they were well under the 5-minute mark. Within 30 minutes of my arrival, we were on our way out the door.

The car ride was intense, but it always is. Alana was relieved to be out of the car and walking. In fact, she insisted on walking the whole way, declining a wheelchair. A contraction brought her to her hands and knees in the foyer, and then another forced a pause as she leaned through it. But she managed her way to the unit with just one more. Alana was shown to her room where she made a beeline for the bathroom. And we heard a loud splash a few seconds later. Her water had broken and Alana emerged feeling a lot more pressure. Alana crawled upon the bed while her nurse strapped the monitor around her belly for the NST as Alana felt the urge to bear down. The midwife showed up at that precise moment and confirmed that Alana was fully dilated at 7:55 pm! (It was quite clear though, even without an exam.)

Alana moved from hands and knees to side-lying and immediately began to push. And she brought her baby into the world in just a few contractions. Archie Lee was born at 8:10 pm and shortly after, Matt declared, “It’s a boy!” He embraced Alana and their new baby boy as the oxytocin, the awe, and the sheer exhilaration of birth to wash over them. Archie drifted off to a cat nap initially but perked up and latched by 8:30. He apparently just needed a few moments to acclimate being born. He weighed 8 lb. 5.8 oz. and measured 21.25 in. long.

Alana moved from hands and knees to side-lying and immediately began to push. And she brought her baby into the world in just a few contractions. Archie Lee was born at 8:10 pm and shortly after, Matt declared, “It’s a boy!” He embraced Alana and their new baby boy as the oxytocin, the awe, and the sheer exhilaration of birth to wash over them. Archie drifted off to a cat nap initially but perked up and latched by 8:30. He apparently just needed a few moments to acclimate being born. He weighed 8 lb. 5.8 oz. and measured 21.25 in. long.

It’s births like Archie’s that illustrate the true meaning of perfect timing. Alana’s parents arrived immediately after I did, literally following my car down their street, freeing up Alana and Matt to make a speedy exit. Alana labored so long at home she managed to sidestep some hospital procedures she just assumed skip anyway, which had been her plan all along. She basically walked in and had a baby and as I recall we had a conversation at her prenatal meeting about how that would be ideal. And let’s not forget that Archie happened to be born within 12 hours of when Alana was to report to the hospital for her induction! She was resolute and determined, as I have always known her to be. But she was also patient as she waited for her baby to choose whether he would come on his own or need a little nudge. And in a confusing time with visitor restrictions, social distancing and masks, it was extra special to witness such beauty and normalcy through birth—for birth has not changed. Alana’s body labored the same as it would have, pandemic or not. And I am grateful for the reassurance that certainty brings.

Mallory and Dustin welcomed their second baby, a sister for Ryleigh on April 17. That sweet baby is Elouise Joy and no doubt brings lots of joy to her parents and big sister. I was blessed to have accompanied Mallory and Dustin for their first birth so it was an honor to be invited back again. They also attended my 2-week refresher class specifically for veteran parents, so they could brush up on the finer points of labor and go over the differences they might expect for a second labor. Mallory rounded out her third trimester in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic so plans changed and things became very different. My support would be virtual. But at the core, what was true was the same—that Mallory would welcome her baby surrounded in loving support with providers she trusted. For they were the same providers who took care of her in her first pregnancy. Mallory’s due date came and went, and just over a week later she was scheduled for an induction. 

Mallory and Dustin arrived at a very early hour and as inductions often go, it was slow. And on top of that their baby was suspected to be OP, which would bring its own potential challenges and delays. Mallory moved through the Miles Circuit to try to encourage her baby to rotate, all while the Pitocin crept up incrementally. That evening just before 6:00 pm things were looking more like labor. Mallory was dilated 4 cm a short while before and her midwife broke her water. Praise and worship music played as she breathed and focused through each contraction. The next stop was the shower where Mallory labored in lunges. The pressure grew within her pelvis so much so that it made her throw up. Even so, after leaving the shower, her midwife checked and while the baby was lower, Mallory’s cervix was still dilated 4 cm. But Mallory did not let this discourage her. I reminded her that the number did not matter and was no indication of how much longer labor would last. We dimmed the lights and she returned to the shower and just 30 minutes later she felt so much pressure that her midwife did another exam revealing she was dilated 7 cm! Mallory rolled over to her hands and knees and labored since it felt best for her. And just 15 minutes later we heard the unmistakable sound of pushing! Mallory was fully dilated at 8:23 pm and her midwife dressed in the paper suit (and mask, of course), and pulled up the delivery cart bedside. Mallory followed the cues of her body and in maybe two contractions she pushed her baby right on out! Elouise was born at 8:28 pm!

Mallory lay down upon the bed and held her baby close. She had done it! In the midst of a pandemic with an OP baby and a virtual doula, she had done it. Dustin called home right away so grandma and big sister could get the happy news before bedtime. We heard Ryleigh’s happy squeals at the official promotion to big sister and it made us all smile. In the end, Elouise was born in the OA position, rotated right at the end, probably because her mom was so active in labor. She was also born without her hands by her face, another unfortunate positional challenge that was rectified. Even more amazing is the fact that Elouise weighed 9 lb. 2 oz., was 21 oz. long, and Mallory did not tear. And she was latched to her mom’s breast by 8:42 pm. Mallory flew from 4 cm to birth in just ONE HOUR! Indeed, every birth is different. And we can often count of second babies coming quickly once they are ready. Thank you for allowing me to serve your family again. You were amazing and remained positive and saw your birth through in spite of the many challenges you faced. Way to go!!