Birth Story

August Koen was born on 09/08/09 at 12:45 PM after 9.5 hours of labor and 15 minutes of pushing. He weighed in at 9 lbs, 8 oz and was 20 inches long. Here's how it went...

I woke up at about 3:15 to crazy kicks from the baby with DH poking and prodding back. DH said they were playing. I rolled out of bed to pee and immediately felt a gush of liquid. Of course I thought, "My water is broken!" but I didn't say anything until I confirmed. I remember lamely saying, "Guess what? My water just broke." and within seconds DH was out of bed with his fists in the air and a huge grin on his face.

I sat and kind of shivered in shocked silence while I took everything in. My water was broken and the baby was coming - one day after labor day, one day before 09/09/09 (my due date) but at 40 weeks exactly. I asked DH to wash my PJ pants because for whatever reason I felt the intense need to continue wearing them, but obviously didn't want to sit in amniotic fluid.

DH went to make me some food (whole wheat pasta and veggies) and wash my pants while I snacked on some string cheese and texted my buddy group buddy so she could get the prayer chain going. I was planning on eating and then laying down to try to sleep, as I had only slept for four hours at that point. My body, however, had a different idea.

Shortly after my water broke, I had my first contraction. It seemed a little more intense than the Braxton Hicks contractions I had felt for weeks leading up to the birth, but it wasn't much more than a pinch. We waited a bit, and after about 15 minutes another contraction came, with another 8 minutes after that. I think at that point I started feeling them in my back, which told me that all my crawling around hadn't done much to turn my posterior baby.

After those first few, my contractions started coming at about 2 minutes apart. We were confused by the regularity of them, as we had expected them to start further apart and gradually reach that type of closeness when labor was well under way. I labored with them at 2 minutes apart for about an hour and then decided to call the midwife at about 5 AM. I was hoping to be able to wait until at least 6, but the fact that they were so close together made us think that we should at least let her know what's up.

The midwife told me to get in the shower for about 20 minutes. If they slowed down, I should stay home. If they stayed 2 minutes apart, we should leave for her house, where the birth would take place. We then called our families to let them know that that was the plan and that we might be heading to the midwife's shortly.

When I got in the shower, I experienced immediate pain relief from the pressure and warmth of the water. I directed it toward my back, where most of the pain was centered, and found myself having to breath through contractions. In the 30 or so minutes I spent in the shower, the contractions stayed regular at 2 minutes apart, lasting around 1 minute each. We called the midwife again and let her know that we would be leaving shortly. I think it was around now that I threw up for the first time...

This is the only time I remembered feeling even remotely panicked, simply because I wanted to make sure we had everything. I quickly snapped a photo of my belly, as I was due for my 40 week picture anyway, while DH gathered all our things. I ended up leaving the house in PJ pants and a nursing bra instead of the gown I had planned to wear, which I was totally fine with. The coolness of the early morning felt so nice. I had a contraction by the car and then hopped in to head off to the midwife's.

The drive to the midwife's house was surreal and fun, although car contractions were not that great. Because it was so early (about 6 AM) the streets were pretty much bare. However, at one point, we almost got into a head-on collision (in the middle of a contraction) on a narrow street. Thankfully, both cars were moving slowly.

When we arrived at the midwife's, I had a few contractions, still 2 minutes apart. During the contractions, I would bend over and hold onto the arms of a chair while swaying my hips from side to side. I found that this movement relieved the most pressure and pain. I threw up again about then, which actually made me feel better.

After a couple contractions, our midwife checked me...It was about 6:20 at this point. I readied myself for hearing that I was 3 or 4 cm dilated. She said, "I can still feel the bag of waters bulging, which is good. Seems like you're about 6 to 7 centimeters dilated!" If I hadn't been, you know, in labor, I would've jumped up and down and done a little dance. I was so excited! All those Braxton Hicks had been doing something!

I had a couple more contractions and asked if I could get in the shower, remembering how much it had helped at home. The midwife reminded me that her shower wasn't available (she was having it replaced) but said I could get in her hot tub out on her deck. This sounded AMAZING, so I quickly agreed. I changed into one of her labor gowns and headed outside. The sun was just beginning to rise as I got into the tub. Instantly upon submersion, my pain was cut in half. It felt unbelievable.

Soon after I got into the tub, my mom arrived dressed in her boss' (a dentist) mask, gloves and coat. It gave me quite the giggle that only ended as another contraction hit. I found myself singing through contractions while I floated and moved in the tub. I'm sure I looked like quite the hippie. ;) I sang Lisa Hannigan's version of Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues, Bret Dennen'sDesert Sunrise, and a few other random songs.

