Water Birth
by Alison Jolicoeur
Twelve days before my due date, I went to bed on New Year’s Eve thinking I had made it through the full moon. It is said that the full moon can bring on labor in the pregnant woman as the moon’s gravitational pull effects the water in the womb just as it effects the oceans. I slept soundly believing I had another couple weeks to prepare for my new arrival. However, early the next morning my eyes popped open as I felt my water break. I had not escaped the power of the lunar cycle.
My partner was sleeping soundly next to me and I knew better than to wake him. I needed him to be well rested for the journey ahead. There was no telling how quickly labor would begin, so I put in a call to my midwife letting her know we were a little ahead of schedule. She assured me that in all likelihood, I would meet my baby sometime within the next 24 hours.
Ironically, my partner and I had barely finished some much needed work on the house during the holiday break. Perhaps we were also feeling the pressure of the moon’s gravitational pull as we worked hard to complete projects, even though we believed we had more time. Deep within there was a sense of urgency. Still, there were many last minute details that needed to be finished that faithful morning, so I excitedly rushed around and did my best to be sure everything was as ready as it could be when Baby arrived. The anticipation grew and although I had a lot to do to feel prepared, I was careful not to use up all my energy, for I knew the real work had not even begun.
Upon waking, I shared the news with my partner and he too began to prepare our home for birth. I will say here, that if I had planned to give birth in the hospital, I typically would have been admitted as soon as my water broke. Instead, I was able to stay in the comfort of my home and allow my body to open with time. By the afternoon I was only feeling mild contractions, and my midwife recommended I go for a walk, so despite the chilly temperatures, I walked the loop around the lake by our home. It’s a little over two miles, and in that time, I took in the air and focused on my breath and my body. During the last stretch, I put in calls to my family to let them know that Baby would be arriving soon.
Back at home I could definitely feel the pressure mounting as we faced the unknown. My contractions were slightly more noticeable, but it would be a while still before labor became more active. I tried to stay as relaxed and present as possible. Thankful to be at home and in my own element, I was even able to make a pot of lentil soup, which helped me to stay in the moment.
I had been in touch with my midwife throughout the day, and around 9pm I let her know the contractions were giving me pause, but only coming every 20 minutes or so. She assured me it was alright to call whenever I needed to, and suggseted I try to get some rest. Before going to bed, there was only one thing left to do, which was to set up the birth tub. It was my hope to give birth in the water. I felt a water birth would be the easiest transition for Baby into this world. As my partner began to assemble the large Aqua Doula tub, it became clear that birth was near.
With everything as ready as it could be, I went to lie down and rest as much as possible between contractions. Calling on my experience with yoga to help me stay centered in my breath, I was able to breathe through the contractions while releasing every muscle. I brought my awareness into my body and nearly slept between each wave. However, after midnight the contractions became more intense and I found that I was most comfortable on my knees and forearms, rocking back and forth or rotating my hips in a circle. The room was dark and I was getting in touch with my animal instincts as my body took over.
At 2 am the contractions were approximately 10 minutes apart and I felt I was ready to bring in my team. My midwife arrived soon after and her relaxed presence put me at ease. I was still in bed trying to relax as much as possible before labor became more active, but it wasn’t long before labor got me on my feet. At this point, I certainly couldn’t imagine being on my back, confined to a bed, which is common in a hospital setting. Free to move around and change positions, it felt best during each contraction to be on my knees and forearms, or leaning forward against something with my partner massaging my lower back. It became evident that labor was getting more active when I actually threw up into the toilet – a wonderful way to greet the second midwife who had just arrived. Soon after, the midwives suggested that perhaps it was time for me to get in the tub, which I did, and immediately the water was such a relief I wondered why I had waited so long! I felt suspended in the water and in each passing moment.
The midwives were so cool. They were there, but in the background, allowing my partner and I to share the experience. At certain intervals they would use a doppler to check Baby’s heart rate which was elevated at one point, perhaps because the contractions were so intense. My midwife said to me with a calm voice that this was something we needed to pay attention to. That was a turning point for me. I knew if the baby’s heart rate didn’t come down, I would be transfered to a hospital, which in my mind, was not an option. I again brought myself back to my breath. I had been on my hands and knees, but as soon as the next contraction passed I turned over and allowed myself to float. Conciously releasing, I slowed down my breath. In yoga I learned a breathing exercise to slow your heart rate and I figured if it worked for me, it would work for my baby, so I began breathing slowly and extending my exhale, making it at least twice as long as my inhale. I continued until the next contraction brought me back onto my hands and knees. My vocalizations were a good indication as to how far along I was. My body was opening up for Baby.
When it came time to push, it felt most natural to squat. Still in the birth tub, I took advantage of each rest period (which was becoming shorter and shorter) by floating and breathing slowly. As my baby’s head descended through the birth canal, I began to state wearily out loud that I wanted to let the baby out. It was physically intense and each time I pushed I could feel the muscles stretching and baby’s head getting closer, but it was too much. I wasn’t quite ready to push through, so I kept repeating that I wanted to let the baby out, hoping that my body would respond by opening, releasing and letting go. Then came the “ring of fire” and I won’t lie and say it wasn’t painful, becuase it was. It was the most intense physical ”sensation” I’ve ever experienced, but I did it! Baby’s head was out – still getting oxygen through the umbilical chord – eyes opened under water and then closed again. That was a strange feeling to look down at Baby’s head between my legs as I waited for the next contraction. When it came, Baby shot out like a little fish and my partner and midwife brought Baby into my arms. Almost 24 hours after my water broke, for the first time, I heard a cry and looked into my daughter’s eyes.