Hello Blog World!
I've been holding this information in so long - I almost can't believe the time has come to share it. The Silvey Family is moving to the Philippines in June. What???
Nolan and I have been praying about this possibility for more than a year. It certainly wasn't an easy decision, but we have tremendous peace about it.
We are starting a family blog to detail this journey at http://www.silveyblog.com/. I hope you'll add it to your blog roll. I'll continue writing here as well. I'll be ministering to women in severe poverty at Mercy Maternity Birth Center. I'll record most of my birth stories here - as they are sometimes a little more graphic than the "average" reader might want.
So head on over to our new blog to get all the details on this big announcement.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Silvey update
We've been spending this cold, blustery day inside building Lincoln Log forts and Lego cities while old episodes of "Tom and Jerry" were playing on the dvd player. Every once in a while Benjamin (our third born) would pause the dvd and all the kids would laugh at the funny "frozen scene" - usually Jerry beating up poor Tom. We finished our last chapter of "Henry Huggins." We ate beef stew. I'm not sure what the afternoon will bring, but I just heard Daddy may get off early - so I envision blanket forts and probably a couple good games of living room football.
This all sounds like a scene from some fairy tale family. So I must tell you, yesterday looked entirely different. By 10:30 a.m. I had already called the "principal" (aka Nolan/Daddy) in tears after one o my students rebelled - telling me he wanted a new teacher. All four of the kids spent a significant time in their rooms - and I think it was more for their protection than punishment. I was grumpy and couldn't be consoled. We all made it through the day. I apologized. They apologized. And we were all glad when Dad got home and let me retreat with a book and a hot bath.
The good days and the bad days all work together to build a family. But I prefer to talk about the good days - so here are a few "moments" that stand out in my mind of some fun times we've had lately.
Willow. She'll be two in a month. Wow! Her favorite activity is reading. I've always hoped to have a daughter who loved to read. I have favorite books that I wanted to help her discover and hopefully love as much as I do. Soon after I had her, I shared this dream with one of my friends and she wisely told me to lay down that dream as she may not take that path. And I made the hard decision to lay it down. I still don't know what she'll like as she gets older, but for now she loves books. She brings a stack of books to me. She'll back up to my lap and sit down for a good read.
Benjamin. He turned 3 in November. Such a sweet kid. His favorite thing right now are his cowboy boots with orange tops. They are hand-me-downs from Caleb, but Benjamin is sure he got them for his birthday. He wears them everyday with every outfit. Pretty darn cute, I must say! Especially when he gets them on the wrong feet.
Isaac. 6 1/2 years old. Full of fun and fire. He's been putting on "concerts" everyday at lunch. His stage is our Little Tykes picnic table that he pulled into the living room. His guitar is an ancient training guitar Nolan learned on years ago. He has a kids karaoke microphone and sings/plays all original music. He even hand-makes concert tickets and sets up the seating himself.
Caleb. Just a couple months away from 8 years old. My first-born is growing up. While he still loves to play, he also has quiet moments of reflection that show signs of maturity. He is also becoming a proficient reader, but views it as a necessity not a love. If you want to get him really excited, talk sports - especially football. He also loves facts...who's the tallest person on earth, what's the biggest animal on earth...we are always looking up questions on the computer.
Nolan is busy planning a mission trip to Nicaragua. It was a "youth trip" - but lots of adults have signed on and we are now taking 40 people for a week at the beginning of June. He is excited to help that many people experience the mission field first hand - but it also means a lot of work up front. All that in addition to his regular youth pastor duties and his commitment as a Kairos (prison ministry) team-member.
I am busy with home school, motherhood, and studying midwifery. Life is good. Even on the "bad days."
This all sounds like a scene from some fairy tale family. So I must tell you, yesterday looked entirely different. By 10:30 a.m. I had already called the "principal" (aka Nolan/Daddy) in tears after one o my students rebelled - telling me he wanted a new teacher. All four of the kids spent a significant time in their rooms - and I think it was more for their protection than punishment. I was grumpy and couldn't be consoled. We all made it through the day. I apologized. They apologized. And we were all glad when Dad got home and let me retreat with a book and a hot bath.
