This is story of my first birth- the most beautiful experience of my life. I remember those last days of my pregnancy patiently awaiting my son’s arrival. I loved to hug my big belly that was so full of life but I was also anxious to meet my baby. The day before my labor started I had an appointment with Terri, Jenny and their apprentice Jenn. They all exclaimed how beautiful and tranquil I looked that day. This was October 19th.

The following morning I started to feel what I thought were Braxton-Hicks contractions about 3:00 am. My husband Ezra had to leave that morning around 5:00 am for work. I felt so many Braxton-Hicks before I didn’t bother to let him know. Everyone had told me up to this point that I would absolutely know that first real contraction and boy did I feel that at about 7:10 am. I waited until about 8:00 am and they were coming consistently, so I called my doula Heather. I wanted to go to a La Leche League meeting and I knew Heather would be there. Heather advised me to stay home and time those contractions. I called Ezra to let him know “hey its time.” When I finally got up out of the bed and into the bedroom I felt that little trickle. I had already called Jenny at this point because she was the closest to me and she told to keep timing the contractions. I called Terri to let her know what was going on as well. Ezra got home very fast. He was here at about 9:00 am. He was so supportive rubbing my back, asking me if I needed anything, so wonderful. I treasure that early labor alone time.

Jenny arrived first to our home. Heather, Jenn and Terri arrived around noon. Jenny checked me around 12:30. I was already at 4 centimeters. I was amazed at my progress!!! Jenny told me the first 5 centimeters are the hardest. However the pain for me was not excruciating. Yes it still hurt; I remember every time I got a contraction I would let everyone know- not yelling or anything, just calmly saying something like, “Here comes one more.” Time went by and contractions kept getting stronger. I was making great progress. I remember thinking I’m going to hold my son in my arms for the first time around 9:00pm, then rest and go to sleep. As the contractions became stronger, we tried many different pain management techniques. I was taking showers, getting in the birth pool (which was very relaxing), rocking and getting back rubs by Heather. Time was going slower now because I was in such pain and every time a contraction hit I wanted to push because there was just sooo much pressure. I said to everyone, “This baby is going to come out of my butt!” I remember one time just getting over a contraction and I needed to pee. I didn’t make it to the bathroom. I just squatted right where I was and went on a chux pad. At this point in labor, I just didn’t care! This kind of describes how primal I felt.

I remember as time went by I was becoming afraid and just scared that I couldn’t handle this birth and things wouldn’t go as planned. However, I had a wonderful group of supporters especially my husband who reminded me that God is with me always and that it’s almost time to meet our son. Around 8:00pm, I think I was a little over 9 centimeters dilated. My son had his little hand up which was blocking me from getting completely to ten centimeters. Also my water had yet to break. Every time Terri or Jenny would check me that bag of waters would bulge out during a contraction. At one point they mentioned that I could just pop it myself and I did! What a relief that was. I was finally at ten centimeters about 15 minutes later. He also moved his little hand out of the way. The contractions were coming non-stop and the pain was intense. The urge to push was overwhelming, and now I could push! Hallelujah! The adrenaline was pumping so hard throughout my body. I could tell how eager he was to be born. He was working so hard as well. His little hand ended up on my sciatic nerve. This was the worst pain, however, every time I pushed I didn’t feel the pain. So I just wanted to keep pushing and not stop. I would become annoyed when I had to stop so Terri and Jenny could check his heart rate.

Did I mention that my mother came? Yes, the same woman who fought me tooth and nail and said she wasn’t coming, was there for his birth. She was the best birth attendant! She didn’t fuss or complain but was very glad to be there to watch and to help when necessary. I was so glad that she finally came around (literally). I pushed and his head was out. I didn’t know because I was so caught up in the moment. All of a sudden I hear “Ashley flip over- get on all fours.” I did exactly that and next I hear “Ashley put your leg up in a running start” and I did. The room was so quiet. I knew we were almost at the end and he would be in my arms soon. Then they told me to put my other leg up I did and I felt his body leave mine! The biggest rush of all! I remember that Terri caught him and I reached down on the bed and held my beautiful son! That was the best moment of my life to look into his eyes and be at peace. Everybody was cheering and happy and Terri asked if we wanted to say a prayer and I did! It was so wonderful just lying in my own bed with those who love and support me while holding my little blessing from God!