This last child of min, my last baby, last pregnancy and birth, was my redemption VBAC--my last chance to do things naturally so long as it was in God's plan. I had peace throughout my pregnancy at The Birth Center. I labored until 8 cm at home. Our baby was in position but a little over my pelvic bone and a little bit lopsided. Jamie helped me during contractions to engage his head into my pelvic bone. She broke my water--which I was afraid would hurt but I didn't feel anything except a gush of fluid. She helped me with every position to help engage the baby during active labor and to help me be as comfortable as possible.
She was sweet and coached me well, not to push too fast or slow, when to breathe, and hot to breathe so I wouldn't tear. She helped with perineal massage to help relieve pressure and prevent tearing. She was a positive and encouraging person to have there with me and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
I labored in the water; I delivered him on the bed. We went in at 2:30ish in the afternoon and were home by 8 p.m. I liked being able to go home and rest--no one poking and prodding us. I was surrounded by love and care.
They refrigerated my placenta for me to have it encapsulated and let the placenta and umbilical cord stay attached to my baby for as long as it was safe to do so. He got all that he needed from it. We immediately went skin-to-skin and breastfed as soon as my baby was ready. I had no tearing, no hemorrhaging, or hernias. This was the absolute best experience, and I say it should be the go-to way to deliver low-risk pregnancies.
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