My latest birth - one for all doulas
Topic: Doula Talk
I really want to share with you all the latest birth story.  It was an emotional roller coaster of a birth, and I'm very blessed to have been there in attendance.

I met E at a babywearing class.  We started talking about doulas, what they do and how Karen Prior had talked about them in her yoga class.  We set up an interview and it was a done deal.  I'd worked a lot with the midwives and we all felt connected.  That was October. E's due date was 12/15.  I'd never taken a client so close to Christmas before, but I just really enjoyed the couple and decided that it wasn't THAT great of a risk.  When E hit 38 weeks, she told me that she just didn't "feel" ready.  I admitted that she didn't look ready either LOL.  At 39 weeks, she still felt like baby wasn't ready to be born.  Then 40 weeks came and Pauline mentioned induction, but her cervix was anterior and effaced to 60%.  E called me a bit shaken because she desired an unmedicated birth with no interventions. She completely trusted her body and really felt in tune with her body.  She mentioned that she felt baby drop, but had begun to second guess her choices.  We talked and after the conversation, she felt ready to continue her pregnancy. (this was my reminder that doulas are cheerleaders too!)  The weekend before Christmas, we spoke and she made an appt with Dr. Lei for accupuncture.  She went two days in a row with NO signs of labor.  Dr. Lei told her that she was the first woman to EVER walk away with no contractions.  We spoke again that weekend and I reminded her that Pauline had offered to cancel her induction and that she should still trust her body as she had her whole life.  At 41wk 5dy she had another checkup, but woke up early in the morning with her first contraction ever.  We both celebrated! LOL  When she got to her appointment, Ann said she was 90% effeaced, 1cm dialated and baby was at -1 station.  She requested that Ann strip her membranes, that was done, the NST showed all was well and she was sent on her way.  She went and got an adjustment and we planned on her napping.  At 5p she called me to "report in" and say that her nap was interrupted by contractions.  She was so excited!  The contractions were sporadic, anywhere from 8-15 minutes apart, but they were indeed real contractions.  She called back at 7:15p and they were now consistently 10minutes apart, lasting 35-40 seconds long.  I told them to call me back in another hour.  She called at 8:10 and had just gotten out of her tub.  They were now 1-3 minutes apart lasting 40-45 seconds. She wasn't ready for me yet so I went and took a 20 minute nap ;)  At 9:05p her husband called me and said they were now lasting a minute and were coming at least every 2 minutes. I jumped up and headed their way.  With labor like this, I just knew it would be relatively quick.  NEVER ASSUME :)  That's doula lesson #2!