The good days and the bad days all work together to build a family. But I prefer to talk about the good days - so here are a few "moments" that stand out in my mind of some fun times we've had lately.
Willow. She'll be two in a month. Wow! Her favorite activity is reading. I've always hoped to have a daughter who loved to read. I have favorite books that I wanted to help her discover and hopefully love as much as I do. Soon after I had her, I shared this dream with one of my friends and she wisely told me to lay down that dream as she may not take that path. And I made the hard decision to lay it down. I still don't know what she'll like as she gets older, but for now she loves books. She brings a stack of books to me. She'll back up to my lap and sit down for a good read.
Benjamin. He turned 3 in November. Such a sweet kid. His favorite thing right now are his cowboy boots with orange tops. They are hand-me-downs from Caleb, but Benjamin is sure he got them for his birthday. He wears them everyday with every outfit. Pretty darn cute, I must say! Especially when he gets them on the wrong feet.
Isaac. 6 1/2 years old. Full of fun and fire. He's been putting on "concerts" everyday at lunch. His stage is our Little Tykes picnic table that he pulled into the living room. His guitar is an ancient training guitar Nolan learned on years ago. He has a kids karaoke microphone and sings/plays all original music. He even hand-makes concert tickets and sets up the seating himself.
Caleb. Just a couple months away from 8 years old. My first-born is growing up. While he still loves to play, he also has quiet moments of reflection that show signs of maturity. He is also becoming a proficient reader, but views it as a necessity not a love. If you want to get him really excited, talk sports - especially football. He also loves facts...who's the tallest person on earth, what's the biggest animal on earth...we are always looking up questions on the computer.
Nolan is busy planning a mission trip to Nicaragua. It was a "youth trip" - but lots of adults have signed on and we are now taking 40 people for a week at the beginning of June. He is excited to help that many people experience the mission field first hand - but it also means a lot of work up front. All that in addition to his regular youth pastor duties and his commitment as a Kairos (prison ministry) team-member.
I am busy with home school, motherhood, and studying midwifery. Life is good. Even on the "bad days."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Missed Birth and a Wreck
Crazy day on Tuesday. Our second January mama (who was a week and a half overdue) started labor. I knew it could be fast as she was already dilated to a four and this was her third baby. So, I started to Amarillo at the first sign of labor, which really wasn't much - just some occasional back pain. I got half way there (an hour down the road, for those of you not from 'round here) and turned around after I heard things had subsided. I arrived home and about thirty minutes later got another text saying contractions were strong, but not terrible, and about four minutes apart. So once again, I got in the car and this time made it 3/4 of the way, when things stopped again. Normally, I may have continued on to Amarillo to stay with my brother and sister-in-law, but we had our twice-a-month Life Group that night and if I hurried I would just be a little late. (As you can tell, I love this group!) So, I started home again.
Just a little ways down the road, I was driving along when a shadow passed over my car. I thought to myself, is someone passing me? But the shadow was moving in the wrong direction. So I glanced in my rear view mirror, and what do I see? A car - upside-down - flying through the air - nearly landing on my back bumper. It was sundown and the sun was behind me, so this entire scene was silhouetted. I didn't see the car coming - and I was on a divided highway, so it must of come across the ditch. I didn't see the car land. And, I didn't hear any crash sounds. It was very surreal. I immediately grabbed my phone and dialed 911 - which was a first for me. I kept driving as I wasn't sure of the traffic situation behind me. My adrenaline was pumping and I could hardly find the words I needed for the 911 operator - but somehow I communicated what needed to be told. Then I turned around and went back to the scene to give a statement and offer help if needed. Two troopers and an ambulance raced past me arriving before I did. Soon there were three ambulances, two fire trucks, several police vehicles, a couple of witnesses and lots of gawkers. Miraculously, no one was seriously injured. The car landed upside-down on the other side of a four-lane divided highway! God deserves a big "Praise God"!
