bonitachyc
big sister status may 2012!!
Member since 5/08 3242 total posts
Name:
Lupe
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Allison Abigail 1/5/09
written by my wonderful doula, Christine.
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Dear Allison,
The night before you were born, your mom and dad went to the hospital. Your mom had a special medicine called cervadil to help her body get ready for your birth. They brought a small, glow-in-the-dark statue of Our Lady of Fatima that had belonged to your mom when she was a girl, and one of Our Lady of the Clouds. They ate sandwiches and tried to sleep. It was hard, because they knew that soon - right there in that very room – they would get to see you for the very first time.
Early the next morning, while it was still dark, your mom woke up with labor contractions. Your grandma and uncle came to the hospital to help. Your grandmother dipped a washcloth in a basin of ice water and wiped your mom’s hands and comforted her. Soon the nurse came in. She was pleased to see that labor was already underway, and she gave your mom just a little pitocin to keep her contractions steady and strong. One of your parents’ doulas, Stacie arrived. She worked with the rhythm that your mother, father and grandmother had already established. Your uncle watched quietly and took pictures for your family to always remember this important day.
A little after lunch time, I came back to the room. Your mom was working so beautifully to relax through each contraction, but it was getting harder. Your dad looked just a little bit worried. I talked to your mom about when she and your dad had ridden horses on the beach, and how your father used to tease her when she talked in her sleep. She imagined the sun on her face, the salt air on her lips, and the sand under her feet. Then she imagined herself standing in the ocean. It was shallow enough that her feet were still planted in the sand, but deep enough that it carried and surrounded both of you. The waves both cradled and pulled on her. She felt very safe, because she knew that it was God’s ocean, that your father was there with her, and that each wave was pulling you down …down…down… so that she could hold you in her arms. Your mom focused on this image again and again, finding renewed peace and strength.
Your labor began to progress quickly. Cindy, the nurse, put a pillow behind your mom’s back. She encouraged your mom who dilated from 4-5 cm. to 8 cm. rapidly. The nurse had expected to need to turn up the pitocin, but instead she turned it down. You and your mom were laboring all on your own. The contractions were strong, close together, and sometimes painful. Yet, your mom kept her body relaxed and embraced it as her strength and her pain. She kept breathing through each one, looking so peaceful, that many of the staff stopped by just to see this quiet, amazing, natural birth. A student nurse was brought in with her teacher, and Nurse Cindy said, “See, this is what natural childbirth is supposed to look like.” Even your mom’s doctor came in and said, that she was doing well and not to worry, this was as tough as it gets.
Your mom stood by the bed with me, swaying slowly back and forth. Standing helped you to move down even further, and soon the nurse helped your mom back into the bed. You were ready to be born. Your uncle made sure his camera was set. Your grandmother looked nervous and excited. Your dad stood by your mom’s head. He dipped the washcloth in the ice water again, wiped your mom’s forehead and told her that she was his “Champ.” Your mom smiled. She was excited too!
Your mom put all of her energy into pushing. Soon, Cindy and Stacie could see the top of your head. The doctor came in, as well as another nurse who would weigh and measure you. With each push, a little bit more and a little bit more of your head came down. Finally, your whole head pushed through. You had lots and lots of hair! Next your shoulders and then your whole body was born. The doctor put you right on your mom’s chest. She and your dad were so happy to see you. You were a very healthy 8 lb. 8 oz., 20 in. long, baby girl. Your mom and dad told us that your name was Allison Abigail. It was a truly joyful day!
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