We hung out at their house changing positions, eat, drinking, getting in and out of the tub, doing pressure points and talking.  We decided to go to the hopspital at 11p because she felt the contractions were becoming more intense.  Upon arriving at the hospital, triage was full.  We waited and they got us a room, but the nurse apparently had a few issues with her or me or both.  She performed a very rough internal and sent Ann in to complete it.  She was admitted to the hospital at 12:20am being 100% effaced, 0station, but only 3cm.  She felt really defeated at that point.  Contractions were still very close together and lasting a minute.  We got moved to a room and got her in the tub again.  She requested to be checked at 2:45am and Ann said the only change was she was now a 4.  E requested some nubain to take the edge off.  She was still getting no break from the contractions and was exhausted from little sleep the night before.  We got her back into the tub an hour later.  She started chanting during the contractions. That was a first for me!  And most didn't make sense LOL  She finally said her code word, but we talked her into being checked before committing to the epi.  Ann checked her again at 5:53a and she was now a 6 with a bulging bag but baby was turned wrong.  We went through squatting and yoga poses and swaying and dancing and side lying and all fours. Pauline checked her at 8:25am and she was now an 8!  Bag was still in tact and she wasn't ready to have it broken yet. *Side note - I firmly believe that her membranes developed a leak at 6:45.  Each contraction would produce a small line of fluid down her leg, but I could get no one to agree with me LOL*  She was checked again at 10:05a and was now at a 9.  We were all super excited.  She agreed to let Pauline rupture the bulging bag in hopes that baby would come on down.  Pauline ruptured clear water, but found baby was STILL turned facing the wrong way.  Again, we did pressure points, squatting, lunging, the "captain morgan" stance, swaying, dancing, all fours.  You name it, we did it again.  11:05am, no change.  Still the same.  12:20p, again, no change.  E was VERY disappointed and defeated.  We couldn't figure out why baby wouldn't move positions and why she couldn't get past 9.  Pauline said with each contraction, she could feel baby move down, but she'd bring the cervix with her.  After another round in the tub and more movement, Pauline mentioned an epi.  E hadn't slept in over 24 hours and was exhausted and thought that the epi might give her what she needed to finish relaxing.  The epi was administered at 1pm.  She was check at 2:40p and still hadn't made any progress.  That's when her body stopped.  Contractions almost went away and it was determined she just needed more rest.  Around 3:45 they started a slow pit drip.  It put contractions back at 3-4 minutes, but only lasting 30-40 seconds.  At 4:30p the only change was baby had dropped more and was at a +1 station.  Again, we tried everything we could think of to get baby to move positions and finish  getting her dialated.  Somewhere in there, we all took a one hour nap.  That was the extent of our rest.  E slept inbetween contractions, but the 1 hour did us a world of good!!  Around 6, we sat and talked.  Pauline mentioned how it wasn't good to be this long at 9 and what her options were at this point. Baby had always looked great and was still tolerating labor very very well.  I left E and her husband to have some alone time.  I returned 15 minutes later to find them with questions about how a section would go.  We all cried together and decided to get checked before a decision was made.  At 6:30 there was still no change.  We talked for 30 minutes and went over every detail possible.  At 7 the decision was made to do a section.  Everyone was called in, but Dr. Miles mentioned that we might get bumped.  There was another baby with questionable decels.  E told her that it was fine, she would wait so that mom and baby that were becoming emergent could get the care first.  This is where God intervened.  Dad and I went to have a bite to eat while E took a short nap before the section.  We went over more details and I talked with him about post partum recovery and care for mom and baby.  As we headed back, we saw the other mom come out of the OR, dad carrying baby behind.  We knew it was our turn.  As we entered the room, tears started to flow again and Pauline assured E that she would suggest this for her own daughter who is due in March.  We asked if Pauline would check her, one last time. Just in case. There's always a chance right?  So, at 8:15p, with me on her right, dad on the left and Pauline checking, Pauline looked at me and gasped.  Then she waited.  Then she looked at E and dad and waited.  No one said a word.  She quietly said, "Piper, would you grab that leg right there and dad, grab that leg.  Let's push this baby out." She was complete.  COMPLETE.  The emergency section that bumped us saved E from having one herself (and come to find out, saved another mother with the EXACT same problem from having one too!!!!).  Have to admit we all cried again!!  After a few pushes and rests, baby started to crown.  With some more intense pushing, baby was born VAGINALLY at 9:09p weighing in at 7lbs 11oz and 20 1/2 inches.  The nurse mentioned she was overcooked, but really, she was great and ready to come out.  Also, we found out WHY she wouldn't cooperate!  Her head emerged beautifully, but as she pushed the shoulders out, Pauline and I watched as her right hand whipped around the front of her body as it had been on her opposite shoulder, most likely up by her head the entire time. We had our answer and it wasn't because mom's body wasn't working! It was baby not cooperating!!! LOL

so there you go.  The most emotional birth I've ever attended.  I am not an emotional person, but I cried 3 times and made it through on 1 hour of sleep, a fruit roll up, water and a piece of pizza.

As I left the hospital that night, I cried some more.  This is why I do what I do.  This is what WE are all called to do.  This is what we are blessed to witness.  My doula high has returned and I'm excited about birth again!!!

Touching on c-sections AGAIN
Topic: Doula Talk

A friend of mine just sent me the link to this article.  Yes, I haven't posted in awhile, yes she sent this to me a mere five minutes ago.  HOWEVER, we both agree that this is VERY well written.   It's an article over ways to avoid a c-section.

As I have stated before, I do believe that there are times when a c-section is a medically necessary means of bringing a baby into this world, however I feel every woman should be given the chance to push a baby out.

Gotta love #5 on their list too. . .right up my alley!  My "certified" alley now ;) 

First Midwife AND VBAC
Topic: Doula Talk

For those that know me well, you know that I was unhappy about my c-section.  You also know that I fully support VBAC'ing (vaginal birth after cesarean).  I had not had a client that was a VBAC client. . .but that changed.