On my way back to the wreck (about 5 miles) I wondered to myself if I hadn't invented the whole thing. It was that surreal. I thought to myself, am I under some kind of stress that I'm not recognizing that would cause me to invent a story like this? What if we keep driving and never find this wreck. I found these thoughts quite puzzling. Obviously, they weren't true. There really was an accident. But I still find those thoughts disconcerting.
While I waited to give a statement (which I ended up not having to do, as there was a witness who actually saw everything happen), I called Nolan and cried. Then I drove home. And was about an hour later to Life Group than I intended.
Later that evening when we got home, another text. The mama's water had broken and contractions were immediately a minute apart. I was wiped, but I got back in the car to set out once again. A short time later my midwife called saying this mama was going fast. We decided there was no way I could make it - so I turned around and went home. Thankful for my warm bed, but disappointed to miss another birth. One thing about midwifery in the U.S. is the close relationships you develop with your clients - and to miss the birth is turning out to be really disappointing. I hope this doesn't become a habit!
By the way, this mama delivered a sweet baby girl about 30 minutes after her water broke - the midwife only made there about 15 minutes before the birth.
That was my crazy Tuesday.
Just a little ways down the road, I was driving along when a shadow passed over my car. I thought to myself, is someone passing me? But the shadow was moving in the wrong direction. So I glanced in my rear view mirror, and what do I see? A car - upside-down - flying through the air - nearly landing on my back bumper. It was sundown and the sun was behind me, so this entire scene was silhouetted. I didn't see the car coming - and I was on a divided highway, so it must of come across the ditch. I didn't see the car land. And, I didn't hear any crash sounds. It was very surreal. I immediately grabbed my phone and dialed 911 - which was a first for me. I kept driving as I wasn't sure of the traffic situation behind me. My adrenaline was pumping and I could hardly find the words I needed for the 911 operator - but somehow I communicated what needed to be told. Then I turned around and went back to the scene to give a statement and offer help if needed. Two troopers and an ambulance raced past me arriving before I did. Soon there were three ambulances, two fire trucks, several police vehicles, a couple of witnesses and lots of gawkers. Miraculously, no one was seriously injured. The car landed upside-down on the other side of a four-lane divided highway! God deserves a big "Praise God"!
On my way back to the wreck (about 5 miles) I wondered to myself if I hadn't invented the whole thing. It was that surreal. I thought to myself, am I under some kind of stress that I'm not recognizing that would cause me to invent a story like this? What if we keep driving and never find this wreck. I found these thoughts quite puzzling. Obviously, they weren't true. There really was an accident. But I still find those thoughts disconcerting.
While I waited to give a statement (which I ended up not having to do, as there was a witness who actually saw everything happen), I called Nolan and cried. Then I drove home. And was about an hour later to Life Group than I intended.
Later that evening when we got home, another text. The mama's water had broken and contractions were immediately a minute apart. I was wiped, but I got back in the car to set out once again. A short time later my midwife called saying this mama was going fast. We decided there was no way I could make it - so I turned around and went home. Thankful for my warm bed, but disappointed to miss another birth. One thing about midwifery in the U.S. is the close relationships you develop with your clients - and to miss the birth is turning out to be really disappointing. I hope this doesn't become a habit!
By the way, this mama delivered a sweet baby girl about 30 minutes after her water broke - the midwife only made there about 15 minutes before the birth.
That was my crazy Tuesday.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Brotherly (and sisterly) Love
I haven't given any Silvey updates lately. Seems like all I talk about it birth. While that is a big part of my life right now, it isn't anywhere near as important (or time consuming) as my sweet family. I just get overwhelmed by all that I could say - and how to narrow it down.