While I was in the tub, DH's sister, mom and dad all arrived and sat on the deck and chatted. It was so nice to have them all there visiting while I labored. I was very much in my own little world, but I loved being able to tune in and out of their conversation. We got to enjoy the sunrise and watch the city brighten up. It was beautiful. My midwife cut some roses from her garden and placed them where I could see them. It was just so nice!

By about 8:30 I had a couple of back-to-back contractions, which weren't very fun. The pain was still tolerable, although I had changed to a weird hands and knees position in the tub and would move in kind of a snake-like motion while breathing at certain points in the movement. Having a "strict" way to move each time really helped me deal with the pain, although as I said, they weren't too bad then. I also kept reminding myself that I was already 7 cm dilated and each contraction I experienced was one less contraction until I was done and holding my baby!

I realized I had to throw up again and reached for where I thought the bucket was, not remembering that we had moved it when I got out of the tub to pee (which I was unable to do almost the entire labor). I started saying "Bucket, bucket" thinking people would catch on pretty quickly. However, everyone thought I was saying "F*** it" and stood in shocked silence for a moment until I said "bucket" louder and someone realized it just in time. We all got a good laugh out of that one.

At about 10, my midwife said she would like to break my water and check me again. We waited for a contraction to end, I dried off a bit and we headed inside. My sister in law had told me that having my water broken would feel great, so I was excited. My midwife broke part of the sac and quite a lot of liquid came out, which surprised me as I thought my water had pretty much broken at home. She said I was about 8 cm along, which I was glad about because I had progressed, but I obviously wished I was more dilated than that. I also didn't feel the relief mySIL had said I would feel having my water broken, which disappointed me. Then, my midwife said she was going to finish breaking my water, but had to do it during a contraction, which sounded like it was going to suck. I braced myself, and it sucked for sure, but when she finished breaking my water it felt soooooooooooooooooo good! It even made a trickling sound as it came out, which was endlessly amusing to me. What I didn't realize was that she "had" to do it during a contraction because she was turning the baby into an anterior position!

(Also, the amniotic fluid had some meconium in it, which scared me at first, but the midwife assured me that it was nothing to worry about.)

I decided that I didn't want to get back into the tub because it was starting to make my skin feel weird (I had been in there for about 4 hours) and I didn't want to get up to walk. The first contraction after my water was broken was way more painful and I didn't feel like I could move. My midwife got me a hot water bottle for my back, which helped a ton. I sat on her birthing bed and started another "regimen" for moving and breathing through my contractions. I started bouncing my feet up and down, alternating from right to left, while I beat the bed with my right hand and squeezed someone else's hand with my left hand. I would draw in a deep breath at the beginning of the contraction and the hum a weird tune until the contraction was over. Apparently it sounded like a war chant and/or an old Irish song.

My contractions at this point got the most painful. I realized, though, that the peak of the pain only lasted for a moment or two. So, when it got to be the most painful, I just waited for it to begin to taper off. I also started dozing in between contractions.

Around 11:30 my midwife checked me again and said that I only had about three quarters of a centimeter to go! This was obviously fantastic news. At about noon I started feeling like I wanted to push and started doing some lame pushes, but I wasn't in a very good position for pushing - I was reclining on the birthing bed. My midwife suggested that I try to sit on the toilet as that can sometimes enhance the urge to push. I really didn't want to, as I had tried it earlier and it made my back pain even worse, but I knew that I wanted to be done and if sitting on the toilet would make it happen faster, I would try it.

I sat down and immediately jumped back up because the pain in my back was so terrible. My I had a contraction standing up, which wasn't much better. Then, my midwife had me sit down again and put the hot water bottle behind me, which helped soooo much. I found that almost immediately the urge to push was overwhelming. I did a couple lame pushes until my midwife said "hold your breath and push as long as possible." That was all I needed.

I started to feel the baby move down, which felt so surreal and cool. It didn't hurt at all (aside from the contraction pain, of course) and I was able to concentrate on feeling the progression. My midwife told me to let her know if I felt a burning sensation, which I started to feel only a little bit after. I asked her if I should stop pushing and she said to go with it unless the burning became more. After one more push I could feel him begin to crown, so she had me walk back into the birthing room and lie down on my left side.

