My First Birth
Tomorrow is the birthday of my oldest son. Born June 23 1985 at 10:28 am. 24 years later it remains one of the most empowering, remarkable and without a doubt one of the most joyful days of my life.
When I awoke on June 22 I noticed some tightening around my abdomen, they were mild and sporadic somewhat like the ones I have been having for the past few weeks. Being 10 days past my due date I remember thinking I might never go into labor, but I reminded myself, that nobody stays pregnant forever even though I felt like that was the case.
The contractions did feel somewhat different and I remember thinking that maybe this is it, I also felt different, even though I slept OK I was tired yet had a lot of energy. I felt like I needed to get things done I vacuumed ! An event at that time my life that I saved for only when I knew company was coming! I also made a list of some items like film and batteries that we needed at the store. I got ready to go and walked (waddled) to the car but did not have the energy to go into the store. I let Gary do that as I sat in the car waiting . It was a hot summer day and I was feeling VERY big. When I got home I felt like I need to settle in so I turned on some fans and lied in my bed. I remember my cat staying close beside me under some covers in my bed. Cori had been with me for years before I got married and I knew she knew that something was different today. I took some pictures of her , I can recall those photos in my mind.
About 7:00 pm the contractions were still coming although I kept thinking I was having “gas pains” I no longer felt comfortable lying down so I walked around and then tried to sit and watch some television. By 11:00 the “gas pains” “were having a pattern to them . Still comfortable at home I continued to walk, sit, lay down , I still was not sure if this was really it , but something inside of me said “It must be”
By 4am the contractions were still coming , Gary would time a few here and ther he was getting a little nervous and suggested we get to the hospital. I told him I wanted to wait a while since my biggesst fear would be told that I was not really in labor and be sent home .You see I felt the tightening but it was very managebale and I was trusting my body.
At 6 :00 am I took a shower, seeing some bloody show, I decided it would be a good time to get going. We got to the hospital at 6:30am and after a very long walk down the hall a vaginal check revealed I was 6 cm. 24 years ago interventions were quick and without much explanation. IV, internal monitor, and external monitor. Without even a blink of an eye they broke my water, I quickly went into transition, I felt the contractions intensifyand as Gary tried to help me with the ridiculous Lamaze breathing I started to hyperventilate. Something inside of me said to focus inward. I listened, I held Gary’s hand to let him know I needed him there,and closed my eyes . I just concentrated on breathing normal and listening to the music we had. It was the soundtrack form the Big Chill. Music has always been a relaxing thing for me I was able to let it take me to a good place in my mind. So I tuned in the music and turned out the room . The next thing I remember is I opened my eyes at 10:00 with an incredible urge to push. I was not sure what I was doing or how but I remember the positve encourgment from the doctor and nurses. Words like your are so strong, you can do this. With this strength I birthed my son 28 minutes later. I soon held him in my arms I can remember and seeing his wide eyes looking at me, and fell in love.
I tell you this story because you will always remember the day your child is born .I wish for you all the birth you and your baby deserves, one that is filled with love and peace. Happy Birthday Ian.
