Levi Pax's Birth Story

I was convinced after waking up still pregnant on Friday September, 11th that I was doomed to exceed 9 days over. I was in a sour mood but my friend Christine, who was my doula with Isaac, asked if I wanted to go with her to the children's museum. Trying to salvage the day, I agreed. David dropped Isaac and I off at the museum. Isaac and I had never been to that museum and it was very fun. The whole time, I just felt uncomfortable. I figured that the contractions were the same as the ones from the week before, which had not yielded a baby. Christine suggested that perhaps I was in labor, despite my cynical insistence that I was not. After we all finished lunch, David picked Isaac and I up. Now, I was not looking forward to the car ride and David knew it. Every time we hit a bump I would throw him an evil glance. He tried to comfort me by touching my leg, to which I replied "don't touch me". I should have known that something was happening but I chalked it up to me being 9 days overdue. When we arrived home, David put Isaac down for a nap. While he was upstairs, I felt like I had to walk around. So I paced around our downstairs and David observed that I was acting strangely. At this point, Isaac was crying and I decided to hang out in the dark and quiet downstairs bathroom. I turned on the shower and the fan for some soothing white noise and swayed as I had contractions. David suggested that I call my midwife who was at a class that day. I called and told her I would keep her posted. The contractions increased in frequency and strength. I kept drinking water and I told David that I didn't want a bunch of people gawking at me and that I didn't want to worry about the other two boys. So, David went to work procuring care for both Kadin and Isaac. He also talked to Lauren, who was going to be at the birth and contacted our midwife. He checked on me and asked if I wanted to move upstairs. I asked if it was dark and if there was noise. He said yes to both and we made our way slowly upstairs. I came into my room where the birth tub was being filled. It was dark and there was sounds of ocean waves playing. I should point out that this labor was very different from Isaac's. I could not sit down at any time for contractions. I also felt the urge to groan with contractions. Most of the time, I would hang from David and squat during the contractions. After a while, the tub was ready. Lauren went on an ice run to get it the perfect temperature. When my legs felt like they were going to fall off from not being able to sit down, I got in the tub. I was so grateful for that tub, I cried because it felt so good. I was in the tub when transition hit. I felt out of control and looked to Nadya for guidance and encouragement. She helped me breathe and focus. It felt so hard and I just wanted it to be over. Finally, I was ready to push. I made David get in the tub with me. Nadya was in front of me, helping me with each contraction. Another midwife was directing me how to push. Lauren was spoon feeding me applesauce and helping me drink water. It felt like eternity. Finally, his head came out and then the rest of him. I am not very sure what happened after that. All I know, is that my very mellow son was in my arms and my husband behind me and my placenta was floating in a bowl next to me. It was pretty intense. I felt very aware of everything, including my very sore rear end. I would say that active labor started at 2:00 pm and Levi was born at 6:31 pm. It was perfect timing because Isaac came home and went to bed at his normal bed time. It was as if we had a normal day and had a baby. I could go on and on about how wonderful the whole experience was. I loved being at home surrounded and supported by people I love and trust. I am so grateful for the care I have received before, during and after. I am so grateful for my son Levi Pax which means attached peace.