I continued to push and she held up a mirror so I could see him crown. I also reached down and touched his head, which was surprisingly smooshy. Right after that, I felt myself tear "up front" and started to freak out a little bit. I didn't realize it, but it happened right as the biggest part of his head was coming through - the most difficult part! I kind of whined, "I can't do it!" which cracked everyone up, as I had gotten to this point almost without complaint, and waited until the last possible minute to kind of lose it. Everyone (and I mean everyone) said, "Yes you can!" and with another push or two his head came out.

DH let out a loud and excited cry of "It's out!" and the midwife told him to quiet down in case she had to talk to me. I thought it was funny because everyone is always telling DH to quiet down. Another push and the shoulders came, and then I felt the rest of him slide on out. It feltsoooooooooo weird to be able to feel him leave my body. It was really cool! DH immediately yelled "It's a boy!" and I burst into tears saying, "I have a son, we have a son! Is he ok??" My midwife put him on my chest where he looked up at me...I had never seen a face so sweet. The midwife assured me that he was wonderful and I got to hold and cuddle my son for the first time. My DH mentioned that "he looks just like me!" which is hilarious because everyone now says that Gus looks like his mama.

We waited for the cord to stop pulsing and then DH cut it. Soon after, I delivered the placenta, which was easier than I thought it would be. I think it only took a push or two. That also felt amazing - I didn't realize it would make a difference, but it sure did!

After all was said and done, my midwife told me that I tore on both sides of my labia, which required stitches. Other than that, though, Gus and I were both in great condition. DH and I headed home with him at about 6 PM. Now my sweet boy is 8 days old, and he is the most wonderful little baby I could ever imagine.

40 Weeks

My 40 week post is a bit late, due to the fact that I was busy having my baby that day! August Koen is here, and he is the most wonderful little guy. I already find it hard to remember what it was like without him. Why would I want to, though?

39 Weeks

I am due NEXT WEDNESDAY! I was really hoping someone would ask me when I'm due while I was out and about so I could say "next week!" but they didn't. Lame of them.

I ate a semi-spicy Thai lunch and walked around Target, semi-hoping something would happen, but nothing did. However, I did get some more baby essentials using my 10% off coupon, so that was nice.

After my organizing, vacuuming and baseboard-cleaning yesterday, my body has told me "enough." So, I am doing my best to listen to my body and rest as much as possible. As someone pointed out to me on Facebook, today could be my last day to save up some energy! After a full week of almost non-stop cleaning, I think it's time for me to focus on letting my body relax and rejuvenate.

How I'm Feeling

Good mood, exhausted body. I'm having more/stronger Braxton Hicks contractions and some random pains every now and again. Also, I've noticed that first trimester-like hormones are back, complete with nausea and mood swings.

Oh, also, I'm craving milk like CRAZY!

What Bean's Doing

(taken from baby-gaga.com)

Whether you give birth tomorrow or next week, it's pretty much all the same for your baby, who is now truly R-E-A-D-Y to face the big bright world outside of your womb. Speaking of wombs, your body is priming up for the big moment and hopefully, you're as prepared mentally as you can be. Your baby is well stocked up on fat, all their organs have put on the finishing touches. Here's hoping your child is already in the birthing position and basically just "hanging out" waiting for that elusive moment when all sysytems synchronize in your body to trigger the labor process.

38 Weeks

14 days to go until my EDD! I am now on official maternity leave and loving every moment of it. Yesterday, I realized that I could do whatever I felt like. It made me pretty giddy. I am trying to use this time wisely as I know this freedom will be over when Bean gets here and won't return until Jacob and I are empty nesters!

This week is filled with plans to clean, organize and prepare. I am trying to complete at least one room per day, making sure to rest whenever I feel the need. Yesterday was kitchen day with various bouts of organizing and picking up around the house. Today, I'm tackling the living room, both bathrooms and the dining area. Sadly, this morning wasn't too productive, mostly due to the fact that I ate an entire La Cabana breakfast burrito and then spent the next hour being super full.

My good internet buddy went into labor the night before last and after a loooooong labor had her sweet baby girl! Well, I hope she's had her baby girl - haven't received confirmation yet. However, she texted at 9.5 cm, so I'm thinking that means baby is here. I am so thrilled for her! I remember finding out she was pregnant only a couple weeks before I got my own positive. It's been such a cool journey to share with her. Congratulations to her & hubby, and welcome to her sweet little babe!

How I'm Feeling

As usual, good! I'm still sleeping very well at night (got 10 hours last night!) and, aside from the random pains and such, I feel great. Very much looking forward to cooler weather, though...Pregnancy is HOT!

