Spencer’s Birth Story 2/16/13

Spencer is our second child. My husband and I had studied the Bradley Method for natural birth, and although we weren’t quite able to manage it for our first, we were hopeful that it would work out for Spencer.
On Friday afternoon, I had gone to a local acupuncturist to request that she kick start my labor; it worked, I stood up from the table and my water broke. I had some contractions that night, but nothing serious. By Saturday morning, we knew that we needed to get things moving – we were on a 24 hour clock once my water broke to get this baby OUT!
By that time, Kathy & Allison had “set up shop” upstairs in our master bedroom. They had an extensive array of equipment and supplies, all in the eventuality of an emergency situation. I took castor oil (I recommend in a chocolate peanut butter milkshake), and about an hour after that, labor commenced. I felt I would be more comfortable in a tub, and Kathy & Allison ran me a bath.
Kathy & Allison stayed outside of the bathroom for the next couple of hours while I labored with my husband and sister in relative peace & quiet. As I hit transition, my labor changed, and Kathy & Allison were immediately there, ready to guide us through. I am happy to say that my labor was easy and complication free; Spencer was born at approximately 2:00 pm.
I got settled into bed and watched while Kathy performed all of the standard post-birth operations. I felt wonderful. So much so that Kathy had to ask me not to sit cross-legged – apparently not a great idea for a woman who has just delivered vaginally.
The ladies brought me some food to nibble on, and they assisted in getting Spencer latched properly for our first nursing session. Our other son, Warren, had since woken up from his nap and came in to meet his brother. All in the comfort of our own home.
I felt safe, cared for, and, after the birth, completely lucid and euphoric. If we were to have another child, this would definitely be the way I would plan the birth!