The Unassisted Birth of Fayth Angelica

The birth of Fayth is a marvelous, yet simple testimony of God’s providence in our lives. She came into the world in an unusual way, in a warm pool, into her daddy’s hands. We planned it that way. Wanting her birth to be intimate, and peaceful with God, Dave and I.

This way we could relax, focus on each other, and listen to my innermost voice, my God given instinct to bring forth our baby from my body. Unhindered by outside so called professional help. This is how we choose to bring the gift of our love into this world.

My labor began just as we were going to bed. Despite my wanting to sleep. My rushes were ten minutes apart, I was unable to sleep through them. I told Dave, just as he was falling asleep, that I thought this was it. I went to the bathroom and had quite a bit of show. For the next hour and a half my rushes stayed the same. Dave and I wondered if the birth would be a long way off. I squatted, and envisioned myself opening up with each rush hoping to get them closer and stronger. My waters were unbroken, this is my first labor with intact waters. So I am really not used to the first stage of labor. Dave had suggested a few times, out of impatience! That I break my water. Our previous babies were born within an hour and a half of the onset of labor, so it seemed to be taking a long time. I was hesitant though because I was curious to see how my labor would go with my water unbroken. We decided to see what my dilation was, to see if I was making progress, we checked twice and then knew I was.

During this time Dave was getting ready our pool, lighting candles, setting up our video camera, and pouring me juice & ice cold water. He softly spoke to me and encouraged me through each rush. Our two year old was sleeping in our room with us.

At midnight the rushes got closer together with greater intensity. Dave said it was because I wanted our baby to be born on Chloe’s birthday, our now seven year old daughter. I got into the pool, and then had a space of ten or more minutes, I was afraid I stalled because the water felt so relaxing. Soon the rushes started up again, five to three minutes apart. I began really needing to concentrate on the rushes, knowing I was in transition now. I was feeling an increase in pressure and reached in to feel her head with a small amount of cervix still there my water bag barely bulging over her head. I asked Dave if he wanted to feel and I turned over so he could, right after that I had a very strong rush and flipped over back onto my knees, were I felt the most comfortable. My water still had not broken, the bag felt very strong. With the next contraction the pressure was immense, I could not envision the baby, and the water bag intact coming through me. I reached in a pinched it, and broke it, very little water came out, her head was so low. I loved feeling her fuzzy little head through this tiny little hole in the bag.

I realized I was near the end of transition, but could not tell Dave. He sat in a chair next to the pool comforting, and encouraging me, not yet realizing I was pushing. Once Dave realized I was pushing he jumped into the pool behind me. I was on my knees and then turned over as the pressure increased. My legs began to shake, I kept my hands on her emerging head this whole time. Dave encouraged me to breath and not push as her head was being born. Dave helped me stay on top of this burning, encouraging me to breath it away. I gave an instinctual push and we waited and breathed, one more time and her head was out all the way. Dave was so wonderful, calmly reassuring me her head was out, to try and relax, and that she was making that instinctive turn, a point that leaves us both in awe. As if God’s hand is helping her out.

I felt I needed to push again, I did but she did not budge. Dave, sensing my current distress, told me he would try and help her shoulder out. I felt a much needed relief, I gave a small push, as he led my perineum over her shoulder with some counter pressure, this did the trick. She came out into the water, her daddy guiding her. He felt all the hot hind waters rush past his hands as her shoulders came out. He told me to look and see her, arms stretched out under water and we picked her up.

She was beautiful, and crying loud. Her biggest sister came in hearing her cries, her littlest sister woke up too. It was 1:33 am March 14th a birthday she shares with her big sister. We just felt so blessed and in the presence of God’s love with this little baby whom He knit together in my womb. She is perfect and so sweet, I will always cherish those first peaceful moments, just our family, in joy.

My placenta was birthed shortly after her birth. I have no tears, and felt my perineum healed in the first week. Which gave me to much confidence and I had to back up a bit and rest more. Which is good, I now relax in the presence of my little baby, and just enjoy her, and the blessings she brings. With a thankful heart for God’s faithfulness.

Kim

 

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