M found my name on a website.  She couldn't afford a doula, but wanted one and I agreed to help her.  When we first met she told me of her other two births.  The first was a c-section. . .one she felt was totally unnecessary and she was unhappy with it.  The second birth, a VBAC, but she bled incredibly and so it was very dramatic also.  She saw it as a VBAC, but was still unhappy with her experience.  She had asked me to help her make her next birth a happy memory, one not filled with drama and trauma.

M had birthed both of her children a week before her due date. . .that's when THEY decided to come, however that point came and went.  She was getting big, very big and uncomfortable.  She called me on the day before her due date and we talked.  She was scared of having to be induced, she wondered aloud if a c-section wouldn't be the best choice.  I told her that we could wait until that time comes, let's see if she goes into labor.  There was still time.

Her due date came and the next morning, Friday, May 25, 2007, her husband called me from the hospital.  Her body had finally decided it was time. I got to the hospital right as contractions started.  Her water had broken on its own, but she had gone hours with no labor.  Finally it was starting.

We walked, we talked, we rocked, we leaned, we sat and they got stronger and stronger.  When she hit the tub, she relaxed enough that her body went into overdrive.  Panic hit and the midwife and I calmed her down.  She held on for an hour, but finally decided she wanted an epidural.  We supported her decision and as soon as it was in place, the midwife checked and she was 7-8 centimeters dialated.  It was almost time.

The beauty part of having the midwife is that she allowed M to labor the baby down. . .she didn't rush pushing. . .she allowed nature to take over.  The baby descended and pushing started. . .no flurry of people came in the room, it was quiet, dimly lit. . .intimate.  But then a bit of drama insued.  The baby didn't want to tolerate her head being compressed so the room filled with people.  The midwife maintained control of the situation and I got M into a position that would help her push baby out. Within 1 minute of people rushing in, the baby came out on her own, no forceps, no vacuum, just a better pushing position.

The victory for me, the point where I know I smiled like a dork, was seeing that baby come out and also being able to see the scar.  The reminder of how her first baby came out.  

She thanked me numerous times for helping. . .for being there. . .for reminding her she could do it.  M told me that she honestly believes that she might have settled for a c-section, and been very disappointed with her choice.  She told me that she never really understood what the importance of a VBAC was for women, but that she now understands.  She "gets" it. . .and she knows it's one of the reasons that she was released 23 hours after giving birth.

It was a wonderful birth, a birth that also showed me the difference in doctors and midwives.  I thank M and her husband L for teaching me these things. 

Fast and furious
Topic: Doula Talk

She knew what she wanted. . .she wanted to know that her body could work.  She wanted to do it alone, untouched by monitors and needles.  She wanted her baby to pick his own due date.  

K had  been through a previous tough pregnancy and birth.  Tough.  Hard.  Long.  She wanted this time to be different.  She wanted a positive memory.  She had asked me to help her reach this goal. . .be there to support her.  I was honored to accept.  I felt a connection with her. . .a connection I couldn't describe.  An unexpected connection since we'd only known each other about 5 weeks.  But we meshed.  I understood her and she understood me.

K and I had enjoyed a nice long, three hour conversation together on that Wednesday morning, February 21.  She was two days from her due date and we really got a chance to talk.

It happened to be a very busy day for me:  her appointment, getting Cale fed and to school, my appointment, watching Easton, family pictures.  Finally, I got some much needed "self" time that night.  However, it didn't last long.  K called me about 9:15 telling me it was time. . .she was ready.

When I got to the hospital, she was in pain, a suprising pain that she was trying to handle, but that scared her.  She paced, crouched, paced some more.  It seemed she was trying to get away from the pain, but she couldn't.  

An hour later, she was begging to push.  She was letting her body do the work.  Her husband, watching with internalized excitement, talked non-stop.  He was nervous, he felt helpless, but he knew her wishes.  He knew she could do this.

And she did.  She got her birth.  A fast birth.  A birth untouched by needles or monitors.  A birth that showed her that her body could birth a baby without pitocin, without augmentation, without interference.  And her words at the end stated it all for me.  She looked at me, eyes glazed over with adrenaline and excitement, as she said, "Did you see that?  I just pushed a baby out of my vagina.  I did it!"

K did it.  She birthed a perfect and gorgeous baby boy, a little over an hour after reaching the hospital.  Fast and furious yes, but also miraculous and beautiful.  It can be done and it's magnificent. 