Today I was reminded how much I enjoy my kids. (I need that reminder every once in a while.) We did school this morning. Most days we are finish up with our "morning school" by 11 a.m. Then we do another 30 minutes to an hour in the afternoon while Benjamin and Willow nap. This gives us time for the subjects that require more focused attention from me. Anyway, after morning school Caleb and Isaac decided to build a tent in the living room made out of blankets and furniture and "heavy books" to hold the blankets in place. I was in the kitchen making lunch. As I listened to their planning, and trial and error, and "let's try this" conversation, I was again so thankful that they are such good friends. Don't get me wrong, it's not always so evident that they are friends, but in the simple moments it shows!
It's not just Caleb and Isaac who are friends. Today Benjamin had the flu and stayed in bed most of the day. Willow played with Caleb and Isaac, but later in the day when Benjamin was feeling better, Willow was giddy - dancing around the living room - as her best buddy was back in action.
And I could go on about the special relationships between each of the siblings. I pray God's protection over them - and that they will all always be friends.
Today I was reminded how much I enjoy my kids. (I need that reminder every once in a while.) We did school this morning. Most days we are finish up with our "morning school" by 11 a.m. Then we do another 30 minutes to an hour in the afternoon while Benjamin and Willow nap. This gives us time for the subjects that require more focused attention from me. Anyway, after morning school Caleb and Isaac decided to build a tent in the living room made out of blankets and furniture and "heavy books" to hold the blankets in place. I was in the kitchen making lunch. As I listened to their planning, and trial and error, and "let's try this" conversation, I was again so thankful that they are such good friends. Don't get me wrong, it's not always so evident that they are friends, but in the simple moments it shows!
It's not just Caleb and Isaac who are friends. Today Benjamin had the flu and stayed in bed most of the day. Willow played with Caleb and Isaac, but later in the day when Benjamin was feeling better, Willow was giddy - dancing around the living room - as her best buddy was back in action.
And I could go on about the special relationships between each of the siblings. I pray God's protection over them - and that they will all always be friends.
Come on Baby...
Home birth #4 complete. About a week ago my midwife called to say one of our mamas was in labor. It wasn't the one I was expecting. But the one due at the end of the month. But according to dates she was 37 weeks so she was a go (and according to sonogram dates she was 40 weeks). This first time mom labored like a champ...ALL day. She dilated slowly and stayed in control. Took some time in the tub. Ate a few bites of fruit. Drank gatorade off and on. Tried different positions. Walked. All the right things. But nearing the 24 hour mark she still wasn't complete. And she was tired. My midwife discussed the options with the mama and dad. And they agreed if things didn't change in the next hour we'd proceed to the hospital. The last thing you want is a mama who is too tired to push. Nothing changed. So we went to the hospital. Well, I didn't. I went home. To many midwives (or apprentices) in a hospital can make the staff a little uncomfortable. The mama was given a low dose of pitocin and her contractions were a bit more effective. Still it took several hours to go from a 7 to complete. Then she pushed and pushed and pushed. Just before sun-up her sweet baby made her debut. 30 hours after labor began. This mama and her husband were troopers. They managed to achieve their goal of a natural birth (without pain meds) even through all of that.
I learn so much from each birth. This one was a little harder on me. In the moment we couldn't see anything else that would help this mama along. In hindsight, maybe some nipple stimulation to get the oxytocin (natural pitocin) flowing would have helped? But it seemed like her contractions were consistent and effective. Maybe, maybe not? I was so disappointed to labor so closely with this woman and not be there for the delivery. It's like I missed out on the prize.
Oh, and one more unusual thing about this birth. The electricity went out in the house for about two hours. We were in the dark and it was cold. I put the mother-in-law and sister-in-law in charge of figuring out a solution. He he he.... They found some orange extension cords dragged them to the neighbors (who were not home) and helped themselves to their outside outlets. It let us power a room heater and a lamp in the birth room. Everyone else remained in the dark and the cold. I loved their ingenuity!
Oh and one more thing. I took my neonatal resuscitation program course. I should get my card in the next week or two. Very interesting!
