To any male reader: I had a baby. That’s really all you need to know. Reading further could cause your corneas to shrivel. You’ve been warned.
When I walked into the hospital, I didn’t know I was going in to have a baby. Or I kept telling myself I wasn’t. Because I cope best when using denial.
Our entire family was fighting a cold. Andrew and I were both pretty miserable. So even though we’d agreed to meet my doctor at the hospital so he could break my water, neither one of us was particularly sure we had the strength to go through with it. I barely even remembered to bring the baby clothes and we forgot the carseat. When we left the house, we had to explain to the kids that we might be having Willa and we might not. Which is what we’d been saying for about three months, so they weren’t impressed.
I had the doctor listen to my chest and he convinced me that even though I didn’t have pneumonia yet, if I didn’t get Miss Willa out of my rib cage, I was headed there. It was time to birth a baby. (The doctor was wrong, by the way. We all had walking pneumonia. Good times.)
It wasn’t like I pictured it. I was supposed to come to the hospital only after I was in active labor. I’d be huffing and puffing and there would be scurrying. Instead, we walked to our room, unpacked, spread our stuff around, and got comfy. Thank goodness for free Wifi. It was very surreal. Here I am, NOT scurrying.
When my nurse learned that I was there for a VBAC after 2 C-sections, she didn’t seem to care that I’d already had one successful VBAC. She was skeptical. And “concerned.” Sigh. I needed a positive attitude. I told her as much and we made friends.
Dr. H. came in and gently broke my water. I had a nice half hour of good contractions, so I called my doula and told her to come on to the hospital. And then everything stopped.
When my doula (J) walked in, she immediately set to getting some action going. We had requested a “walking” monitor, so that I could move around freely while the doctor collected his data about me and the baby. We actually had to loan the nurse some batteries so she could get it to work. Obviously, not the usual method of monitoring at this hospital.
Once I was hooked up to the monitor, J took me on a walk around the halls. She had me marching, squatting, and any other number of ridiculous things. If she could have found some stairs, she’d have sent me stepping. We were eventually sent back to my room since the monitor didn’t work in all the hallways. (And I imagine I was frightening some of the other patients.) I bounced on a big round ball, I took hot showers, I lunged. In other words, I had myself a little Buddha Belly Boot Camp right there in the hospital.
Eventually, after a break for a burger (love that my doctor let me eat the whole time), we got the contractions going nice and regular. But I didn’t get to sit in my bed and moan. Nope. J had called in reinforcements (my chiropractor, who also made a great co-doula) and the two of them bossed me thoroughly in between contractions. During contractions, their gentle voices encouraged me to keep going, to breathe, and to think of the baby at the end.
It was a bit of a contradiction.
I silently dubbed them the Natal Nazis. Especially when they took away my phone and computer privileges. I had promised so many people I would twitter and blog during the birth and I couldn’t get my computer. They even got Andrew on their side. They said I needed to “focus.” Whatever. They did let me turn my phone up really loud so I could hear when I got a text message. I told them it made me feel loved that folks were praying and thinking of me. So any time my phone honked at us, everyone in the room would yell, “Somebody loves you!”
To all of you internet buddies I let down, I’m very sorry. It wasn’t me. It was the Natal Nazis. And my turncoat husband.
Speaking of the husband, lest you think he was getting off easy with all these women to support me, it simply isn’t true. The harder my contractions got, the closer I wanted Andrew to me. He was always encouraging me, but I needed him in sight more and more. At some point, I needed him to just hold me. The problem was, with every contraction, I would go into a full squat and he’d have to support both of our weight. Entirely on his shoulders. Suddenly we were both extremely grateful for his workout habits.
(I wasn’t happy with the Natal Nazis when they took that picture, but now I love it and it makes me cry every time I see it.)
The nurses changed shift. My new nurse was my doctor’s favorite and he had promised me she’d be great since she’d had a VBAC. The problem was, when she came in, she told us that her second attempt at a VBAC “didn’t end well.”
Not the sort of encouragement I was looking for.
She really was great with us, though. We had negotiated with the doctor to let me off the monitor for forty minutes every hour so I could move from shower to bed. Well, and because I was getting very bonded with “the bar”…
The Nazis were looking for some way to help me squat down and Andrew said, “I think there’s a bar for the bed.”
The nurse had no idea where it was or how it worked. Andrew left the room and came back with a bar. (He says he had seen it in a back room on one of his trips to get me water.) The nurse had never seen the thing before. When Nurse 2 arrived, she was the only nurse on the floor who knew how it worked. They stuck it in the bed and I had myself a new best friend. I stood by the bed and with every contraction, I’d grab that bar and hug it, squat down, or just grip and rock back and forth.
The closer I got to transition, the less I wanted to leave my bar, even to be monitored. So my sweet nurse just came behind me and held the monitor on my belly, even squatting down with me during contractions so she could keep an eye on Willa’s heart rate.
By the way, for all the “monitoring” they were doing, my contractions, even the ginormous ones, never showed up on the monitor. I am a walking freak show.
