Mara Rae-A Birth Story Part 2

Doris Ann, our doula, arrived at the house sometime around noon.  At this point we had been laboring for about 12 hours and the contractions were starting to get more intense.  She immediately got me out of bed and moving.  We slowly walked our way around the house with her noticing the little details of our home.  This simple conversation helped take my mind off the pain and lightened the mood.  

As each contraction would hit, I would squat down with either her or Josh supporting me.  (Wish I would have practiced squatting more; noted for the next birth) Although uncomfortable I know it was this early squatting that made me progress faster in the end.  Looking back on this time these contractions were so much more manageable in the squatting position.  The gravity actually felt good!

By 2 pm it was looking like we were making progress.  Doris Ann suggested we start thinking about heading into the hospital since I was starting to feel "pushy".  I didn't want to go in too soon but at the same time didn't want to be rushing to get there.  We decided that it was time to go and Josh started loading everything up in the car.  We had so much gear: my bag, Mara's bag, Josh's bag, a snack bag, birthing ball, pillows, etc.  While he ran around the house grabbing the last minute items I continued to labor.  I remember feeling very centered during this time.  I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings but was very focused on ready my body cues.

I knew the ride to the hospital may be very uncomfortable.  I was not excited about being confined to a seat but surprisingly I was able to manage my contractions quite well.  I closed my eyes to the afternoon sun and just let Josh talk me down through each contraction.  I was encouraged by the fact that by the time we got to the hospital the contractions were on top of each other.

Josh quickly parked the car while Doris Ann and I slowly made our way up to Labor and Delivery.  I think at this point we were offered a wheelchair about ten times.  Thankfully Doris Ann did the talking and quickly brushed off each offer.  I didn't want to be confined in a chair.  The contractions were more manageable if I was able to squat during them or just be on my feet.

By the time we got to Labor and Delivery, I was feeling like we would be having a baby pretty soon.  I was getting a lot of pressure down there and we thought maybe my water had broken.  Doris Ann quickly escorted me into the wing telling everyone she had a lady who was probably 7 and pushy.  In the moment I thought she was crazy but am now so thankful for her quick talking.  The floor was busy that night and her comment got me a room immediately!