Aurora's labor
March 30th, 2015 I give birth to my third daughter, Aurora!
On Friday March 27th, I was 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant. My midwife, Jeanne, and I decided to go forward with a membrane sweep. We were hopeful, but knew it could take a few days. We set up an appointment to have a repeat sweep the following Monday. I sent my older two daughters to spend the weekend at Grandma's house and I began my own attempts at bringing on labor. I cleaned every room in my home and even scrubbed my hardwood floors down on my hands and knees (don't worry I knew my limit!)! But nothing. So here my husband and I sat, in an overly clean and quiet house, anxiously awaiting some kind of indication that labor would begin soon. I must admit, I cried for my girls while they were away! Soon Sunday evening came and my girls came home. By this point I had been having steady cramping coming and going in waves. Cramping after a sweep is completely normal, so I mostly ignored it and carried on about my day. 4-5pm I noticed they were getting stronger and actually started feeling more like contractions. They had not slowed so I thought about calling.
It was about 11pm on March 29th and I had called both of my midwives to give them a "heads up" that I might be in labor. I called and left a voicemail for Jeanne and spoke directly to Whitney, but I later found out that I had misdialed Jeanne's number and actually left a voicemail on someone else's phone at 11 at night telling them that I was in labor!
Contractions were "uncomfortable", but I was able get some sleep.
Around 6am I was awakened by stronger contractions. I decided it was time to call my mom and have her come to be with the girls. 7am and I called Whitney. 7:30 or so I arrived at The Birth Center and started to prepare for baby. My nurse did a routine blood pressure and temperature check and then checked baby's heartbeat with a doppler, from here I got into the bath and we started filming.
After the video cuts off I have a 2-3 more contractions and on that last contraction I actually felt my water break in my hand! The next thing I knew there was Aurora's head and Whitney telling me to push! Just like that baby was out and on my chest. She was welcomed Earth-side at 8:53am on March 30th.
Unfortunately our camera battery died! I remember hearing it, but it was literally minutes before baby was born and I was far too deep into labor to be able to say "Honey! The battery died!". Though I remember hearing it turn off.
Always check your battery folks. Always check your battery.
Attached are a few photos, including photos of my older girls meeting her for the first time. They were "speechless with delight!" as nurse Kathy says!
Ever since my first water birth at The Birth Center in 2013 I have been sharing my experience with everyone I know! So please feel free to ask questions!
Comment on this video
Follow me on IG @MeaganCombs
Follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/seattlebabemec
Aurora was born at The Birth Center & Women's Health Clinic located in beautiful Missoula Montana with the birth assistance of Jeanne Hebl, CMN, Whitney Smith, CMN IBCLC, and Kathy Crowley-Haywood, RN.
