Cara's Story

After birthing our first child at The Birth Center, I had a clearer idea and picture of what I desired with my second labor and birth. Any first time mom can relate that you never really know what to expect until it's happening. As I prepared for a second labor with the usual: NORA tea, dates, walking, and labor prep exercises, I couldn't help but notice my need to focus more time on prayer, intention, meditation, and visualization of bringing a new baby into the world. 

My first labor could not have been any more different than my second. With my first, my water broke spontaneously and labor pains went from 0 to 100 (just like in the movies!). For 12 hours I labored until I brought my beautiful Ada into the world. For the second time around, there were specific things I prayed for: a shorter labor, for labor to intensify gradually, and for my water to break near the end of labor.

Pre-Labor:

It was a Thursday night and my mom had already flown in from Houston that Monday. The whole family was (im)patiently waiting for Bennett to make his arrival asking if any ache or pain was "labor." We were eating dinner together as a family when I felt a big pop, hoping it wasn't my waters. Upon checking that it was indeed not my waters, I immediately began having irregular contractions. Unsure if this was the real deal or not, I decided to lay down in bed and rest in case we were in for a long night. We also decided at that moment to bring Ada to a friend's home just in case. My husband, Dan, finished watching the Cowboys game and fell asleep while I silently labored next to him in bed. I needed the peace of being alone as I mentally prepared for the rest of the night. I was able to close my eyes for thirty minutes when at 11:00 PM I was awoken by a huge contraction! With Dan and my mother both sound asleep, I got my timer out to begin tracking contractions and it was then when I could no longer lay in bed. I made my way to the edge of the bed to sway and dance labor into motion. Softly and deeply moaning while reminding myself to relax my jaw. 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, and then 3 minutes apart I was finally thinking this may actually be "labor" and surprised at how well I was handling contractions this time around. 

Active Labor:

After laboring on my own and meeting the contraction waves head on, it was at 1:30 AM where I could no longer do this on my own. I woke my husband up and he encouraged that we call our doula, Jenny. Jenny arrived quickly at 2:00 AM to a softly lit room where she found me sitting and laboring on our bed. Her caring touch addressing my lower back contraction pains brought immediate relief, comfort, and safety. After hearing me labor for 2 minutes she asked if we were ready to go to The Birth Center. Unsure if I was even that close, she gently nudged with a smile that it was possibly time.

We arrived at The Birth Center at 2:30 AM as Jenny began getting the room and bath prepared. Dan turned on my worship music playlist to set the tone — This was happening and it was happening soon! Jenny asked if I was ready to get in the tub but I wanted to wait until things progressed because of my desire to experience a water birth, still thinking I had a ways to go. Shortly after, Katie arrived and asked If I  was ready to get in the tub and I immediately said yes. Feeling the warm water on my back, belly, and pelvis brought so much comfort. I continued my low deep breathing while adding in horse lips at the end of contractions that were especially challenging. I remembered tracing my fingers at the bottom of the tub to keep my hands, jaw, and hips relaxed to ease baby down. Jenny handed me a spiky ball to help with labor which I highly recommend! I was needing a lot of support and touch which Jenny provided. Holding my arms and encouraging me while my husband faithfully continued counter pressure. Cortni arrived to check on myself and baby, always verbalizing that we both sounded perfect with a warm smile to keep my nerves at bay. Katy asked if I wanted to be checked and I agreed, mentally preparing myself for a low dilation number. To my surprise she stated I was at an 8 almost 9! And continued to give praise about how awesome I was doing and that baby would be here so soon! The peace, comfort, and support I felt in those vulnerable moments will never be lost upon me. 

Transition:

As I began to roar during each contraction my body began wanting to push, however, we could all tell my "pushes" were not efficient. Katy suggested that I get out of the water to see if land provided more efficient pushes. As I was leaning over the sink, embracing another contraction, my waters broke! We all knew baby was arriving soon. Katy verbally announced that it was indeed my waters that broke to ensure I knew what was happening. She asked if she could check me again and I agreed. Upon checking she discovered I was at a 10, but I had a cervical lip and asked if it was okay to move to the bed so she could move the lip. I stuck my pointer finger in the air and swirled it around in a "let's get this over with" motion as I waddled quickly to the bed. Once Katy moved my cervical lip I couldn't help but smile as I could tell I was truly open and ready for baby. After a couple of pushes I could feel the "ring of fire" where I held his head and began to pant to allow my body to stretch. Another push and his head was out. Another push and he was finally earth side at 4:00 AM! Immediate relief! Katie quickly unwrapped the twice-wrapped cord around his neck as he began to cry. He was placed on my chest as I began to weep with joy as my husband and mom looked in awe! As I embraced Bennett in the quiet of night everyone cheered with joy. Soon after, the placenta was birthed. Katy, Jenny, and Cortni all helped with the immediate postpartum needs and treated me like a queen to ensure I was comfortable and allowed Bennett to feel safe in his mama's arms. 

By 6:00 AM we were all at home, tucked comfortably in our own bed as the sun began to rise and our sweet Ada just waking up to a new baby brother. I was still feeling the birth high and thanking God for all of my answered prayers. Redemptive and empowering were the words I kept repeating as friends and family were checking in after hearing the news! 

As I recall all the events that took place, I can't help but feel so much love for everyone at The Birth Center for always taking special care of our family. Even those that were not there specifically for the labor. Thank you for always making us feel safe, heard, and supported.