I learn so much from each birth. This one was a little harder on me. In the moment we couldn't see anything else that would help this mama along. In hindsight, maybe some nipple stimulation to get the oxytocin (natural pitocin) flowing would have helped? But it seemed like her contractions were consistent and effective. Maybe, maybe not? I was so disappointed to labor so closely with this woman and not be there for the delivery. It's like I missed out on the prize.
Oh, and one more unusual thing about this birth. The electricity went out in the house for about two hours. We were in the dark and it was cold. I put the mother-in-law and sister-in-law in charge of figuring out a solution. He he he.... They found some orange extension cords dragged them to the neighbors (who were not home) and helped themselves to their outside outlets. It let us power a room heater and a lamp in the birth room. Everyone else remained in the dark and the cold. I loved their ingenuity!
Oh and one more thing. I took my neonatal resuscitation program course. I should get my card in the next week or two. Very interesting!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Another Baby!
I've been remiss in writing my latest birth story. A couple of weeks ago, our December mama went into labor - one day after her due date. This is the couple's first baby, and they were so well-prepared. I got the call about 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning....of course 2 of the 3 births I've been to recently are on Sunday's - not the most convenient for Nolan - but he's a trooper! Anyway, I headed out shortly after that call as the mama's contractions were coming pretty close together, and I had a 3 hour drive ahead of me. I drove the speed limit, and as is my custom, prayed for mama and baby and midwife for most of the drive. About a mile from my destination, the midwife called to see where I was and to tell me mama was complete and ready to push. I thought to myself, "well, won't this work out just perfectly. I'll help with the birth, get things cleaned up and still make it back for our church staff Christmas outing to the Nutcracker." That's what I get for thinking that birth is predictable.
So, I walk in, say a quick hello, change into scrubs, get oriented by the midwife, and begin to offer labor support. I was able to really lend a helping hand with labor support. And between the midwife, dad, mom, and me - we made one heck of a team through an extremely long pushing phase. Mom was a champ; I really don't think I could have given that much effort for as long as she did. Dad was great - offering continual praise and anything else mom needed. And, the midwife was awesome - offering different ideas/techniques and alternating between active pushing and getting mom to rest and recuperate with small drinks and snacks. We changed positions. We changed locations. We prayed. And through it all the entire team remained calm and committed. And most importantly the babies vital signs remained strong! Finally, after trying everything to get baby to finish his debut, the difficult decision to cut an episiotomy was made.
Now, let me take a short side-track here. This was the first episiotomy my midwife has performed in 90 births. Episiotomies do not need to be routine. But occasionally, they are helpful. And this was one of those rare times.
And, baby was out with the next push. And, then I had my first experience with a "scary birth". Every midwife I've talked to says in order to know if you are cut out for this kind of work, you need to see a scary birth. It's a question I've asked myself many times - and many of my friends/family have asked me - what do you do IF. Well, I came face to face with some of those IFs that day.
Several of my "what ifs" became reality. And, by the grace of God - And, because of a professional, trained midwife watching the warning signs - And, because of a calm team - And, because of the grace of God. Scary turned out okay. Both mama and baby were transferred to a nearby hospital for observation. It was the right thing to do. And, I'm glad I work with a midwife who is secure enough to do the right thing. Both mama and baby were released the next morning and are doing beautifully.
I am constantly humbled by the thought of what could happen. It's almost enough to cause me turn from this calling. But, I truly believe this is the path God has for me; and to bow to fear would not be right. I pray that God will give me wisdom. I pray that God will grant my mamas and babies (and myself) protection. I pray that He will never give me more than I can handle. And I leave myself there.
So, I walk in, say a quick hello, change into scrubs, get oriented by the midwife, and begin to offer labor support. I was able to really lend a helping hand with labor support. And between the midwife, dad, mom, and me - we made one heck of a team through an extremely long pushing phase. Mom was a champ; I really don't think I could have given that much effort for as long as she did. Dad was great - offering continual praise and anything else mom needed. And, the midwife was awesome - offering different ideas/techniques and alternating between active pushing and getting mom to rest and recuperate with small drinks and snacks. We changed positions. We changed locations. We prayed. And through it all the entire team remained calm and committed. And most importantly the babies vital signs remained strong! Finally, after trying everything to get baby to finish his debut, the difficult decision to cut an episiotomy was made.