What Bean's Doing

(taken from baby-gaga.com)

As you know, you've arrived at the final leg of your pregnancy journey, and if you're still carrying your little love around, they've just about reached their birth weight (somewhere between 6 to 8 pounds is average depending on whether they're a boy or girl). There really isn't a lot to report on baby this week, so lets do a quick recount of where we're at: all internal organ systems are pretty much ready for the outside world, they've got their meconium stockpile building up (their first black baby poo), lots of healthy baby fat, a rapidly developing brain (that'll keep growing with them for years to come), and they've more or less reached official baby status-- all they need to do is "head out" and say hello to the rest of the world and especially their ready-to-pop momma.

37 Weeks

I am officially full term. This milestone comes with extra excitement, nervousness and a true nesting instinct. Unfortunately, I was sad to find out that the nesting instinct doesn't really come with energy. While I feel compelled to clean and organize, my body continues aching and becoming more and more exhausted. Hopefully it'll get easier next week - my first week of maternity leave!

I realized the other day that I'm really going to miss being pregnant. I can't wait to meet Bean and have him or her here, and I know that I'm ready to sleep on my stomach again, but I know I will miss feeling kicks and rolls, always having my baby near me, etc. It's such an amazing time. I've already found myself looking forward to the next time I get to be pregnant...Watch out, Jacob!

Today, I found out that a HUGE prayer was answered! As most of you know, I tried to work out a part time from home position with my current employer, which was shot down. However, a co-worker of mine took interest in the fact that I would not be returning, and she fought for me to continue writing for my company's blog! It's an even better situation than a part time from home position would've been - my hours are 100% flexible (aside from deadlines, of course) and I'll be able to supplement our income working only a few hours a week. I am SO happy about it!

How I'm Feeling

Tired and sore, but really good other than that. Since the baby dropped, I've been able to breathe easier and I don't get heartburn anymore, which is fabulous. Most of the time I'm just feeling anxious about getting everything ready before the baby decides to come! After a crazy night of cleaning, laundry and baking (aka super nesting) I had some frequent and fairly strong Braxton Hicks contractions. Instead of wanting to rest to make them go away, they just made me want to clean more in case I went into labor!

What Bean's Doing

(taken from baby-gaga.com)

It’s the calm before the storm. Changes in your baby's weight have leveled off with only a few ounces of fat added this week. At this point your baby should weigh in at around 7 lbs and 20 inches (with boys somewhat heavier and longer than girls). Happily, as far as internal organs go, they are now developed enough to function in the outside world although the oh-so-important immune system is still developing and will continue to do so after birth. With a large boost of antibodies provided by breast milk when nursing begins. Fighting infection and staying healthy should be well within their physical capacity when your little fighter is born.

36 Weeks

My due date is four weeks from today. FOUR WEEKS. 28 days. I'm full term in only one week. How is that even possible? (I mean, I know how it came to be and how it really has been almost 40 weeks since I saw those two little lines, but...It's just so surreal to be here!)

I THINK my nesting instinct is kicking in for real. What no one tells you is that your nesting instinct is really just panic when you realize all the stuff that you want to get done before your baby comes. Bean's room is an absolute disaster area, but it's easily fixed with a couple loads of laundry and some quick organizing.

My to-do list is coming along nicely. Hopefully Jacob does his stuff this weekend. If that happens, all we'll have to do is my cleaning section, get the car seats installed and pack our bags for the birth! I feel really good about where we are regarding the to-do list, which is a really nice way to feel!

Lastly, today I have had bouts of extreme hunger every two hours. I'll eat a normal amount of food and then two hours later, it'll feel like I haven't had anything to eat for hours and hours! It is bizarre and slightly exhausting. I wonder what it means?

How I'm Feeling

As usual, I'm feeling pretty good! Having a few more aches and pains. I actually experienced my first pregnancy-related back pain only yesterday. I think I got really lucky with that one! I feel like I have a lot of energy most of the time, but crash REALLY hard when I run out of said energy. So, I'm trying to find a good balance that will help me utilize the energy well without overdoing it.

My Braxton-Hicks contractions are becoming stronger, although it seems as if the frequency has gone down a little bit. I had a couple days of semi-frequent BH contractions, but I figured out that they only happened when I sat a certain way, so I stopped doing that and it seemed to help. It's weird to actually be able to feel the contractions now, although they're not painful at all. I can also tell that Bean has really dropped. I'm going to ask Nora if s/he is "engaged" or not, because I think s/he is, but I obviously am not the expert. Our next appointment is this Thursday, and then we'll see her every Thursday after that until Bean comes!

