|
My contractions had been happening for days, even months, ebbing and flowing. Finally I woke up one night long after my due date had come and gone with steady surges. I called my midwife and she came to my home at about 2 am. With the good advice to "get up and welcome it" I went into my kitchen and prepared a soothing relaxing tea made with chamomile and raspberry leaf. I had placed a heated herb sachet on my belly during the surges that came, and then I would put it on my lower back in between the surges. I was completely surrounded by the sweetest smells of lavender, sage and chamomile.
In my prenatal visits my midwife had personally invested hours of her time in helping me to be ready and empowered to labor and birth my baby. I was not scared, I was not fearful; I was calm and deeply relaxed with what my body was capable of doing naturally, normally. I trusted my caregiver and her ability to assess the circumstance. I had faith in my creator and I knew that if I allowed myself to work with what my body was doing it would happen easier and faster. I also have a wonderful very loving husband that was prepared to help and love on me all that I needed.
My contractions stayed a steady five minutes apart for almost the entirety of my birthing of Abi. I walked around my house, sat on my bounce ball, hugged on my husband and ate a banana. My bedroom was lovingly adored with birth art my friends had all made for me. I called it my sanctuary. We decided to set up the birth tub in my room in front of my bed. Once it was full of wonderfully hot water, I was able to get in. I honestly had the best time. Candles alight, music peacefully decorating my sanctimonious space, with the smells of all the herbs and oils I had placed in this healing pool of water I was soaking in.
The water took all of the edges off of my contractions and I concentrated on the opening of my body, my cervices and the receiving of my family. My water broke while in the huge tub of water and bliss. Soon after my water broke my midwife suggested that I get out and really see what my stage was set at. She checked me and told me I was at nine centimeters and that if I lay on my left side for just two more contractions the baby would then engage and I would be ready to push. Like magic it was true and I was totally ready to start to work hard on pushing my baby out.
She was born at 6:18 AM, after about 8 minutes of pushing. I had gotten back in the tub and my husband had helped by supporting my weight while I waited for the surges to come and I was then able to fully release her from my being. 8 pounds, 12 ounces and 22 inches long, she finally came. I received her in peace, in love and took her straight to my bosom. I was reborn within the birth of Abiona Lael Gardocki. |
|
©2007 motherwise birth resources. None of the contents may be reproduced without prior consent.
|
|
Birth Stories |
|
On April 5th, 2005, we celebrated the birth of our new little girl Abiona. She was born in our home with the help of a midwife. This was our second homebirth and second child. Both experiences allowed me to work with my body not against it, and to learn how to follow my inner strengths and conviction. In doing so I believe the mother and woman I am connected to wisdom greater than myself, and to strength that is within me yet is beyond me. |
|
Abiona Lael Gardocki, April 5, 2005 |
|
Heather Gardocki |
|
Born in Peaceful Waters |