Pregnant in America
Topic: Doula Talk

I try to be open minded when it comes to birth.  My births went two different directions. . .should I give birth again, it will probably go a different direction.  As a doula, I am here to give information so that my client can make an informed decision.

What do I believe?  I believe there are too many interventions.  I believe that women were meant to give birth.  I believe birth makes women stronger. . .it empowers a woman.  I do not view cesarean sections as birth.  A c-section is a surgical removal of the baby from the mother's womb. . .I do not classify Pruitt's entrance as me birthing him.

It's ok if I don't agree with others and their opinions.  That's fine.  But I do find it interesting to see the number of people standing up for birth and speaking out against insurance companies, doctors and hospitals.  Yes, I do think you can have a great birth experience in a hospital and with the right doctor, but the right doctor can be hard to find.

A fellow doula-friend of mine forwarded me this link.  It's to the trailer for the film Pregnant in America.   Here's the synopsis, copy and pasted from the site:

"Pregnant in America examines the betrayal of humanity's greatest
gift--birth- --by the greed of U.S. corporations. Hospitals, insurance
companies and other members of the healthcare industry have all pushed aside the best care of our infants and mothers to play the power game of raking in huge profits.

His wife pregnant, first-time father & filmmaker Steve Buonaugurio sets out to create a film that will expose the underside of the U.S. childbirth
industry and help end its neglectful exploitation of pregnancy and birth.

Pregnant in America is the controversial story of life's greatest miracle in the hands of a nation's most powerful interests."

Watch it and see what you think.  There's nothing wrong in researching.  You might learn something about yourself in the process.

My first birth
Topic: Doula Talk

For those that don't know, I am currently training to be a doula.  A doula is a woman that is a labor support person for a laboring mom.  I never had a doula with my births, but I know how much I would have benefited from having one.

C and I met when she came to my house for a babywearing class.  I mentioned to her my trauma from my c-section and how I wanted to become a doula so that I can help others from being cut unnecessarily.  Right there on the spot she asked if I would be her doula.   That was August. 

C's due date was 11/14, however she was measuring big.  At 36 weeks, baby was breech and after a visit to a chiropractor, baby turned.  The doctor threatened her with lots of scary things, but she'd always ask for information and statistics and knew that he just wanted her to have the baby on his timeline.

After a weekend of early labor and a false trip to the hospital, C finally decided to go with the induction on Tues.  I let her make her decision, and went up to the hospital at 8:30am to support her.  C wished for a natural labor, no drugs, no epidural, minimal interventions. 

Unfortunately, she got stuck at 6cm for about 5 hours.  She was such a trooper and handled the pain well.  I was nervous because she had really started to need me to reassure her she was doing well and that baby was fine.  Yes, I've been through labor twice and a vaginal birth once, but it is different when you're the one supporting, but I stayed by  her side all day.  I was shocked at my stamina, especially since I'd had a very small breakfast and nothing but water the rest of the day.

C did finally decide she wanted an epidural around 5:45pm.  The doctor planted a seed with her at a weak point and she started insisting.  I assured her that she'd done fine and that if she wanted one she could have one.  I was asked to leave while they administered the epi, but was asked back in after it was in place.  She was still having contractions and was needing help breathing through them.

Not one minute after I entered the room, she gave me a "look" and I asked what she was feeling.  She said, "I NEED TO PUSH!"  I quietly told her not to push, let's pant like a dog instead and I got the nurse.  She was checked and totally complete, before the epi even took full effect.  She stayed nice and calm and relaxed while the dr headed to the hospital, about 10 minutes passed.  When the dr came in he was shocked.  I believe he honestly thought she'd end in a c-section.

Six pushes later, at 6:20pm, a baby girl was born into the world, all 9lbs 4.5oz of her.  It took everything in me not to cry. . .however I did tear up.  It was so amazing to be asked to be a part of a human's first minutes in this world. . .to be there as a new life begins.

Words can't accurately describe the feeling I had when I saw the baby and looked at C.  To see that connection of a mother and her child the MINUTE it happens.  To see dad gasp. . .to see the big sister's eyes shine.  To know that I had helped, to know that I was wanted there to share in these intimate moments, to know that I helped mold a memory. . .to receive a heart-felt thank you after it was over.

There really are no words. . . . . . . 

Fast and furious
Topic: Doula Talk
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Fast & Furious
Topic: Doula Talk
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