What Bean's Doing

(taken from babycenter.com and womenshealthcaretopics.com)

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

---

Your baby is still working on putting on weight during pregnancy week 36. While that may not seem very exciting, keep in mind this is his primary job from now until delivery. Round babies are healthy babies. This is probably the one time in your baby's life they can put on pounds with wild abandon. If you were to peak inside your womb, you'd probably see your baby giddy with glee.

Did you know that some researchers believe your baby actually releases a signal to trigger labor? There are actually several different theories. Some believe that when your baby's brain is completely mature it sends a signal to the fetal adrenal glands. These glands then start to secrete the hormone cortisol, which may alter the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone, resulting in labor.

Other researchers have postulated that the fetal lungs secrete signals indicating they are mature, as well as enzymes that result in the release of prostaglandins, which help the cervix ripen and help the uterus to contract. This is highly likely as the body does release prostaglandins around the time of birth.

Other Interesting Stuff

(taken from childbirthconnection.com)

By the end of the 36th week of pregnancy, the enlarged uterus almost fills the abdominal cavity, despite the fact that the cavity is greatly expanded by the stretching of its front and side walls. The well-developed, plump baby, in the membranous sac within the uterus, lies wholly within the abdominal cavity, with the abdominal muscles supporting much of its weight. During this week, the fundus is at the tip of the xiphoid cartilage of the breastbone, which is shown pushed forward. The liver, transverse colon, stomach, and spleen (which is behind the upper portion of the stomach) are crowded into the vault of the abdominal cavity. The small intestines are crowded above, behind, and to the sides of the uterus. The diaphragm is pressed upward, reducing the vertical diameter of the chest cavity sometimes as much as 4 centimeters; to compensate, the space on the side, front, and back of this cavity increases. The capacity of the chest cavity is not diminished. This displacement of the diaphragm changes the position of the heart, and the increased blood volume may cause the heart to dilate slightly.

Although there is an increase in the amount of blood pumped from the heart per minute and in the amount of air respired per minute, the change in the position of the heart and the upward pressure of the diaphragm probably account for the difficult breathing and the smothered feeling you may experience during this week. The crowding of the stomach and intestines contributes to the discomfort after eating.

35 Weeks

I am pretty much brainless these days, so this post will probably be short, sweet and completely convoluted.

It appears as if I will not be returning to my job in any way, shape or form after the baby is born. It is really weird to think that after 2.5 years of working for a place, I just won't be working for them anymore. I feel at peace about it, though, and am doing my best to trust in the Lord regarding our finances. There are a few things I plan to pursue that would make a little money and allow me to work from home, so hopefully a couple of those pan out.

Only two weeks until I'm full term! I would love for Bean to wait until September to make his or her debut (I don't really want an August baby, mostly because I like the name August for a boy), but I definitely wouldn't be upset if it happened before that. I am so ready to meet this baby!

Prayer request: my iron levels are still quite a bit lower than we want them to be by the time I deliver. Because my due date is so close, I am starting to worry that my iron levels will still be very low, which could lead to major complications. Prayers that my body will absorb the massive amounts of iron I am taking would be very much appreciated!

How I'm Feeling

Aside from being super tired, WAY emotional and practically brain dead, I am doing well. My body is impressing me every day by being almost entirely pain-free. I've been having a lot of Braxton-Hicks contractions, which makes me excited about the fact that it's almost time to meet my son or daughter! I just hope and pray that nothing happens before I'm 27 weeks.

What Bean's Doing

(taken from pregnancyhut.com)

The baby is growing fast and measures around 18 inches long with a weight of around 5 ½ to 6 pounds. The majority of the baby’s growth is complete by the 35th week. The development of the baby’s kidneys is complete and the liver is beginning to produce waste. The baby will have less space in the body to move; however its kickboxing routine that you might be counting at a specific period of the day will remain the same. If you have not started bonding with your baby this is a good time to start as the baby’s hearing faculty is fully developed by now. Do not feel awkward while chatting in baby talk as experts say that newborns pay close attention to high pitched tones. 99% of the babies born in the 35th week can survive outside the womb without any problems. The baby’s central nervous system is still developing but the lungs are mostly fully developed. Most of the protective tissues and hair tend to disappear but some of it might remain as a scaly coating. Tiny vellus hair grows in the next few weeks. Your baby is getting plump and the fat deposits begin to form which add fullness to the baby’s arms and legs.