Now, let me take a short side-track here. This was the first episiotomy my midwife has performed in 90 births. Episiotomies do not need to be routine. But occasionally, they are helpful. And this was one of those rare times.
And, baby was out with the next push. And, then I had my first experience with a "scary birth". Every midwife I've talked to says in order to know if you are cut out for this kind of work, you need to see a scary birth. It's a question I've asked myself many times - and many of my friends/family have asked me - what do you do IF. Well, I came face to face with some of those IFs that day.
Several of my "what ifs" became reality. And, by the grace of God - And, because of a professional, trained midwife watching the warning signs - And, because of a calm team - And, because of the grace of God. Scary turned out okay. Both mama and baby were transferred to a nearby hospital for observation. It was the right thing to do. And, I'm glad I work with a midwife who is secure enough to do the right thing. Both mama and baby were released the next morning and are doing beautifully.
I am constantly humbled by the thought of what could happen. It's almost enough to cause me turn from this calling. But, I truly believe this is the path God has for me; and to bow to fear would not be right. I pray that God will give me wisdom. I pray that God will grant my mamas and babies (and myself) protection. I pray that He will never give me more than I can handle. And I leave myself there.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
10 Wonderful Years!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Birth Week
My long anticipated initiation into helping with a home birth kicked off full force last week! I've been attending prenatal appointments and learning from the midwife for the past five months - and finally my first births to attend. We had two mamas (originally three, but one moved in September) due in November. Both their due dates came and went and still no babies. That is one really nice thing about home birth, no one is in a super hurry to get baby out. Of course the mama's were ready to meet their babies and tired of swollen ankles and labored breathing, but they were comfortable letting their babies cook just a little longer.
One mama had fairly consistent contractions for several weeks. Her baby was in a fairly odd position - face-up (occiput posterior) and off to the side. This meant the baby's head was making contact with the cervix, but not really settling in to get things going. After a waiting a week past her due date, the mama asked that we reposition the baby (try to get the baby to flip over) and break her water. And boy howdy was baby ready to come! Two hours later a sweet, ten-pound, baby girl made our hearts melt! Mama was amazing! Really working with her body. Walking or bouncing (on the birth ball) through contractions. And when it came time to push she picked a position that seemed natural to her for this birth. She chose the hands and knees position - which in hindsight was perfect for a baby of this size. Just three pushes later and baby made her debut. I was in awe. I learned lots from this birth - repositioning, setting up, I even got to do my first vaginal check (TMI - I know). I saw how the baby's heart tones move lower and lower in the mama's abdomen as the baby descends. I learned about meconium in the water and when to be worried (or not) about it. And I was once again, convinced and amazed at how well women's bodies can do this thing we call birth!
The next morning, I got an excited call from the midwife. Mama number two was having contractions every ten minutes. This mama was known to have precipitous (fast) labors and she was 2 1/2 hours from my house, so I kicked in high gear and got on the road. Fortunately this labor was a little slower than her last one, and I arrived about 2 hours before baby. This was another beautiful birth - but completely different than the one the night before. This mama too worked through her labor she moved around some, but then chose to relax on her bed with her family. Her husband rubbing her back and getting her a hot water bottle. We never even did a vaginal check, but instead just watched her for signs of transitioning. (Per her request). It's not hard to tell when a woman is getting close to having the baby as everything intensifies and it's often important that the mama's support team keep her focused. This mama did great and again just a few pushes and baby arrived. Another beautiful little girl - 6 lbs. 8 ounces. I learned a whole new set of skills with this birth - like how to manage a bleed afterwards and how to do the newborn exam. I also examined the placenta and tested the babies blood type. Amazing.
After a few hours of checking and watching mama's and babies we left these families in the comfort of their homes with selected friends/family to enjoy this sweet time. The mama's breastfed and bathed and grabbed a snack and settled in to get to know their new little ones. I'm not against hospital birth! But there sure are some nice things about home birth!
Finally, a dear friend of mine also a week and a half past her due date called Saturday morning asking for some laboring tips. She and her husband had hired a doula to be at their hospital birth, but having gone a week and a half past her due date and into the Thanksgiving holiday, her doula was out of town. This mama was cooking right along and really looking forward to a better labor than with her first baby. She was excited and fresh. We talked briefly, and I expected the baby to come before noon. At three that afternoon she called sounding tired and frustrated. She had dilated to an eight and stalled - she'd been there since nine that morning. After hours of painful contractions she got an epidural and agreed to having her water broken. That was at one. It was now 3 and her doctor told her she had an hour before he wanted to start pitocin (a labor augmenting drug) and then possibly consider a c-section if things didn't progress quickly. She asked the doctor for two hours since the baby's heart tones sounded great, and then she called me. She sounded dejected - like she had somehow failed. That was the furthest thing from the truth! We just needed to try some things to get this labor going again. I was able to give her a few techniques to try in bed (with an epidural). I started with the "roll-over" technique, which gets mom into five or six different positions either sitting or lying on her side for 15-20 minutes each. This allows baby to get into different positions and hopefully make better contact with the cervix and get things going again. I also suggested nipple stimulation. What??? I know, when I first heard about it I thought to myself, "there is no way I'll every recommend that to a mom, that is just too private." Guess what, it really works! Nipple stimulation causes oxytocin (a natural hormone that encourages labor - among other things) to get flowing. She agreed and went to work. Just before five she called back. She was a 9 1/2 (cm dilated) and wanted some techniques for pushing as they had discovered the baby was face-up (occiput posterior). Now the stalled labor made sense. Oh how I wish they could have tried to reposition the baby earlier in the day. But we discussed the best options for pushing with an OP baby. I know that the mama still had a cervical lip that they needed to get out of the way, so it was three hours later before she was allowed to push. And, with the first push the baby rotated into the face-down (occiput anterior) position and came soon after. I have a lot of questions for the mom about what happened in the hours I didn't hear from her, but I'll give her a couple of days to rest and recoup before I bombard her!
These were amazing experiences. What a blessing to be a part of watching a new soul enter the world. I'm amazed at how much I've learned this week, but also in the past 9 months. I remember helping my first doula clients back in May. They were so sweet to let me "practice" on them. I was able to help this mom more over the phone this week than I did for supporting the mom through 13 hours of labor last spring. And, I know I have SO much more to learn. I can imagine that I'll look back at this post in a few months or a year and shake my head at all I didn't know "back then". But we have to start somewhere - and I'm blessed to have people who are letting me be a part of their stories as I learn!
We have one more mama due before Christmas and then a little break until January. I'm looking forward to this birth as I'm sure I'll learn so much more!
One mama had fairly consistent contractions for several weeks. Her baby was in a fairly odd position - face-up (occiput posterior) and off to the side. This meant the baby's head was making contact with the cervix, but not really settling in to get things going. After a waiting a week past her due date, the mama asked that we reposition the baby (try to get the baby to flip over) and break her water. And boy howdy was baby ready to come! Two hours later a sweet, ten-pound, baby girl made our hearts melt! Mama was amazing! Really working with her body. Walking or bouncing (on the birth ball) through contractions. And when it came time to push she picked a position that seemed natural to her for this birth. She chose the hands and knees position - which in hindsight was perfect for a baby of this size. Just three pushes later and baby made her debut. I was in awe. I learned lots from this birth - repositioning, setting up, I even got to do my first vaginal check (TMI - I know). I saw how the baby's heart tones move lower and lower in the mama's abdomen as the baby descends. I learned about meconium in the water and when to be worried (or not) about it. And I was once again, convinced and amazed at how well women's bodies can do this thing we call birth!
