A Family Birth at Acorn Birth Center
12:53 am
I was called and told “we’re heading to the birth center.” After a few texts here and there the previous day I knew this call was coming. The dump of adrenaline hit and my heart began to race a little, you know the normal when I get these calls. My little one still snuggled up with a leg thrown over me while he is sleeping. He always seems to know when a client is in labor as he gets more clingy while he sleeps.
I tried to sneak out of the bed and our room but it didn’t help, he woke up and was NOT happy. I raced around and got dressed, brought him downstairs to my husband (he streams video games so he was awake), grabbed my gear, and left.
2:04 am
I arrived at Acorn Birth Center in Fallbrook, CA before my clients. There was a total sigh of relief as this was baby number 2, and they typically like to make their entrance quicker than the previous baby.
I put all my gear down and got my camera put together and ready.
When they arrived things slowed down a bit so I stayed back and tried to give them as much space as possible. They were relaxed but determined.
I watched them walk around the birth center, they then went for a walk outside in the dark, they squatted and breathed and were totally connected. This time was all about them.
4:30 am
I left the birth center to give everyone space and completely remove myself from the grounds. I got my caramel macchiato with an extra expresso shot (because duh, more coffee) and brought back a coffee for my client (her partner not the laboring person) and for one of the midwives because sometimes birth is about leaving everyone alone and giving them space. Birth isn’t always about being watched and waited on. It’s about trusting the process.
6:46 am
At this time the midwives began to suggest things she could do to see if that would help her surges become more intense. They did sifting of her belly, inversions, and some lunges on a chair. All of these were to help try and make more room in the pelvis/uterus for baby, as well as to try and shift and get the pelvis moving. As they were being done there were comments like “oh that one felt different” and “yeah that one was way more intense” in regards to the surges my client was feeling.
It seemed like these stretches and movements were doing what they were intended.
8:15 am
The tub was filled with warm water and she was finally able to get in. The water surrounded her, enveloping her belly and body like a hug. Welcoming her to relax her tired muscles and breathe a little easier.
However not long after she entered the water, she felt the urge to push.
8:25 am
Pushing begins. Her body had done this before, but it always takes a little bit to get into a rhythm. It’s kind of like riding a bike, however after not riding one for a little bit, you always stumble some before your muscle memory takes over and you’re off.
With midwives sitting close by, her husband in the tub next to her, and her son and mother in law just down the hall, she began to listen to her body and follow its lead to push. Many of them appearing intense where vocalizing was what seemed to help.
She was constantly listening to her body and changing position trying to find one she felt good in and felt like she was pushing effectively. But she always came back to pushing on all fours (hands and knees). Her husband sitting behind her, excited to catch his daughter, to be the first hands on her, waited patiently with his hands by her bottom waiting to catch his baby girl.
10:05 am
And at 10:05 am, little Olivia is born, all 6 pounds 2 ounces of her into the hands of her beyond proud dad.
She was passed through her mother’s legs and brought up just out of the water before realizing the cord was around her neck. Remember, it’s a necklace, not a noose. Cristi, the owner of Acorn Birth Center, gently unwrapped Olivia’s cord and her mother scooped her up and immediately sat back in the tub against her husband and began to nurse Olivia, where she latched immediately.
10:20 am
Placenta is born, intact, and absolutely beautiful. It was right after that everyone got out of the tub and made their way to the bed tucked in the corner in the room. Full of comfy pillows and warm soft blankets. A welcoming sight and feeling after birth.
A little while later, after food was made and everyone was dressed, Olivia is weighed and measured.
birth is normal
Birth is a physiological event that happens. It’s not something to be feared. It’s beautiful and magical and powerful all wrapped up into one moment in time. We travel elsewhere to get our babies and bring them earth side.
Remember: