In October 2009 we decided we were ready
to invite a life into this world to join ours, and after
only a few short months, our wish was granted. Being
pregnant was the happiest I'd ever been. I felt
wonderful and my body began to look more goddess-like
every day. I had complete trust in my body and the
process of life that not once did I feel the need to
have a scan or any other type of test. The women in my
life gave advice, inspiration and lent me the most
informative books which all helped to create the perfect
vision of our future.
I woke at 5:30 Sunday morning with waves of dull period
pain and the repeated need to empty my bowels – I knew
today was going to be the day. We were 2 weeks overdue,
so well ready to meet our baby! We had a detailed birth
plan which included our desire to have an undisturbed
water birth at home so throughout the morning I went
over the plan in my mind, visualising a smooth and
love-filled birth. I felt calm but also extremely
excited.
Around lunch time I suggested that Justin should set up
the pool which had been leaning against the wall half
inflated since our practice run 6 weeks ago! So we
re-arranged the lounge, laid down the pool and arranged
cushions and blankets into a nest for cuddling prior to
entering the pool.
Mum was summoned around 3:30 as I was beginning to want
for some extra support and by 5pm the contractions had
reached a point that no amount of birthing books could
have prepared me for. I got into the pool and instantly
felt my body soften and relax. What an incredible
feeling!
We had a midwife present but as requested, she remained
out of sight unless she felt her services were required.
I felt as though my body was being used for something
completely out of my control. As I leaned over the side
of the pool on my knees, I felt my legs shooting out
from under me. Even though I was still, it felt like my
body was being thrown around in the water rather
violently – mentally I focused on my breath and
visualised the baby moving down and out – physically I
had no choice but to go with the throw.
I recognised the sounds coming out of me as I'd attended
2 of my sisters births and was now gaining some deeper
understanding of what she had been through.
Justin joined me in the pool and applied pressure to my
back when needed and spooned me when I was able to relax
in the bliss between contractions.
I could feel the head getting closer and as I touched
with my fingers, there it was … and there it remained
for what felt like forever! Like waves on the shore,
baby's head came and went, came and went. I went through
my own waves of emotions – fear that baby was going to
be OK, frustration that maybe I wasn't making any
progress. “This time baby” I pleaded aloud at the onset
of another contraction and as the head came out my whole
body jolted with a bit of shock and relief. Within
seconds
the whole body was out and I felt so light, free and
amazing! Time of birth 10:06pm.
We sat there in the pool together, us 3. Totally
overwhelmed, totally in love. Our baby lay in my arms,
peacefully staring up at Mum and Dad. We had been
blessed with a perfect baby boy.
We had chosen to lotus birth our baby so half an hour
later I birthed the placenta which remained attached to
the umbilical cord which remained attached to our baby.
Everything we asked for, we received. We feel very
blessed. All I can think is that I must have been
awesome in a past life to have deserved all of this!
P.S. Thank you Mum for the cold flannels, the
electrolytes and all the other wonderful things you fed
me to help me through. xxx
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