Transition wasn’t that bad. I remember sitting on the bed feeling a bit woozy. But then these people around me had the nerve to ask me to push. Uh, no. My legs were tired. I’d been squatting, lunging, or pacing for seven hours and my legs simply couldn’t hold me up any more. After some negotiating, I released my special bar and laid on my side for pushing.
Hello, Ring of Fire.
I couldn’t see a thing but the bed railing as I pushed. But everyone was yelling and excited about something, so I kept on. Andrew was behind me, supporting me for awhile, but then he headed down for a quick peek. “What’s that?” he asked.
“The head!”
And he did a happy dance. Four people saw it. He jumped up and down and cheered and clapped for me. “You’re doing it! You’re doing it, hon!”
And then I pushed again and I heard a baby crying, somewhere in the distance.
One more deep breath, a final push, the greatest relief ever, and it was done. Something warm, wet, and wiggly was placed on my chest.
I couldn’t believe how tiny Willa was. Or that I had really just achieved the birth story of my dreams. And my husband? He was beaming. He told me later he wanted to run up and down the halls, hands up in the air, yelling. His very own personal “Rocky” moment.
The nurse and doctor gave me my wish and left Willa with me for as long as I wanted to cuddle. She nursed right away and then snuggled up close.
After about an hour and a half, my curiosity got the better of me and I let the nurse take her and weigh her. 5 pounds, 15 ounces. 20 inches.
In other words, TINY.
The day was full of heroes, happenstance, and just plain miracles. My chiropractor had been out of the country for two weeks. She got back Saturday night, got three hours of sleep, and stayed by my side all day. J had a death in the family the morning I went to the hospital. But she was there for me, ready to see a happier event. And my doctor was easy-going enough to give me the freedom to do what I wanted. I think this made all the difference in our success. I credit all these people for giving me such an easy, happy story.
But I know that they were all gifts from God. He alone knew all the hopes, fears, and dreams I had for Willa’s birthday. And He was merciful and kind. Especially when He gave me Andrew…
At some point in the evening, probably when Andrew and I were “dancing” during contractions and he had to support us both, the room grew quiet. I realized I wasn’t the one everyone was watching. Instead, the nurse and my doulas were staring at my husband as he held me and whispered in my ear. They all exchanged a look and then one of the doulas leaned over and whispered to me, slightly awed, “No wonder you’ve had five babies with this man.”
Can’t you just hear the Rocky theme playing in the background?
12.15.2008
Now THAT was a beatiful birth, and a beautiful birth story. Congrats again. It was a wild and sometimes scary ride, but you guys handled it so well and look at what you accomplished. So happy for you!
12.15.2008
What a way to bring her into the world … I, too, remember the moment they handed Kati to John 16 years ago last Friday. It changed him. Forever.
And we all saw it. Everyone in the room.
Congratulations on Willa, and having such a phenomenal partner.
Merry, Merry Christmas.
12.15.2008
wonderful story - just about in tears here!
12.15.2008
Ah, such a beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart-God is so so good… Congratulations on your precious little girl!!!!
12.15.2008
Oh geez; I’m crying! What a beautiful story. My favorite part is the end, about Andrew. I’m so glad you got the birth you wanted. I love the picture of you when they are first putting her on your chest. All of the emotions of birth are right there on your face. Thanks for sharing!
12.15.2008
What a wonderful birth story! I’m so happy it was better than you could have dreamed of! Awesome that you had so much support and that God blessed your socks off! Willa is beautiful and her birth sounded amazing!
~ Ali
12.15.2008
BEAUTIFUL! Amazing, miraculous, wonderful. Way to GO, mama. Glory to God. Just awesome.
Happy, happy babymoon!
12.16.2008
I am so happy for you, getting the birth you desired! God is good - all the time!
12.16.2008
Beautiful! So glad Willa arrived healthy! I love the final pregnancy picture and the dancing picture!
I used the squat bar and I absolutely do not recommend it with an epidural. I pushed harder than I knew as well as incorrectly which led to terrible healing. Without drugs and the squat bar was the right thing, I am sure!
12.16.2008
I’m man enough to handle the story.
That picture of you and Andrew is all the parenting/marriage teaching your kids will ever need.
Tell your boys to find a woman they can love like that.
Tell the girls to settle for nothing less than a man who loves them that way.
12.16.2008
Beautiful, precious, sacred!!!! sniff sniff! Thank you for sharing Willa’s birth story. all those warm fuzzies are a great way to start my day!:) Blessings as you enjoy the” fruit of your labor”(pun intended:) and God’s merciful goodness, jen in al
12.16.2008
Great story with just the right amount of drama and humor mixed in to keep us guessing… although I am fairly certain we all knew what the final outcome would be before we started reading ;).
And I was doing really well too with all that reading, until you shared the “No wonder you’ve had five babies with this man” comment, and then I got all teary eyed and weepy. He’s a keeper!
Now where’d I put that box of Kleenex?
12.16.2008
I laughed, I cried…. I’m so glad you got to have the birth of your dreams with extra special helpers and a wonderful husband.
