The biggest blessing was the birth of my happy, healthy baby girl. Emma Christine Thompson was born September 2 at
4:48 AM weighing 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 19 inches long. She was born with long dark hair and
big chubby cheeks. Getting to the point of actually being
in labor was a long difficult process for me. I was sure she would she would
come early, and since the doctors told me the measles put me at risk for pre-term labor, Justin was so sure I'd have her at least one week maybe two
weeks early... bad thinking. I was not very happy being overdue and had quite a
few emotional breakdowns because I was still pregnant. I went to the hospital and was turned away twice the two days leading up to actually being admitted.(If you're not interested in the rest of the birth story feel free to stop reading now.)
I was having more emotional breakdowns because I felt like I was never going to have this baby, and Justin was depressed as well. So we decided since it was a holiday, Labor Day, we should get out and do something to take our minds off of it. We went to Farmington station and walked around the shops and then went to see a movie. I was still having contractions that I had to breathe a little bit through and they always seemed to happen during the quiet parts of the movie. After that we did another lap and came home to take a nap since we had been up and at the hospital the previous two nights. As I was standing next to the bed I felt and heard a pop then felt a little gush. Hallelujah, my water had finally broke and I was actually going to meet my baby girl! We went to the hospital a couple hours later. I was 4 to 5 cm and 90% at that point. Since we had so many false alarms, Justin and I were tired already but I knew I wanted to have a natural birth. I got on the birthing ball while they monitored the baby and checked me in. My midwife Julie got there a little after 9 PM and started the tub. The nurses couldn't get an IV needle in my hand so the anesthesiologist had to come to put it in when I was in the tub. My contractions were getting stronger and I couldn't get much counter pressure in the tub so I got out and lay on my side in the bed. My midwife and Justin did counter pressure through each contraction and that really helped me. I was progressing well and thought maybe I could get the baby out by midnight but that was not the case. My contractions has slowed down and were not being very effective so we decided to use some Pitocin. When the Pitocin started to work, I felt like pushing again. The nurse, Karla, was holding one leg and Justin the other. They could start to see the head again and the nurse encouraged me to look in the mirror. I didn't think I wanted to watch but I'm so glad that I did. It was so cool to see and know what was happening. Finally the head got into position but my contractions were still kind of far apart at times so as she was crowning I had to push through a couple contractions with her head stuck right there. I definitely felt the burn and that was probably the most painful part as I watched her head stuck there waiting for the next contraction. I was determined to get her out with the next one and out she came! They placed her on my chest and it was amazing! I didn't quite know what was going on around me but I was so glad she was finally out. Justin cut the cord and they took her to check her out really quick. Then asked if they could weigh and measure her or if I wanted her back and I said “give her back to me!” I had such an emotional high after giving birth and felt like I could totally do it again.
Childbirth was one of the hardest things I've done but also one of the coolest and most rewarding things. I did my research and prepared for it. I knew what I wanted to do but also that I couldn't control it all either. My sweet husband did great and I didn't even get mad at him. I wasn't sure how that dynamic would play out but we were an awesome team. The midwife that I chose was amazing and right by my side the whole time! Without her it would have been a lot harder and I don't think I would have loved my birth experience as much if she weren't there. If anyone is looking for midwife in the Salt Lake area, I would highly recommend you check her out.
I know that everyone's body is different and not everyone can have an experience like mine. However I do think that anyone who wants to have an natural childbirth and prepares for it, can do it!
Now that I have a child of my own I understand a little bit better the love that my Father in heaven has for each of his children. It still amazes me how much love I have for this little girl and how easily it comes. Sure she can drive me crazy when she wont sleep at night but I can't help but smile when I see her cute face. Being a mom sure has its ups and downs but its a job I wouldn't trade for the world.
