*Details may seem somewhat vague due to the privacy of those involved :)
At my routine 41 week prenatal visit, baby's heart tones were low. I had them re-checked later in the day, and they were still low and his movements were very sporadic. We decided it would be best to go to the hospital for monitoring and an ultrasound. The ride to the hospital was scary for me. It was a 40 minute drive and I felt no fetal movement the whole ride. I was afraid we would not make it to the hospital in time...and if we did, I was sure the doctor would do a c-section to get the baby out ASAP.
What a HUGE relief it was when the monitors picked up the heartbeat!! There was a collective sigh of relief to all in the room. His heart rate was flat and low when the monitoring started and then it picked up and accelerated and decelerated great throughout the 3 hours I was monitored. The doctor I had seen earlier in my pregnancy was at the hospital and he ordered an ultrasound to check fluid levels and cord blood flow as well as Ezra's heart. Everything was completely normal! The doctor, nurse, and my care providers could not explain why he had low heart tones and fetal movement all day and then he was fine. They think that possibly Ezra was lying on the cord or had it in his hand and was squeezing it. The doctor felt there was no reason to keep me or to induce labor, so we were sent home.
On Monday (9 days post due) night I felt like I was starting labor, but one of my kids needed me to be "all there" for them during the night and I think I subconsciously turned off labor...if it was really starting up.
Tuesday morning (10 days post due) I woke up and felt like "today is the day!" Jacob decided to take the kids to his parents to spend the day so that I could have some quiet. While he was gone I took a nice long hot shower - it was wonderful! I started getting myself ready for the day and had a contraction at 9:04. It was a strong one and I thought, "hmm, I think it may be time." Since I thought labor was starting the night before, I wanted to have a few contractions to see if a pattern was forming before I said it was the real deal. By 9:30 I had had 4 contractions and I knew for sure this baby was coming NOW. I asked Jacob to call my mom and sister and tell them to please come fast. The contractions were so intense that I knew we didn't have time to make it anywhere.
I got in my zone and stood at the end of the bed swaying back and forth, focusing through each contraction. Jacob gave me a lot of pressure on my low back as the baby moved down so fast. At 10:00 I started pushing and at 10:13 Ezra was born into his Daddy's hands! It was an incredible experience for me and him! Our care providers were on hand to help with post-natal care which was great!
I have never experienced a birth quite like this one. It was extremely intense, but I would not describe it as painful. I know that sounds super weird, but I'm being honest. The afterpains were worse than labor and delivery - those made me feel like I was dying.
Because of our state laws, I have traveled over the state line to birth my 4 previous babies. I am very thankful we didn't try to go to the hospital or the birth house because Ezra would've been born in the car. I loved being in the comfort of my own home and the birth stayed in line with the laws since Jacob delivered Ezra.
I tried everything to help my body produce milk, but again, I just didn't have more than a tiny bit. Ezra was on donated breastmilk for awhile and now he is doing great on goat's milk.
Now for some pictures :)
Once I needed to push, I got on the bed on my knees and leaned on the ball. I had Great is Thy Faithfulness playing on repeat all through pushing - that song has been a favorite of mine for a long time, but throughout Ezra's pregnancy I had it playing often. Valor and Gentle Baby essential oil blends were perfect for supporting my body through such a fast and furious birth!
Brand new baby boy.
I'm so thankful that my mom and sister could be with me! Nothing compares to the support they were able to give me while Jacob delivered Ezra!
Ezra's first selfie with Daddy.
I was so tired but overflowing with joy, thankfulness and relief that he was finally here safe and sound!
Here are the links to the rest of the kiddos birth stories:
