Grants Birth Story

The birth of Grant was so completely different from Charlie and Olive. I guess they like having their own stories. So here is Grants story. 

I'll start with his due date of April 11. As the day approached I hadn't felt like my body had done much preparation although I was hoping he would get here some time before that date. My mom arrived on the 10th. She was such a huge help with meals, the kids, and keeping our home in order. I'm grateful for the part she played in keeping me busy despite my disappointment of waiting for Grants arrival. 

I'll never trust a due date again. A week past and as we approached the 2 week past I was ok but feeling ready. I had a couple different days I thought labor was starting but they never lasted more than 2 hours. The contractions would disappear and I would feel normal again. 

My midwife Rebecca gave  me options for inducing, an herbal drink, stripping the membranes, or breaking the water. I was hesitant and anxious about forcing it to happened. So I decided to wait. I enjoyed the wait with a few extra visits to the new Provo City Temple. Each visit gave me such a sense of peace and excitement. I found much to be grateful for in this wait. Then I had a night of false labor and I decided maybe we would need to push this thing a long with some help. 

We planned on Saturday morning the 23rd to get it going but I received a message from Rebecca that said she was with another mom birthing so we would have to start later in the day. I was a bit relieved hoping my body would turn the switch and start labor on its own. My mom and I cleaned the house all morning. I was excited and grateful knowing the wait would soon be over. 

Rebecca called once she finished her birth. She needed a shower and then would head over to us. She told me my options again and told us to prepare the tub. After that phone call I started feeling anxious. I was about to jump off a cliff and put myself through something very difficult. I loved the process of going about labor on my own, i didn't want to force it but that's what we were planning to do.  

My mom thankfully left with the kids so I get pull myself together and start to focus. Andy and I were able to connect and discuss what we would do. We prayed and he gave me a blessing. I started to feel relaxed and giggly and excited. We walked up and down the sidewalk under the grey looming skies until Rebecca arrived at 3:45pm. 

By that point I started feeling very light contractions, i figured because of the walking, Rebecca gave me an herbal drink mixed with OJ to heat things up. The contractions started increasing within 30 minutes and were still very manageable. I enjoyed the conversation between my cousin Meghan, Rebecca, and Andy. It was a nice distraction and relaxed me.

I told Rebecca it would be nice to have the baby by the kids bedtime at 8. She suggested breaking the water. I agreed and we were surprised what we found. My bag of water was extremely thick! It sounded like an inter tube and took Rebecca several tries to break it. A small amount of water poured out and we headed to the tub which is always a treat to get into. 

It was now after 6 and I was feeling much discomfort in my legs. The contractions were so brief that I felt like things were manageable. I'd have 10 seconds of craziness and then it would calm down enough where I reminded myself: this is good pain, I'm going to see that baby soon! I also visualized my cervix thinning and stretching while reciting "up and over the baby". Andy's hands clung to my shoulders and his physical touch gave me so much strength. My cousin Meghan poured water repeatedly over my belly and back. Rebecca's words reassured me that things were progressing and we would be done soon. I felt so much gratitude for the support of all these strong people around me. 

This period was a short 40 minutes. Grants head came out and  while we waited for the body Rebecca carefully took the cord from around his neck, then after another contraction his body also emerged. I held him tightly in my arms adoring his beautiful face. I looked to confirm my whole pregnancy feelings, that yes, he was a boy. 

I'm love giving birth. Its not easy but its worth it. The joy and excitement that comes after labor is worth that short period of agony. Babies and giving life are a complete miracle. I feel such gratitude to be blessed with a body that creates physical bodies for God's spirit children.