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.