Weston John - Due 10/5, Born 9/22

Baby's Name: Weston "West" John

Sex: M

Date of Birth: 9/22/17

Original Due Date: 10/5/17

Weeks Pregnant: 38 weeks, 1 day

Baby's Weight: 7lb 5.1oz

Baby's Length: 19.5”

...and for those interested in the birth story, I wrote it as a letter to West 😊 (below)

Dearest Weston,

After an attempted version (ECV) and near emergency c-section on Monday, September 18, 2017 - you decided to come into this world bright-eyed (so I was told) and screaming on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 6:47 p.m. 

We had originally planned for a natural, unmedicated birth but after the attempted version, it was clear you had other plans and that you greatly enjoyed your comfy position with your head in my ribs and lungs. Your birth date was scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 9:00am but, yet again, you made it clear you had other plans. Your Dad and I went in for a 38 week prenatal visit with the Midwives of MedStar WHC and were greeted with confirmation of my gestational hypertension (high blood pressure) and sent to L&D; to be monitored. Midwife Liz (who had also been present at your attempted ECV) was on call in L&D; and calmly made it clear that we would be meeting you TODAY (not next week) as the risks of waiting greatly outweighed the rewards. While a bit in shock, our shock quickly turned into our excitement to meet you. 

Your ECV scare was a blessing in disguise as it gave your Dad and I a chance to come to terms with the inevitability of a c-section. I had the chance to read about gentle, family-centered c-sections and was able to talk to the doulas, midwives, and other women who had undergone the procedure. I was able to shift my mentality from one of sadness and negativity to one of positivity and silver linings. Your ECV had also given us a “dry run” of what to expect during the c-section experience (epidural, catheter, etc…

Your dad and I enjoyed a calm afternoon at Washington Hospital Center and were joined by Sarah from DC (daycare, dear child) Birth Doulas who helped talk us through what to expect before/during/after the procedure. We listened to upbeat music, laughed about your dad’s need for valium, and tried to decide on your name in preparation for your arrival. It was a busy day at WHC L&D; so we were waiting quite a while - but once preparations began, things moved very quickly. 

Around 6pm, I walked back to the OR to get ready for your “big reveal” --- everything seemed a little surreal but your dad and I were so ready to meet you. The medical team was kind but efficient. I had thought about listening to music during the prep time but I was calm, practicing deep breathing exercises AND the prep moved so quickly I never had the chance to press “play.” Your dad (looking VERY handsome in scrubs, I must say!) walked into the OR as they were starting the procedure. Midwife Liz kindly agreed to take photos of your birth AND was present to provide a play-by-play of what Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Z were doing. 

I felt as your bottom, legs, and ultimately your head (with OPEN eyes) came out of my womb --- no pain or discomfort, just pressure as they freed you from your uteran apartment. Your lungs were STRONG as you voiced your discontent with leaving my body after nearly 9 comfortable months. Your Dad was an absolute trooper. Instead of staying behind the curtain, he tried to sneak a peek as you made your debut and made his way over to the warmer as you were checked by the neonatal team and put into his arms. Then came the best part, I GOT TO SEE YOU for the first time. You were - and are - absolutely beautiful. Dr. Mitchell remarked that there would be no DNA testing necessary as you were clearly the perfect mix of your Dad and I. As they wrapped up the procedure, the neonatology team made sure you were healthy - 10 fingers, 10 toes, and a 9 on the APGAR test! 

I cannot tell you how grateful I am to the entire medical team but ESPECIALLY Midwife Liz and the amazing photos she captured. The OR was filled with positivity and love --- and everyone seemed genuinely impressed with your cuteness! Once they finished the procedure you were placed skin-to-skin on my chest so we could be wheeled back to recovery together. I returned to the room just in time to see your Dad snapping pictures of the gorgeous sunset. Doula Sarah was there to help with your first latch (you were a natural --- and still are!) 

While it was a week earlier than we were expecting and not our original “birth plan”, it was truly a beautiful day. I am SO grateful to have the honor of being your mother. 

Love, Love, and MORE LOVE,

Mom

Your Birthday Fun Facts: 

-September 22 was a very special day as it was both the Autumnal Equinox AND the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

-September 22 was also the Wedding Day of two very special women in mommy’s life - Anne and Lacey! I was supposed to offer a prayer at their ceremony but instead you now share a birthday with their wedding anniversary!

-You were born just before sunset (and what a beautiful sunset it was) on September 22. Your name Weston is a great reminder for mommy that the sun sets in the West