The Birth
The pain of prelabour began on Sunday night. Contractions were moderate and irregular. On Monday, because the baby was overdue, we had an ultrasound and a midwife checkup. Our midwife said we had started to make progress and we shouldn’t be surprised if active labour began that night.
We went home and contractions slowly got more intense through the evening. By bedtime they were about 6 minutes apart and too intense to sleep through. We were up all night long taking five minute breaks between Leila’s working and Topher’s massaging.
Unfortunately by daybreak progress slowed. The contractions spaced out and lost intensity. After such a long night, to have not reached active labour was discouraging. The many days of overdue waiting and the sleepless night left us emotionally drained.
Our midwife called in the afternoon to check in. After hearing the update she suggested we come in for a visit so that they could encourage labour to begin by breaking the water.
It worked. Regular and intense contractions started on the drive home. We laboured at home from 6 pm until 8 pm when Leila decided it was time to go to the hospital. Her instincts were right. We met our midwife at 9 pm and she assessed Leila at 8 centimetres dilated.
Leila was so exhausted and worn down by pain at this point that an epidural was her first request. But with gentle encouragment and a warm bath she found the courage to go without the intervention. Within 30 minutes she was fully dilated and ready to start pushing.
Pushing lasted about one hour and Simon emerged, then pooped and let out a bellowing cry. It was 11:08 pm. Christopher cut the cord and Simon quickly settled down on Leila’s chest. After a short “get to know you” it was time for the measurements - 9 pounds 11 ounces and almost 22 inches.
We were anxious to get our new baby home. After three hours of assessment and observation we were given the green light. We introduced Simon to our cats and settled into bed.
And the adventure begins.
