The Birth of Wynter Rose: December 31st, 2009

I’ve been looking forward to documenting our birth story on paper. It is hard to believe that 3 weeks have passed since the commencement of this joyous event. For those of you who are considering a home-birth, my hope is that our story inspires you to do so. If a home-birth is already in the works for you and your family, congratulations on choosing such an experience. Even better, if Terri and Jenny are your midwives of choice, enjoy the extraordinary pre and post natal care that you are about to receive. You are in very good hands!

Although my “due date” was set for mid-January, I had been feeling that our baby would be early due to a definite shift in how I was feeling, both physically and intuitively. My husband and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary on the eve of December 30th. While chatting over dinner, we both pondered with excitement how and when the actual event would take place. Little did we know that our little one was due to be born within the next several hours! Upon our return home, Wayne and I settled into bed with a movie. I was asleep within minutes, only to awake around 5:30 am with what felt like a very strong period cramp. I knew, even before hitting the toilet that this was the moment we’d been waiting for! A little bloody show and fluid loss confirmed this as I waddled my way to and from the bathroom. With a huge grin on my face, I began to cover my side of the bed in chux pads as Wayne started to stir in sleepy confusion. “Is everything alright?” he asked. I giggled a bit and told him it was indeed “show time” and to get some rest, as I thought it would be a long day for both of us. I left the room briefly to try and walk around the house a bit. My father in law, who was staying with us at the time, was brewing some coffee in the kitchen. I shared the news with him and called my mother…all while having another contraction. It was only 5:45am at this point and I was certain, considering the intensity of the contraction that labor would not be an all day event. Leaving a puddle of water behind, by the time I returned to the bedroom, Wayne was already wide eyed in bed ready to assist in any way he could. I shared with him my suspicion of a quick labor and delivery and he started filling the pool right away. It was so cute to see my husband bounce frantically around with a look of both excitement and concern on his face. As I listened to the sound of rain and wind outside the bathroom window, I thanked God for this moment of bliss. It was all happening as I had imagined.

At 7:10 am, I had Wayne call Terri and let her know my status. Terri instructed us to continue timing them and call back in about an hour with another update. But by 8:00 am Wayne was calling back to say we were ready for them to come. I remember that I was on the floor at that point, wondering why my contractions were already so close together and so strong. I was determined to try and get a pot of soup on the stove before anyone arrived. However, every time I started to make my way to the kitchen… another contraction. Needless to say, the soup never got made. I was in the birthing pool before we called Terri back and felt a bit of panic, as I was sure they’d never make it to the house in time. Jenny and Terri arrived at 8:45 am. The moments between contractions are a blur. I only remember staring out the window at the tree next to our bedroom. I was trying to draw strength from its sturdy trunk (the look of it anyway). Between that, the steady comfort of my husbands voice (he NEVER left my side…Sweetheart, I love you so much!) and the re-assurance of Terri and Jenny’s presence, I was able to make it through each contraction which were coming every minute now. I’m not sure of the time, but as I approached my transition, I had a feeling of wanting to run away! I could not get comfortable no matter what position I tried and my thirst was so great yet I could barely drink due to feeling nausea. I remember feeling shaky and over heated at that point. Unable to control my instinct to run away, I thought that moving out of the water and into the bed would help me resolve my feelings. My back labor was to intense on my knees. Once I moved to the bed, my back labor didn’t really go away but being surrounded by the midwives and my husband was so helpful. They were all so positive and uplifting in their words to me that I was inspired to push through the strong sensations and contractions. By this time, I was ready to push. It’s true that your body guides you perfectly into each push. With a gentle reminder to keep my moans low and strong from my birthing team, our daughter, Winter Rose was born into my husbands hands within 4 pushes at 11:04 am. A short cry from our angel alerted us of her healthy lungs and she was on my chest within seconds. A quick peek between her legs and I joyfully let my husband know that we had A GIRL!!! Wow. She was here and she was healthy!

Wayne and I can never thank Jenny and Terri enough for all they did to help facilitate a healthy and peaceful birth. There was nothing complicated or scary about our experience. Our daughter came into this world with the loving support of her parents and two phenomenal midwives. Jenny and Terri were there to oversee this amazing process and to keep us all safe and re-assured throughout. Wayne and I always felt confident in their guidance, both before and after the birth of our daughter. We can’t wait for our 6 week follow up…just to see them again!

Whatever your birth experience, relax and enjoy! We wish you only the best of your own birth imaginings!

Love,

Wayne, Nicole & Wynter