How did your labor start?
With one big cramp, a pop and a small amount of fluid came out while filling out Joelle’s baby book and eating her baby shower cake at midnight thirty, the morning of her due date.
How did your labor go? How did you feel during labor?
Labor felt manageable with the unwavering support of my spouse Shane. From 0030, starting with one big cramp, contractions increased in frequency and intensity until 0230 where contractions occurred every 2-4 minutes. We called Maura at this time and left for the birth centre with our 2 year old son who was fast asleep. After a 45 minute drive there, he slept though the labor accompanied by grandma who anxiously awaited her newest grandchild. From there, I spent another 2 hours laboring in the birthing tub. Then in an attempt to exit the tub, our daughter Joelle was born while standing at the edge of the tub. It was a beautiful and calm labor accompanied by Shane (spouse), Heather (photographer), Alannah(nurse) and Maura (midwife)
What was it like to meet your baby?
Being my second delivery, Joelle was delivered quickly. I felt overwhelmed by how fast and furious the delivery was. Meeting her for the first time was magical, overwhelming and unbelievable. Joelle spent her first many minutes on my chest as we both transitioned in the initial postpartum period, she then spend some time with her dad while I recovered enough to find a seated position. She began her first feed by her first hour of life and a couple hours later we were on our way home as a new family of 4.
How did your experience of giving birth compare to your expectations?
The birth centre staff were supportive and also gave a hands off approach unless otherwise requested. It created the opportunity for a calm and intimate experience between Shane and I.
What were the first few weeks with a newborn like for you?
The first many weeks with a newborn and a toddler were overwhelming with sleepless nights and days, a desensitization period for my nipples due to breastfeeding, and the management of a wall to wall bouncing energized toddler. Although it’s a lot to adjust to the arrival of a new life, it’s even more magical to relish the life you’ve grown and continue to help develop. It’s been even more heart warming to watch our toddler shower his little sister with endless care and affection, something we didn’t expect to see. We were in for a beautiful surprise.
