For those who are interested I figured I would tell you about the experience of having a home birth with our new little man Arden.
The reason I chose to do a homebirth for our 2nd was because I was very unhappy about the hospital birth I had for Leyona. It went well, and I had no complications, but I despised everything about being in a hospital to give birth and for the recovery.
Giving birth is a very tiring and emotional accomplishment, and I found that doing it at home provided the best atmosphere to have a quiet and peaceful birth that could be enjoyed for what it is. Everything about this time around was different, including the length of the labor and birth and the speedy recovery I have been experiencing this week.
With all that said, here are a few details.
I started having regular contractions on Sunday evening around late afternoon/dinner time. They continued on at around 10 or 12 minutes apart, but with no great pattern to them. I went to bed and dozed on and off between contractions for short periods of time. I was keeping an eye on the clock though to see if they grew in intensity or frequency.
Then, around 1:30 am I awoke to a very painful contraction which caused my water to break. I quickly woke Josh up and asked for a towel and the phone to call my Midwife. She told me to call back when the contractions were 3 or 4 minutes apart, and in the meantime to have Josh set the pool up and fill it with hot water.
I ended up calling my Midwife back a few minutes later b/c the contractions grew to be 3 or 4 minutes apart and very intense. She said she was on her way!
When she arrived she checked over everything and helped prepare the room with a few last minute things. I ended up getting in the pool shortly after that to help ease the pain. That was around 3:30 am. Soon the contractions came quick and very intense, and before I knew it I felt the urge to push. My midwife checked me and I was 10 cm, so I went with the urges...and this little guy came out in just a few pushes!!!
Josh held me up so I would not spill the pool water, and my Midwife caught the baby in the water for me and handed him to me (since I was backwards and could not grab him myself). She immediately wrapped him up and I held him on me to keep him warm. A few minutes later, Josh cut the cord and then we began the getting out of the pool process. The rest I will leave out...
It was an awesome experience that I wish everyone could experience...but I know that it is not for everyone or for every birth situation. I will cherish it and retell it many times I am sure...
The reason I chose to do a homebirth for our 2nd was because I was very unhappy about the hospital birth I had for Leyona. It went well, and I had no complications, but I despised everything about being in a hospital to give birth and for the recovery.
Giving birth is a very tiring and emotional accomplishment, and I found that doing it at home provided the best atmosphere to have a quiet and peaceful birth that could be enjoyed for what it is. Everything about this time around was different, including the length of the labor and birth and the speedy recovery I have been experiencing this week.
With all that said, here are a few details.
I started having regular contractions on Sunday evening around late afternoon/dinner time. They continued on at around 10 or 12 minutes apart, but with no great pattern to them. I went to bed and dozed on and off between contractions for short periods of time. I was keeping an eye on the clock though to see if they grew in intensity or frequency.
Then, around 1:30 am I awoke to a very painful contraction which caused my water to break. I quickly woke Josh up and asked for a towel and the phone to call my Midwife. She told me to call back when the contractions were 3 or 4 minutes apart, and in the meantime to have Josh set the pool up and fill it with hot water.
I ended up calling my Midwife back a few minutes later b/c the contractions grew to be 3 or 4 minutes apart and very intense. She said she was on her way!
When she arrived she checked over everything and helped prepare the room with a few last minute things. I ended up getting in the pool shortly after that to help ease the pain. That was around 3:30 am. Soon the contractions came quick and very intense, and before I knew it I felt the urge to push. My midwife checked me and I was 10 cm, so I went with the urges...and this little guy came out in just a few pushes!!!
Josh held me up so I would not spill the pool water, and my Midwife caught the baby in the water for me and handed him to me (since I was backwards and could not grab him myself). She immediately wrapped him up and I held him on me to keep him warm. A few minutes later, Josh cut the cord and then we began the getting out of the pool process. The rest I will leave out...
It was an awesome experience that I wish everyone could experience...but I know that it is not for everyone or for every birth situation. I will cherish it and retell it many times I am sure...
(If anyone is interested, there is a great documentary out about homebirth vs hospital...it is called "The Business of Being Born"...available on Netflix...I highly recommend it even if you think you would never do home birth or birthing center)
I am sure everyone has heard by now that our little man arrived at 4:00 am on December 15th, 2008. We are very excited that he is here with us and to finally have met him and given him a name. Arden Caleb Josiah Godbolt was 8 lbs 6 oz at birth and 21.5 inches. He is a beautiful, healthy baby boy and we are enjoying him very much.
Just a quick update...I am feeling pretty good. Some nights I sleep good, some I do not. But, overall, I am good for being 4 days away from my due date. Josh's parents and brother are coming in this afternoon to hopefully be here for the arrival of our baby boy...unless this guy hangs in really late! (hoping not). I hope to atleast enjoy a few days with his family before the big day arrives. I will be sure to let everyone know as soon as 'the boy' gets here...I know you are anxious to hear a name and so are we since we have not decided on one just yet. Blessings...
39 Weeks on 12/9...feeling pretty good but about ready to be done waddling around :)
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