How did your labor start?
I had some mild cramps early on a Tuesday morning… Nothing like the prodromal labor contractions I had with my first baby.
How did your labor go? How did you feel during labor?
The intermittent cramping continued throughout the day until about 7pm, when I dropped my toddler off at her grandma’s house. Then it intensified. It was like my body felt the green light. We went up to get checked by Maura and I was disappointed that I was not dilated at all. We went home and I continue to labor and it was getting stronger. I tried to lay down but my legs started shaking and I went to the ground on all 4s. At this point I thought, we should have already left to go back to the Coit House. On the drive back I felt the urge to push about 20 minutes out and I was thinking how am I going to get my shorts off in this truck?! We arrived at the birth center at 2am, I barely made it up the stairs and into the tub. I could feel my waters pop, then his head and hair, pushed a few times and at 2:11, Tanner was born. Amazing!
Who was with you and how did they offer support?
My fiance Evan was with me the entire time, and my doula Colleen was on the line too. For such a fast second birth, I really felt like since I knew the ropes this time, I could connect to myself and be tuned into my body. I felt everyone’s presence around me but was very tuned in to my own breathing and the sensations happening to me.
What was it like to meet your baby?
Absolutely incredible! We left the sex a surprise this time and were so elated to meet our first son. He looked exactly like his sister as a newborn.
How did your experience of giving birth compare to your expectations?
I had no idea that the 2nd birth could be so unpredictable. What a wild card!
What were the first few weeks with a newborn like for you?
Bringing home a newborn to a toddler was a whole different ball game, but what surprised me was how much less anxiety and stress it was from my first. I felt more comfortable and could enjoy the early days more.
Is there anything else you want to share?
I had a very successful 2.5 year breastfeeding experience with my first, so I was caught off guard that I needed to see a lactation consultant for tongue and lip tie with my second. At 6 months, he’s doing great, so I just want to shout from the rooftops – get lactation support early! It’s so important!
