FF: July 31, 2005

Jackson Ray Baker's Birth Story

(written in 2006 for my scrapbook)

On July 30^th we went to sleep at 11pm. I woke up on July 31^st (10 days passed my ‘due date’) at 1:30am to what I thought was an earthquake. Mike said he didn’t feel any earthquake and that I should go back to sleep. I went to the bathroom and found my underwear were very wet, but I never felt any leaking after that so I wasn’t sure if my water had broke or not. I tried to go back to sleep but started to have contractions. I decided I was hungry and made myself a peanut butter and honey sandwich and drank a glass of orange juice. About 20 minutes later Mike found me dazed on the couch and asked if I was in labor. We started to time the contractions and they were 10 minutes apart until 2:30am, then they were 5 min. apart. I got in the shower and the water felt fabulous on my back. By 3am we were sure I was in labor so we called Rosie Peterson, our doula, and she arrived at 4am. When she arrived the contractions were 3 minutes apart and getting stronger, but I could still walk. It felt good to get on my hands and knees during the contractions so I did that for awhile and then we tried relaxing in the bed w/classical music and a warm sock filled w/rice on my back. At 5am I got in the bath tub and was in heaven.

The warm water relaxed me so much that I didn’t want to leave. Soon after the contractions were only 30 seconds apart - I wasn’t getting a break anymore. I looked up at Rosie and said, “Rosie, do I have to go to the hospital?” She said, “yes sweetie, I think it’s time now.” It must have taken at least 2o minutes for me to slowly crawl out of the tub on to the floor, put on my clothes, and get to the car. I only had 30 seconds to slowly walk (or crawl!) in-between contractions. I kept thinking of Jesus and saying His name over and over in my head to stay calm and peaceful. So far the labor had been very pleasant and calm.

We arrived at the TriCity Hospital Emergency room at 6:20am. I sat in a wheelchair in the lobby waiting for an escort up to L&D and felt a lot of pressure in my bottom - the baby was definitely moving way down. The nurse in Triage was rude and made me feel panicked and irritated. They finally got me a room around 7am. I sat straight up in the bed wondering why my back felt like ‘the jaws of life’ were ripping my bones apart. Wasn’t it supposed to hurt in your stomach? I had lost my good, calm, pleasant laboring skills and started to complain. I was sure I was going to die and needed an epidural. Rosie started quoting scripture to me and I yelled at Mike that he needed to pray and talk to Jesus because I absolutely could not do this anymore.
A little after 8am I needed to push and the doctor had not arrived yet. The anesthesiologist walked into the room and laughed, “I guess you don’t need me!” and walked right out. I pushed twice before the doctor came running in and I promptly told her that I did not want an episiotomy. This pushing stage was so much relief compared to the back pain I had for the last hour. I had about 2 minutes of rest in-between pushing contractions and it felt great! I was so happy I was having my baby and I did it drug free and without an induction! When the head came out the doctor was worried the shoulders were stuck so they made me turn my legs a certain way and had me push even though I didn’t have a contraction. Jackson Ray Baker was born at 8:30am!
We did it! We have a boy! He was a little blue and wasn’t crying so the nurses took him immediately and started suctioning his lungs. They cleaned him up and gave him to Mike about 20 minutes later. I’ve never seen my husband so happy and in love...with me and our new baby. He handed me the baby and as soon as I gave him quick glance (head, arms, body, feet, etc) I put him to my chest to breastfeed for the first time. I have never been so happy. I praised God out loud and in my heart for giving me a perfect baby and a perfect drug-free labor. We called all of our family and friends to share the good news and then the visiting began....

And now he's four years old. Wow, the time passes so quickly!
Happy Birthday J-Bone, we love you

He is my little buddy and such a fun boy. I still thank Jesus everyday for giving him to me =)