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Avery Sierra Welsh's Birth

November 28, 1997
7lbs. 13oz.
201/4 in.

I found out I was pregnant after my family returned from a trip to Charleston. I noticed while I was there that my jeans were kind of tight and uncomfortable. We even had to go buy me an outfit to wear. When we returned home I thought that I might be pregnant, so I took a pregnancy test, positive!

I immediately started to call around for a midwife, I definitely wanted have another home and water birth. I had such a good experience with my first son, Austin. I found a midwife, Maria Wolford through the local maternity center. We spoke on the phone and set up an appointment. At my first prenatal visit she came to our house and we hit it off. She stayed for 2 hours and we talked about everything.

My pregnancy went well, I didn't have morning sickness or any problems. My husband Rick and I had this debate about what sex the baby was going to be. I said girl and he said boy. The Welsh family has a habit of having 3 boys then a girl, so he thought this baby was a boy. This pregnancy was completely different than my first so I was sure the baby was a girl. We had an ultrasound and sure enough it was a girl! Rick was in shock I think, but he soon warmed to the idea of having a little girl. I was having too much fun shopping for her, I couldn't wait!

When I was around 38 weeks I started leaking amniotic fluid. It only lasted a few days so we figured it sealed up on its own. Maria checked me and I was already 75% effaced and at 2cm. At 39 weeks I had contractions all day, we thought for sure it was the real thing, Maria, her assistant, and another midwife came over to be with me. My parents came over to be with Austin and to keep him occupied. Then labor slowed down, everyone went to bed, and I got a good night sleep. Maria thought maybe that it was a little distracting having g so many people there; I completely agreed. I was so disappointed but it was probably for the best. I had contractions all week but nothing very strong. On Wednesday we drained the hot tub, cleaned and refilled it. We were ready to go! Maria said she thought I would go into labor on Thanksgiving Day because all of her family would be at her house. I talked to her that morning and told her I was so ready to have this baby! Maria said I sounded ready.

We had a really nice dinner with my whole family; everyone kept saying when are you going to have this baby? I wasn't over due yet, but because I had Austin 2 weeks early everyone thought I would go early this time too.

That night we went to bed early and at 3:00am I woke up with contractions 3 minutes apart. At 3:15 I called Maria and she said she would be here in about 45 minutes. I walked around downstairs for a while then I went to wake up Rick. I told him I was in labor and he better get up, he said OK and rolled back over. I said Rick; I'm really in labor! He then woke up. I said it might be kind of hard to sleep with 7 people, counting us, in the room. When Maria arrived and checked me at 4:30 I was at 4cm and 90% effaced. Contractions were not bad at all but I got in the tub any way. The water felt so nice. The water didn't slow my labor down so we knew it was the real thing. Soon after that Maria's apprentice Susie and another midwife Jeanie arrived.

My contractions stayed about 2 minutes apart the whole time. It gave me time to regroup and relax. By 6:00am I was 7 cm dilated. I was feeling with every contraction the baby move down the birth canal. It was a strange experience; I didn't feel that with Austin. Contractions were a lot more intense, but between each one I was talking and was able to relax. Maria and Susie held my hands during each contraction and were so supportive. At 8:00am I started to get that overwhelming urge to push. My husband got in the water with me for support; not long after that my water broke with a pop. Later Rick said he felt it too. After my water broke it was like my body was pushing for me. I couldn't stop it. Pushing wasn't at all painful, but I felt her move every time, which was uncomfortable. I gave a few more pushes and I felt my perineum stretch. Ouch!!!! Her head came out with the next push and I wanted to get her out ASAP. The next push was overwhelming and I started pushing her out. Maria said to stop and pant because her shoulder was stuck. Then I pushed again and Avery Sierra was out and coming to the surface. As soon as I saw her face I was in love. She just started looking at me and didn't cry until Maria started suctioning her nose and mouth. She had a head full of dark hair, we couldn't believe it. We covered her with a towel with only her head out of the water. We stayed in the water for about 15 minutes. My Mom and sister who came for the birth were so happy; they were crying and laughing at the same time. The cord was short again so I had to wait to nurse her. We all got out and I got on the bed to deliver the placenta. I think the after pains were a lot worse than labor, they really hurt!

Austin came in not long after that to see his new baby sister. He gently touched her face and then wanted to go play with Papa. We cut the cord and Susie and Jeanie cleaned me up. We finally got to get into bed to nurse. She latched on like and old pro and nursed for quite a while. Maria wanted me to take an herbal sitz bath to take the swelling down. It felt great and really helped take out the soreness. Maria and Jeanie checked to see if I tore, I did but it was just superficial. She said she would stitch me up if I wanted her to, but the thought of the needle was an unpleasant thought. Maria told me to stay in bed for 3-4 days with my legs together. I said no problem. I really enjoyed being waited on by Rick; he took care of Austin and did every thing for 5 days. It gave me a chance to be with Avery, which was special to me.

Looking back over the birth I realized that I was so lucky to have had the choice of giving birth at home. I had complete control over my experience and was so glad to not be in a hospital where you have no control. Home birth isn't for everyone, but it was such a good experience for me. I was also lucky to have a supportive and caring midwife. Water birth is also a wonderful and gentle way to have a baby.

Avery is now 3 months old and such a sweet baby. Austin loves her so much he can't keep his hands and lips off her.

Tonya Welsh