The next morning, I got an excited call from the midwife. Mama number two was having contractions every ten minutes. This mama was known to have precipitous (fast) labors and she was 2 1/2 hours from my house, so I kicked in high gear and got on the road. Fortunately this labor was a little slower than her last one, and I arrived about 2 hours before baby. This was another beautiful birth - but completely different than the one the night before. This mama too worked through her labor she moved around some, but then chose to relax on her bed with her family. Her husband rubbing her back and getting her a hot water bottle. We never even did a vaginal check, but instead just watched her for signs of transitioning. (Per her request). It's not hard to tell when a woman is getting close to having the baby as everything intensifies and it's often important that the mama's support team keep her focused. This mama did great and again just a few pushes and baby arrived. Another beautiful little girl - 6 lbs. 8 ounces. I learned a whole new set of skills with this birth - like how to manage a bleed afterwards and how to do the newborn exam. I also examined the placenta and tested the babies blood type. Amazing.
After a few hours of checking and watching mama's and babies we left these families in the comfort of their homes with selected friends/family to enjoy this sweet time. The mama's breastfed and bathed and grabbed a snack and settled in to get to know their new little ones. I'm not against hospital birth! But there sure are some nice things about home birth!
Finally, a dear friend of mine also a week and a half past her due date called Saturday morning asking for some laboring tips. She and her husband had hired a doula to be at their hospital birth, but having gone a week and a half past her due date and into the Thanksgiving holiday, her doula was out of town. This mama was cooking right along and really looking forward to a better labor than with her first baby. She was excited and fresh. We talked briefly, and I expected the baby to come before noon. At three that afternoon she called sounding tired and frustrated. She had dilated to an eight and stalled - she'd been there since nine that morning. After hours of painful contractions she got an epidural and agreed to having her water broken. That was at one. It was now 3 and her doctor told her she had an hour before he wanted to start pitocin (a labor augmenting drug) and then possibly consider a c-section if things didn't progress quickly. She asked the doctor for two hours since the baby's heart tones sounded great, and then she called me. She sounded dejected - like she had somehow failed. That was the furthest thing from the truth! We just needed to try some things to get this labor going again. I was able to give her a few techniques to try in bed (with an epidural). I started with the "roll-over" technique, which gets mom into five or six different positions either sitting or lying on her side for 15-20 minutes each. This allows baby to get into different positions and hopefully make better contact with the cervix and get things going again. I also suggested nipple stimulation. What??? I know, when I first heard about it I thought to myself, "there is no way I'll every recommend that to a mom, that is just too private." Guess what, it really works! Nipple stimulation causes oxytocin (a natural hormone that encourages labor - among other things) to get flowing. She agreed and went to work. Just before five she called back. She was a 9 1/2 (cm dilated) and wanted some techniques for pushing as they had discovered the baby was face-up (occiput posterior). Now the stalled labor made sense. Oh how I wish they could have tried to reposition the baby earlier in the day. But we discussed the best options for pushing with an OP baby. I know that the mama still had a cervical lip that they needed to get out of the way, so it was three hours later before she was allowed to push. And, with the first push the baby rotated into the face-down (occiput anterior) position and came soon after. I have a lot of questions for the mom about what happened in the hours I didn't hear from her, but I'll give her a couple of days to rest and recoup before I bombard her!
These were amazing experiences. What a blessing to be a part of watching a new soul enter the world. I'm amazed at how much I've learned this week, but also in the past 9 months. I remember helping my first doula clients back in May. They were so sweet to let me "practice" on them. I was able to help this mom more over the phone this week than I did for supporting the mom through 13 hours of labor last spring. And, I know I have SO much more to learn. I can imagine that I'll look back at this post in a few months or a year and shake my head at all I didn't know "back then". But we have to start somewhere - and I'm blessed to have people who are letting me be a part of their stories as I learn!
We have one more mama due before Christmas and then a little break until January. I'm looking forward to this birth as I'm sure I'll learn so much more!
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