The Birth of Jack Augustus {San Diego Doula & Birth Photographer}

by Robin Baker, the Birth Photographer and Support Doula

Dear Jack,

I got the news that you were coming in mid November.  My doula and mentor, Rosie, had just been hired to serve your family 3 weeks before your expected arrival. When Rosie told your Mom and Dad that she was mentoring a new doula, they welcomed me for extra support. We visited your home and got to know your parents and their wishes for your birth. We watched the sweet interaction between your parents and your brother and knew you were being born into a loving and fun family. Your Daddy was cracking us up with his funny jokes and silly personality. We talked about your big brother’s birth and what would be different or similar to yours. Your parents wanted the best start for you, so they had prepared themselves for a natural birth with no drugs or interventions. Your Mom had been using the Hypnobabies method and listened to the tapes to practice her relaxation. We were all very excited that your Dad made it back in town for the birth! His job takes him away from the family sometimes. He was happy to have us supporting him in coaching your Mom through the big event.

{photo by Rosie Peterson}

            At 6:50am on December 4^th, 2010 I got a text message from Rosie that said your Mom’s contractions had started! They were 7 to 10 minutes apart and your Mom was listening to her Hypnobabies. Grandma was there to help with your big brother so your Dad could take care of your Mama. At 8:15am your Dad called to let us know that they were ready for the doulas to come over. Rosie arrived at 9:15am and found your Mama in the bedroom on her birth ball. She was so happy to see her doula, that she had a good cry. It’s very comforting for Mamas in labor to have another woman there (even though Daddy’s do a wonderful job of supporting Moms) because they know how the woman feels. I arrived at 9:30am and found Rosie rubbing your Mom’s back as she leaned on her birth ball. Your Dad was happy as could be! He had a big smile on his face the entire morning, creating a wonderful atmosphere of trust. He trusted the birth process, trusted your Mom, and trusted the doulas. He was confident in natural birth and ready to meet his son.

            Your Mom’s contractions kicked into high gear soon after we arrived. They were now 4 minutes apart and lasting 1 minute and 45 seconds long. She was making noise as the contractions came. A very low moan. The peaceful sound of a Mama birthing her baby. It is music to the doulas’ ears! Daddy made preparations to get going to the hospital and called them at 9:45am to let them know we were coming. At 10am your Mom made her way down the stairs to kiss your brother and Grandma goodbye and shed a few tears as Grandma hugged her tight and gave her encouragement. We tucked Mama in the car and I finally took my first photo of the labor process. Your Dad was grinning ear to ear as we waved goodbye and took separate cars to the hospital. We had a 20 minute drive to Scripps La Jolla and Rosie and I recalled the beauty of your Mom on the way there. She was a natural and confident birther and your Dad was very supportive and attentive to her needs. We discussed how happy we were to be attending your birth. The freeway had a lane closed and I wondered if your Mom was worried about the road construction. I prayed we made it to the hospital on time and Rosie instructed your Dad to pull over if your Mom felt like pushing.

At 10:30am we arrived at Scripps La Jolla Hospital just minutes after your parents. Your Mom was concerned about your well being and was very relieved to hear your strong heart tones on the fetal monitor. The nurses assured her that all was well and she was making very quick progress. Her cervix was 8cm dilated and this caused a few more tears of joy. We meet the Midwife that was on-call and loved her immediately. Alisa brought the elements of home birth to the hospital and really helped your parents achieve the birth they desired. We were all grateful for her clam, hands-off approach. Your Mom was able to labor in the positions she desired and move freely without being attached to an IV. She tried to use the bathroom and got frustrated that she still couldn’t urinate after several hours of trying. When she made it back to the bed your Daddy held her in his loving, strong arms as she breathed through the contractions of labor. One very special moment, your Mom gripped your Dad’s head with her hand and held tight to his short hair. He beamed! He was so proud to be that rock for her in her time of need.

At 11:05am your mom started to feel a lot of pressure in her bottom. Shewas 9cm dilated with just a lip of cervix left. Alisa gave her the OK to push and we all speculated whether her bag of waters would break or you would be born “in the caul.” Your mom was graceful and let her body push with her natural urges. The lights were kept low and the bed was where she positioned it, in a very reclined position. She was sort of diagonal across the bed holding onto your Daddy with both arms while we encouraged her.  The midwife started to turn on the bright delivery light but after Rosie commented on it, she politely turned it off. She was unsure if this was a good position to birth in and Alicia comforted her with these encouraging words, “you can birth in any position you’d like.” And so she did. She rested in-between contractions, sort of on her right side, and then arched a bit while pushing. I suggested curling around you with her chin to her chest, but it was uncomfortable. She liked to arch her back and throw her head back. Rosie held her left leg up and her right leg supported her body on the bed, while your Dad supported her upper body. After 22 minutes of the pushing stage you were born at 11:52am. You weighed 8 pounds10 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long. Your Mom asked, “Is he ok? Is everything ok?” and the Midwife assured her you were perfect. We all rejoiced and your Mom and Dad shared tender moments gazing at their new miracle of life.

You were placed onto your Mom’s tummy immediately after birth and your umbilical cord was left alone until all the blood from the placenta went into your tiny body. This was a choice your Mom and Dad made so that you would not become anemic or have other injuries. When the cord finished pulsing, the Midwife clamped it and your Dad cut it. Your Mommy was so happy everything was OK, she shed a few more tears of joy. She started to get very cold and shaky and wanted warm blankets. She tried to attach you to the breast, but you weren’t ready yet so she just held you close while we all admired you. While the placenta was delivered and she tried to warm up, she handed you to the nurse for weighing and measuring and a quick clean up. She couldn’t take her eyes off you and watched you until you were back in her arms again. 

         Rosie and I left your Mom and Dad alone to bond with you for about an hour while we got some lunch. When we returned we helped them pack up and move to their recovery room. The recovery room had an amazing view of a colorful Sweet Gum tree and you slept peacefully in your basinet while Mom regained her strength by eating a good lunch. We exchanged hugs and congratulations and went home rejoicing. Your birth was sweet, serene, cheerful, quick, drug and intervention free. It was an honor to witness the miracle of your birth. Happy Birth Day sweet Jack Augustus, welcome to this world! 

Congratulations "R" family, thank you for letting us serve your family! xoxo