My fast natural birth (first baby)

On January 10th ( 40 weeks 4 days) I woke up around 4am with what I thought might be contractions. Everyone told me I would know... I didn’t! I was dozing in and out as they came. About an hour later I decided to time them and they were very inconsistent. I woke my partner and told her I thought I was having contractions.We debated on what to do... and decided to call my midwife. I was told to continue timing and if they are coming every 7 minutes to head to labor and delivery ( we live over an hour from the hospital).

So... I timed them and they we very inconsistent but manageable. I bounced on my birthing ball and watched tv! Then I got up to use the bathroom And felt a very small gush... but I wasn’t sure if I just peed a little 😂. I didn’t want to risk it so we called again and were told to head in but if it’s not fluid I would be sent home.

We packed the last few items we needed, took showers, and left for the hospital (9:45am) On our way I felt another gush and knew it was my water! My contractions were still inconsistent some 4 mins apart and some 10 minutes apart. We arrived a little after 11am and waited in triage for awhile. While waiting I felt another gush! They determined it was fluid but I was not in active labor. I was asked if I wanted to go home, to do something around the city, or be admitted. I asked to be admitted and was in a room around 12pm.

Because my water broke they didn’t check to see how dialated I was (risk of infection). My midwife said just by looking at me she knew I wasn’t in active labor yet. So I worked through the contractions which were getting more intense. I walked around the labor floor, bounced on a ball, rocked in the rocking chair. I asked to be checked around 1pm and I was at at 3.5 centimeters.

By this point the contractions were very intense! My midwife recommended trying to labor down on my hand and knees or try the tub. I asked to go in the tub. As the nurse got it ready I tried down on all fours. When the tub was ready I got in and after about 15 minutes I was discussing an epidural with my wife. We decided that might be the best option as we were only at 3.5 centimeters just an hour ago. My midwife came in and checked me and said “you’re at 9.5 centimeters! This baby will be her in 30 mins”.

I got out of the tub and moved to the bed. I Pushed for what felt like an eternity... it was only about 35 mins. My baby boy was born at 3:08 pm. I am truly amazed at what my body did! I felt empowered by how strong I am and how strong and supportive my partner was through the whole experience!

Thanks for reading 😊