Charlie

Our birth story was somewhat uneventful, but full of meaning.

Charlie was THE main event. I went into early labor Monday night. By Tuesday night, things really picked up with contractions getting closer and closer together. Around 3am, contractions were 5 minutes apart and we called our doula, Hanna and midwives, Patricia & Celeste.

During this time, it was dark out and it felt very peaceful. I was rocking and breathing through contractions as they continued to get closer together. Frank and Hanna spoke words of affirmation over me that encouraged me throughout this time, specifically "with every contraction, you are closer to meeting your baby" and "your body was made for this."

I got in the birthing pool around 7am and felt all the pressure lift as soon as I got in. One of the most amazing parts was that I could actually feel where the baby was at while I labored in the tub. All around me it was quiet, with beautiful lights on, affirmation cards in front of me, and my birthing team all around me.

Jude was even running his trucks around the outside of the birthing pool. I appreciated that everyone was encouraging in the way I needed by speaking words such as "move however you know your body needs to for you and baby." They also had great care for baby with gentle checks of baby heartbeat and my vitals. With each contraction, I focused on breathing baby down and out. At 8:15am, I began pushing and by 8:37am, Charlie entered the world! Frank helped catch him with the support of Celeste. He was pulled right up onto my chest as I recovered.