Even before we got pregnant, John and I decided we would try for a natural birth. We watched documentaries (I highly recommend "The Business of Being Born") and I read a number of books on childbirth. We wanted to minimize the possibility of a cesarean section and therefore knew we had to limit the number of medical interventions during labor, including induction and pain relief.
First step was finding a supportive practice. Though I really liked the OB I was seeing, she delivers only in Virginia. Her office staff was spectacular, and I really liked the solo practice, but decided to transfer to the care of a hospital-based midwifery practice instead.
WISDOM Midwifery is managed by Whitney Pinger and includes Whitney and three other midwives, Laura, Nora and Marsha. Excellent article in our City Paper on Whitney: Real Midwives of D.C.: In Washington, Natural Birth is Big Business.
As soon as the first visit I was pleased with the decision to transfer my care. The group recommends a strict diet and exercise regimen (I so did not achieve the sugar only once a week goal) designed to facilitate a smoother birth by not growing too big a baby and by strengthening my body for delivery. They also provide a genuinely caring, supportive atmosphere that focuses on the needs of women first and foremost. A bit hippy-dippy yes, but refreshing nonetheless.
They also had natural remedies and solutions to everything! As I was nearing two weeks overdue and my fluid levels were dropping (placenta was getting "old"), and since I was only 1 cm dilated and 50 percent effaced, I was tentatively scheduled to be induced Sunday evening, first with a cervix ripener, then pitocin if that didn't work. However, thanks to holistic induction, acupuncture, and a number of other natural techniques, I went into labor on my own early Sunday morning.
Early in the day not much was happening - contractions were sporadic. John and I walked a number of miles all around the neighborhood to get things moving. By 3pm, I was in full blown labor, moving quickly from 10 mins apart to 3-5. I called our doula, Nicole, and she headed to our house.
While waiting for Nicole to arrive, I didn't think I would make it. I wanted the drugs and I wanted John to take me to the hospital on the DL, avoiding Nora (the midwife on call) since I knew she wouldn't let me go for the drugs. But then Nicole arrived. That was a game changer. We had always planned on staying home as long as possible, and we did until my water broke, thanks to Nicole's support. I cannot say enough about how amazing Nicole was, and highly recommend a doula to anyone having a baby and attempting a vaginal delivery - natural or not. Deep love for Nicole and deep love for doulas.
We got to George Washington University Hospital at 7pm. I was in SO much pain. I was also breathing wrong. But it hurt! I was 6cm when I was checked by Nora upon arrival. One benefit of going the natural route is that I was not hooked up to a monitor beyond an initial check, nor did I have an IV, nor was I chained to the bed. I was in the shower, I walked around, I bounced on a birth ball. Then after a half an hour or an hour, the tub was filled and there I remained until Caroline came out a bit before 10pm. Pushing was way less painful than whatever comes before that phase of labor. I think I was glad to have something to do. I am so thankful that Nora supported me in delivering in the water. I didn't know going into it that it was a possibility at all. But once I was in the water I didn't want to get out. Nora was simply amazing and my deep love extends to her as well. Deep love.
After Caroline was out, I had to get out of the tub to deliver the placenta. John cut the cord when it was done pulsing. Caroline didn't leave my body from the moment she was delivered and we got to nurse and snuggle for two hours before she had to be weighed and checked out. (Kris, this is why I couldn't give you any of her stats for so long!) She looks a lot bigger in this photo than her 7 lbs 5 oz! John stayed with her the entire time. I rested and had a turkey sandwich.
Throughout, John was a rock. He was a true partner and held it together when I couldn't. He is a full partner now as we take care of this little life. This is John holding Caroline in the hospital.
I would also like to give a shout out to GW hospital. Great customer service, nice and calm L&D ward, and super clean facilities. Oh and there were fig newtons and strawberry milk in the hospitality area.
The second time around, I hope everything goes as smoothly. I'd use Nora, WISDOM, and Nicole again in a heartbeat. Well, hopefully not as soon as a heartbeat...maybe in a year or two!
