Khloe's Birth Story

Thursday, February 14^th, I barely slept at night because I was having contractions.  They weren’t exactly painful, just uncomfortable enough that they kept me from sleeping.

Friday, February 15^th.  I tried to take a nap with Sophia and AGAIN, could not sleep L  After Sophia woke up, I was discouraged and tired.  I called Carolee on her cell phone (because that’s how wonderful it is having a midwife, I have their cell numbers!)  Carolee was the midwife on call that week, the same one who caught Sophia J  I shared with her that I wasn’t in labor, just very uncomfortable and haven’t been sleeping.  I said, “What if I go another week without sleeping, then have to give birth?  I won’t have any energy.”  The Birth House is normally closed on Fridays (unless there is a birth) She was in town shopping at Anne Taylor and told me to meet her at the Birth house in an hour and she would check me.  She said if I was dilated to a “2” we will find a way to help me sleep.  If I am dilated to a “4”, she could “break my water and have a baby tonight.”  She told me to bring my birth bag just in case.  I instantly became overwhelmed with joy!  I just had a feeling that tonight would be the night!  I called Zach and told him the plan.

It worked out perfectly, because I already had arranged with Gwen “YiaYia” to pick up Sophia at 3pm for a few hours.  She ended up taking her the rest of the night and put her to sleep at our house.

3:30pm-Zach and I met with Carolee and the intern, Lisa.  Sure enough, I was dilated to a FOUR!  So pretty much, I had been in labor for probably a few days just going on about my life.  She explained that oftentimes with second births, your body does a lot of work before hand, which is why most second births happen quickly. After she checked me, she said, “are you ready to have your baby?”  I started crying and looked at Zach and said, “are you ready?”  Of course we were!

She walked us back to our cozy and beautiful birth room.  The lights were dimmed and all the lamps were on with burning candles and relaxing music.  I plopped myself on the bed and she broke my water.  Then I put on a diaper J I didn’t feel a thing.  It was a BEAUTIFUL day, so Zach and I took a 25 minute walk outside.  Right away, my contractions started getting more intense and closer together.  Even though it was sunny outside, it was freezing, so we headed back into the birth house.  Because it was CLOSED, we had the entire house to ourselves!  I walked to the front of the house and started walking up and down the stairs to get things really going.  I was in a “Let’s Do This” type of mood!  Even though the stairs made the contractions harder and closer together, I knew it would only make things go faster so I could meet my precious girl!  I asked Lisa “how can I speed things up?”  She told me to try and relax when the contractions hit.  This sounds like an oxymoron, because it’s very difficult, but I did it.  I honestly breathed and relaxed through every contraction, because I knew it would bring baby Khloe here faster. 

After about an hour of laboring on my feet, I was ready for the tub!  I went back to my room and waited for the tub to be filled.  I was in full laboring mode at this point.  The second I lowered my belly into the warm water, I felt a sense of comfort.  Don’t get me wrong, it was still the worst pain of my life, however it really helped with the pain.  I labored for another hour or so….Zach was by my side with EVERY single contraction from the very beginning.  I put my hands around his neck and he would rub my lower back because I had some intense back labor.  He was once again, AMAZING!!!  My midwife told me that we have a very special bond/connection because we literally labor together J My mom had also made it there at some point and made a special book full of pictures of Sophia for me to look at to motivate me J

Towards the end of the contraction stage, I was heard saying things like:

• Looking at Carolee, “can’t you just help get her out!”
• Looking at Zach, “Help me!”  Carolee looked at me and said, “honey, you can DO THIS by yourself.”
• Looking at my mom, “Mom, please PRAY for me!!!” 
• “This is AWFUL!!!” 

I started to feel the urge to push.  I pushed for about 20 minutes, then her head crowned.  I reached down and felt Khloe’s head.  One more push and her head came out.  Carolee reached down into the tub and wrapped her hands around her neck.  I pushed as hard as I could and Carolee caught her and placed her right away on my chest.  She instantly started crying and coughing—my healthy girl!  My heart instantly grew 10 sizes larger!  I held her while sitting in the tub until Daddy cut the cord.  I then handed her off to Daddy while I birthed the placenta and got sprayed off.  I made my way to the bed and got cozy with Khloe in my arms and Zach by my side.  She took to the breast right away and her APGAR test was a perfect 10!

We were home 3 hours later before midnight.  Altogether it lasted about 4 hours.  She was born at 8:08pm in the water.  I LOVED giving birth in the water!  It was “easier” than last time, if that is even possible J

Zach and I once again, were in pure bliss!  One of the best days of my life, along with the day I married Zach and the day I had Sophia.  The Lord is so Good!  I praise Him for giving me this precious gift and for giving me such a wonderful birth experience.  I had two prayers for this labor, other than the health of Khloe and it was to give birth during the day and for it to go quickly!  Thank you Jesus for fulfilling the desires of my heart! 

We feel as if our wonderful little family is now complete! 

Differences with this labor:  Instead of fighting the contractions, like I did with Sophia, I welcomed each one this time.  It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but somehow, felt a peach with each one.  

Seconds after she came out!  Pure Bliss!

 Happy and emotional mommy and daddy

 Skin to skin contact with daddy while mommy got cleaned off.

Our perfect second born!

 Auntie Kat showed up shortly after Khloe was born and had a special moment with Nana!

 Checking out her lungs :)

After Khloe was born, Daddy and Aunt Kat drove to Thriftway and bought a lot of food.  Daddy came back with a bottle of scotch to celebrate.  Everyone except mama took a shot to celebrate Khloe!

 Enjoying Khloe

Perfect lil' feet

 Carolee our midwife