What a week it's been! I stepped out of the shower last Wednesday morning, October 28th at 5:30 and my water broke! It started as a trickle and I thought "hmmmm?" and then it really started coming. I knew something was up because I had been experiencing some strong, different contractions over the previous few days. On Tuesday night I had my awesome midwife Sara Holt check me and I was at 3cm 80% effaced. "We're going to have a baby soon!" she said. But still, 2 weeks early was a surprise! We got ready, took the kids to school, went by the office to tie up a few things and then labored at home until about 10am. I have to thank my dear friend Amy for talking me through this part of my labor. She was an awesome coach over the phone and kept me distracted and laughing while that was still possible. My contractions were about 7 minutes apart at that point but when I got up and walked around they picked up considerably. Given the quick nature of our previous labors we decided to head to the hospital. When we checked in at the hospital at 10:30 I was at 4cm. Our doula Xylina joined us in the delivery room and was a tremendous support to both me and Quyen. By noon I was fully dilated and pushing... that was an intense 2-1/2 hours let me tell you! We had practiced the hypnobirthing technique during my pregnancy which is what allowed me to stay as focused as possible and labor with out intervention. Sadly, after some time pushing, we soon discovered that baby was posterior which means that she was lying with her back against my spine. That explained the extreme back labor I was experiencing! I was pushing but she was not moving down the birth canal. My midwife Sara then called an OB collegue of hers in to consult on how we should proceed. They decided to first try reaching in and turning baby manually. They would have to give me an epidural for the procedure. This was not what I had wanted or planned for but at that point I could only welcome the help. It was so incredibly painful that I don't want to imagine what it would've been like without the meds! They got the baby turned and it was time to push again. I was so motivated to NOT have a c-section! I pushed for 20 minutes and we had our baby girl!! Such an amazing moment! It's incredible how quickly it all goes away once you are holding that little one! Amia is an absolute sweet heart. We are all so in love!
Born 10.28.09 @2:24pm
7lbs 12oz, 20-3/4"
Meeting their new baby sister.
Going home!
Tavian likes to call his sister "little baby"
and tells me "Mama baby cute, baby nice, baby silly."
Our girls
Olivia is constantly talking to Amia... "Hi baby girl!"
She is awesome with her!
