My water broke about 7 pm on Friday evening the 16th. We called the sitter and headed to the birth center since my contractions started strong right away. There were two midwives, Maddie and Renee, and my doula, Shayna, at the birth along with Andy and I. This birth was different than Wynn's in that I was more present and less in a meditative trance. I was very aware of the noises and people around me. I labored in the birth tub for a while and then leaned on Andy and we rocked side to side through the contractions. When labor really picked up I labored leaning over the birth ball while Shayna massaged my back and Andy held my arms. There is a waterfall behind the birth center and the window as open so we could hear the water, I mostly remember the music though. I brought a classical piano cd to listen to and help me relax. I had to work harder this time to not allow myself to get out of the way of my body's work. I dilated really quickly again this time but Abby had her head a little tilted to the side so the last stage of labor was a lot harder than I remembered. She descended and receded three times before she was finally born, and it took a lot of faith and a blessing from Andy to help me not lose confidence in my ability to have a natural birth. I never felt scared or afraid though, just worried I wouldn't have the stamina to go on. She was born in the water at 12:04 AM on Saturday, May 17th. I will always remember feeling such relief and happiness when I first held her and peace as we all curled up together in the bed right after she was born to rest for a few hours before going home. She is a sweet baby girl and a good sleeper. She really loves to be held to sleep and close to us at night. Sydney loves to sing her lullabies and Wynn always wants to give her her binky because he loves his so much! She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and was 20 1/4 in long.
Renee: Left Maddie: Right
Shayna
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