Ruby’s Homebirth Story

It was Sunday February 18th, 2018. Me, Auntie Ang and Auntie Hannah went to get pedicures for one last relaxing night out before you came. The lady there said she usually does not rub pregnant lady’s feet, but I was far enough along that she would make an exception. You were due the 17th, so we were ready.

When we got back to grandpa’s house we ordered pizza. After dinner i started having strong contractions, not painful, but strong. They differed from Braxton Hicks in that they were squeezing from the sides of my abdomen, not up and down like usual. They continued all night about 15 minutes apart, maybe longer at some times. I didn’t get a lot of sleep. In the morning I called the midwife to let them know what was happening.

As I got up and moved around for the day, they stopped. Around 2pm I decided to nap with Silas. The contractions started again, even stronger this time. I thought it funny that rest brought them on again, because it usually slows them. They maintained their strength and slowly got closer together.

• 

• 

After dinner on the 19th of February, about 24 hours in from the first contraction I felt, I hopped into the bath with Silas. It was around 6:45 that the midwives came to check on us. The contractions hurt, but not terribly and I was not convinced you were not coming that soon. They stayed with us and watched and waited. Silas and I watched Tangled, a Disney movie about Rapunzel.

As I lay there, doing the best I could to rest, I squeezed a spiky drier ball in my palm as pain management during contractions. At about 9:30 your dad took Silas to bed. I told the midwives that I would like to rest with them because it would be my last night being a mom to only Silas. They agreed it was a good idea and did a pelvic exam to see our progress so far. I was 6cm and 70% effaced. They left to get some rest and I laid down in bed.

I was only able to stay there about an hour before the pain got so bad I couldn’t stay still any longer. Daddy came out to help me labor over an exercise ball. He squeezed my hips when the waves of contractions came. I still clung to that drier ball. We did this just the two of us until 12am. It was then that I knew I would need extra support soon.

Dad called the midwives, Auntie Angela, and Auntie Hannah. I am not sure exactly when they arrived, but I know I got straight into the birthing pool and stayed there for an hour. I was feeling the urge to push, but not too strong yet. Joyce, the midwife suggested I get out to go to the bathroom. I pushed on the toilet for awhile before moving to the couch, the floor, and then the birthing stool.

I was all over the place. The control and calm I felt during labor had vanished. You were coming down full force and I felt as though I would split in half any second from the pressure. Honestly it was up to you and my instincts now, all I could do was try to remain calm as nature ran it’s course.

My water wouldn’t brake, so joyce asked if she could try to speed things along by breaking it for me. At this point I needed relief and would take any help to speed things along, so I gave her permission to do so. This resulted in even more pressure and panic from me. It turns out you were facing my left leg and it caused quite alot of pain to push you out in that direction.

I was the first to see you were a girl as you finally slipped out of me. I called out “Is she okay?!” It had taken the rest of your body sometime to come out after I delivered your head. I remember thinking “I need to get her out, that head has been out a long time, as I waited for another wave of contractions to come and help us finish the job.

The whole pushing began at 2am and you were born at 5:17 on February 20th, 2018, right on the livingroom floor. Almost the exact same spot as your brother Silas. 8lbs 14oz and 21 inches long

God knew exactly what I needed. He knew I needed you. Thank you for choosing me to be your mommy. It is my life dream to teach you to be strong and confident in all areas of who you are. I love you more than I can describe.

Remember my favorite wildflower to KEEP BLOOMING!

If you want to see more pictures from Ruby’s birth, check out this video from my youtube channel. Be warned it gets a little more graphic than the pictures above.