Sullivan’s Birth Day

The end of my pregnancy with Sullivan was pretty typical of the end of pregnancy for me.  Lot’s of contractions, lot’s of time’s wondering if it was going to happen that day, then things puttering out.  I was feeling much more resigned to the idea of making it to my due date this time since I had gone a day over with Bennett, so I knew that was a possibility.  I didn’t think I would make it to 6 days past my due date, but that’s what happened.  So by the time the 3rd of July rolled around and I was having regular contractions every 5 minutes since the night before I decided that I was more than ready for this baby to come.  I had an appointment with my midwife Tracey that morning at 9 am, so I decided to have Brandon come with me to the appointment, have my mother in law watch the kids, and then we could decide once we were there if we were going to stay at the birth center. 

Once we were there my midwife checked baby and me, all was well.  I had her check my cervix and I was 3 cm, and we decided to try and strip my membranes to see if that would kick things into high gear and get baby here.  After that Brandon and I went to the park down the street to walk.  We walked around the park for an hour (it was actually a bit cool, despite the fact that it was July), and it was a nice relaxing time together.  After we got back the contractions were coming even closer and stronger.  Around noon is when I think I finally committed to staying and felt like we were really going to have a baby that day.  All afternoon we just stayed in our lovely cocoon in the birth center.   We ate food, listened to music, & talked.  I also paced around a lot and bounced on the birth ball.  About 5:00 we decided to go back to the park and walk some more.  We went for a half an hour and then checked back in to check on baby, then went back for another half hour.  By this point the contractions were HARD and coming about every 2-3 minutes and lasting for a minute or more.  Walking up and down hills was tough, but I really wanted to help baby to drop and hopefully get things to progress faster.  This time was really magical and lovely though.  I love being outside, and it felt great to just lean on Brandon and have that one on one time with him.  I wish I had photos from our walks, but that really wasn’t my priority at the time!  After the hour of walking I was very ready to get back to my room and get in the bath.  Contractions were 2 minutes apart and were the most intense contractions I’ve ever had, even compared to my pitocin enhanced labor with Carter.  It took all my concentration to stay on top of the contractions and I was moaning/humming through each one.  Somehow that noise really helped to focus the pain outward and help me to cope.   Around 8:30 I called Amy and told her I was ready for her to come so she could take pictures.  She got here and took this photos as the sun was setting.  It was really such a beautiful evening and I loved looking out the windows and watching the sun set.  I thought for sure baby would be there before dark.  At this point Brandon had ditched my birth playlist, and was looking up relaxing music for me.  I remember the song “Amazing Grace” playing, and feeling so overcome by the spirit and the Saviors love and grace.  It was a perfect memory that I will always treasure. 

At one point (time is pretty blurry for me from about 9:00 on), I got out of the tub to refill it with warm water, and I got in the shower while waiting and that was not fun!  I wanted back in that tub asap.  It really made a huge difference in my pain level to be in the water.  So when 11:00 rolled around and my midwife suggested I get out and try sitting on the toilet for a bit to see if babies head would drop more and get things finished up it was a tough choice to decide to get out!  But by this point I was so ready to be done and hold my baby.  So I got out and sat on the toilet, and it worked.  Pretty soon I was feeling more pressure and at one point thought my water might be leaking.  Well during the next contraction I started pushing a bit, and then my waters exploded all over, drenching poor Brandon’s legs since he was sitting on a stool right in front of me!  He was such a trooper through this whole day.  Once my water broke I knew baby was ready to come, so I went and got back in tub.  I had to change positions a bit and get where I felt I could push.  Once I did I only pushed through one contraction and baby was out.  As he was crowning he gave 3 big kicks, he was trying to help get out!  Then as his body was being born he was squirming and wiggling like crazy.  He really wanted to get out of there.  I was so relieved and happy and exhausted in that moment.

 

There’s nothing like the feeling of holding your fresh soft newborn against your chest, and I tried to just soak it in and remember the feeling since this will most likely be our last baby. 

It took about 30 minutes for the placenta to come out.  After that we cut the cord and I got out of the bath and into the shower.  Brandon had some snuggle time with Sully while I was busy.   

(That’s Bernadette in the background.  She was the most lovely midwife apprentice ever!)

Daddy also got a little surprise while holding the non diapered baby!

He weighed in at 7lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long. 

I just had to sit and breathe him in. 

All dressed for the first time!

At this point it was after 1:00 in the morning and poor Brandon was exhausted.  I on the other hand was enjoying my nice birthing high and wasn’t ready to sleep at all.  I lay there not sleeping most of the night.  At one point I got up and ate the lemon cheesecake we had ordered earlier in the day, which I have to say was very delicious.  I sat up and ate and talked to Bernadette while Brandon and Sully slept and it was lovely.  The next day we just relaxed and ate yummy food that we got to order from whatever restaurant we wanted and I also got an hour long massage in the afternoon. It was the perfect way to spend our Independence Day.  I’m so thankful that everything went the way it did, and that Sully arrived here safely and at the amazing birth center.  We are in love with this newest member of our family.  

Sullivan Jean Mansius

July 3rd, 2012 11:41 PM

7lbs 2 oz 20 inches