Congratulations! (Again) <3
12.16.2008
That was AWESOME! I am so glad everything went just as you’d hoped!
12.16.2008
This is one of the best birth stories I’ve ever read! Congrats on Willa! That is a beautiful name.
12.16.2008
Hi!
I had a c-section a year ago and was told that I would have to find a new doctor because the one I’ve used for 14 years no longer does vbacs. They try to scare you into having a repeact section, but this is proof that vbacs are not only safe for mother and baby, but can be done with more that one section.
Congratulations on the birth of sweet Willa, and that you had a wonderful delivery. I’m hoping to do the same sometime, Lord willing.
~Karen
12.16.2008
Beautiful story. I’m a doula who’s attended dozens and dozens of VBACs over the years. I couldn’t agree more that all those good elements of your story were gifts from a gracious Father. How wonderful that chief among your blessings is a husband who “gets it.” Congratulations on your accomplishment. Thanks for posting, and I know your story will inspire other VBAC seeking families.
12.16.2008
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story and you and your husband have an incredible family!
12.16.2008
That is a great story but I have to comment on this quote, “I credit all these people for giving me such an easy, happy story.” It didn’t sound easy! It sounded like a lot of work! You are amazing!
12.16.2008
What a great story! Thank you for sharing it - that was truly a wonderful birth…and you definitely have a great husband. That was so precious.
Congratulations again.
12.16.2008
[...] View Ya’ll Talk cjoy on Birth StoryRenee on Birth StoryTammy @ Greek GRITS on Birth StoryAimee on Birth StoryKaren in Ohio on Birth [...]
12.16.2008
I love reading birth stories and that was wonderful! What a great welcome to Wila - she is blessed to have such loving parents.
GJ Andrew too!
12.17.2008
How full of hope and joy. Thanks for writing! My tears are joyful for you today.
12.18.2008
What a beautiful birth story, Lora Lynn. There is such a “natural high” with natural birth!It is an amazing accomplishment! I am so thrilled that you had such a supportive birth team. I had to laugh at the “hello ring of fire”. I know exactly what you mean. Thankfully, that doesn’t last long, and the precious baby does come rather swiftly.Isn’t it marvelous how He orchestrates the events in our lives so beautifully?
12.18.2008
Tears…wiping away tears. So happy that Willa’s birth was storybook.
You’ve done a fabulous job of telling it as well - one day she will read this and be so proud of her mom and dad - what a blessed little girl she is! 
12.19.2008
That was the sweetest most wonderful post ever. Thanks for sharing such a special moment. Children are such a gift…and its obvious you treasure them and your marriage. Blessings to you and your family.
And now, for a little award. I am new to blogging but I got an award and I needed to nominate 5 others…so I wanted to let you know that there is an award waiting for you on my blog. Go claim it! And then get back to snuggling your miracle.
12.19.2008
I simply cannot believe the experience you had in a southern hospital labor and delivery floor. A portable monitor? A doctor that let you eat? I’m thrilled. Thrilled thrilled thrilled.
I know what it’s like to get the picture perfect birth after another hasn’t gone so well. Joy abounds. I wish I could hug you. I’m bursting with pride for your incredible team of supporters and your fantabulous husband. And for you, gorgeous strong courageous woman.
Thanks for sharing.
12.20.2008
Hooray! I love your story! Isn’t life amazing?
12.25.2008
Beautiful!
1.11.2009
[...] And then we had a baby. [...]
1.27.2009
Praise the LORD! I am so happy for you ! I knew you could do it! I am so proud of you!!! It looks like you got the perfect team together and Andrew was as awsome as ever! Being a mom of 9 I can tell you that 4 is as hard as it gets. It may be this time that is the hardest since you got 2 for the price of 1. but when my oldest was almost 7 he could actually help me a little. that made all the difference in the world. then the next time I had two that could help and so on. they are all bummed that we only got 9 out of the deal, they were all hoping we could atleast break double digets. God Bless you and stay in touch! I would love to TALK to you and see how things are different this time from last.. someday I hope to be back as a doula or maybe a trainer. Tell Andrew hi for me and congrats again!!!
4.3.2009
I’m Crying LL! OH, what a beautiful story. thanks so much for sharing. It’s nice to reconnect with you guys and have a central place (fb) to link to your blog. Congratulations on baby Willa! Love to all the Fannings!…To God be the Glory!
7.15.2009
i’m here visiting from sortacrunchy’s blog/birth story list and i had to click on your story as i’ve also had 2 successful VBACs…. the right drs/nurses make all the difference for sure! (my first was w/ horrible and unsupportive staff, 2nd w/ great support)
such a great birth story! and your husband sounds amazing
7.18.2009
[...] http://www.vitafamiliae.com/?p=1492 [...]
12.3.2009
[...] they were babies. Willa was even adjusted just moments after birth, since Dr. J. was one of my Natal Nazis. Our kids have a love/hate relationship with the chiropractor. They ask to go and then when [...]