Spring Time Maine Home Birth

Victoria reached out to me earlier in her pregnancy once she learned that I offer doula supports for birthing families. We connected right away and talked about her plans to birth at home unmedicated. We chatted weekly if not more about what her home birth would look like for her and the things she would like to be surrounded with such as plants, positive affirmation cards, and essential oils. Victoria LOVED watching birth story videos and she completely immersed herself in the home birth world as she prepared to welcome her son into the world. She consistently listened to her body and was diligent in remaining focused on her goal to have her dream home birth. When Victoria found Rebecca, her midwife, she asked if I knew her, and I was so happy to share my absolutely positive experiences with her as I had actually done 2 births with her previously! Rebecca has a calmness about her that just puts you at ease. So when I found out she would be the midwife working with Victoria, I was over the moon with joy! Victoria’s daughter, Finley, was born the day after her due date so we were thinking it would be possible her son might make a similar timed entrance as well. And boy, we were right! Victoria began labor the night she went to sleep on her due date and woke up with some regular surges 5-6 mins apart and lasting over a minute long. She kept herself busy and moving throughout the morning and listening to some meditations in her head phones as she tried to get things going, so she could welcome her baby into the world soon. Victoria and I decided it was time for me to arrive so we could begin preparing her space so it would be just the way she envisioned it to be. She did stair climbing and some ball sitting. She read some yoga cards and burned some sage in the kitchen while her daughter played the day away while staying in tune with what mom was doing. Victoria had prepared her daughter, who is almost 3, with lots of education, videos, and positive affirmation cards, so she knew exactly what was going on. Victoria utilized the toilet for lots of laboring, as that is a wonderful position to encourage baby to move downward. After a little bit, Victoria inquired about getting into the tub, but she was worried about getting in too early, and stalling things. So we decided we would get it ready without rushing and have it ready for when she did want to get in. I encouraged her to listen to her body and to get in anytime she wanted to for some natural relief in the water. Later into the evening, Rebecca and I discussed the possibility of leaving for a little bit to give her and her partner, Jake, some alone time and to let things progress even more with some privacy. Rebecca headed off to her mother-in-laws house nearby and I couldn’t find a local hotel so I relaxed on the couch, while Jake and Victoria rested in bed together. Both of their moms, who had been present all afternoon, headed off to their homes for some rest as well. Not even 30 minutes into resting, Victoria came out of her bedroom saying she thought she was peeing herself, but as a birth professional, I knew that was likely not what was happening, but more likely she was possibly losing her first bag of waters or just losing more of her mucus plug. She went to the bathroom and was having some bloody show and I told her to text Rebecca. Things had started to pick back up for her, and she called her mother back over as well as Jake’s mom too. Rebecca and her mom arrived shortly after. Victoria listened to the same 20 minute hypnobirthing recording over and over from this moment until the birth. She remained on the toilet embracing the surges, with Jake sitting in front of her holding hands and encouraging her as she breathed and hummed through each wave. It wasn’t until she started sounding pushy towards the end of her waves before she moved to the birth pool. She had some VERY strong waves that sounded pushy when she got into the pool. I watched Rebecca as she retrieved a warm newborn blanket from her bag and put it under the back of her shirt. In between surges, Victoria took her rest seriously, almost going into a deep sleep in between, and we kept her resting moments quiet and peaceful for her. As another wave came, Victoria said out loud, “WHY!?” and I knew then that was when she began to transition. Victoria wanted Rebecca check her cervix as she said, “I just want you to check me and tell me I’m a 10!” Rebecca told her that she was sure she was already there and she could reach down and feel his head. After Victoria felt him, Rebecca told her to feel her baby and to push him out. So she did, with one final last surge, Victoria pushed her baby out and turned around, pulling him up out of the water on to her chest. At last, “Alder!”, she said. He was here! He was a little in shock and had very quiet noises.  Rebecca quickly moved into action and had Victoria get out of the tub and she worked on vigorously rubbing him and shortly began some oxygen resuscitations only for about 15 seconds and he let out a loud full cry! All was well. Born at 1:17 AM. He was here and both he and mom were okay! Minimal bleeding and a small tear that did not require stitches. Shortly after, Victoria pushed out her placenta, all in one piece, her birth was complete. After a few minutes of recovery, the birth team moved her to her bed. Alder weighed 8 lbs 8 oz. and was 21 1/4 inches long. Perfectly healthy and such a happy sleepy new guy! His every little detail was made to perfection. About an hour had passed and they woke big sister Finley to introduce her to her baby brother. She melted as her daddy set her on the bed and she saw her little sibling. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him. It’s obvious she’ll be a great big sister. I am over the moon to share this special birth story and images and am honored to have been part of such a beautiful home birth with the most incredible family. Midwife: Rebecca Koller of Motherseed Midwifery