Lisa's Hypnobabies Birth Story
Hi Vittoria,
As you know, my water broke on Friday night shortly before 10 PM. We knew things were moving after this and the onset of regular birthing waves the next morning. We were able to be admitted to the Portland Andaluz Waterbirth Center afterall (one of the rooms they thought would be full opened up) so that was a nice surprise versus being routed to the Tualatin Center. In addition to that, they graciously hosted two sets of grandparents, 1 best friend, 1 sister and 1 cousin for us - who stayed for the duration of my birth - truly a family affair.
We arrived at Andaluz shortly after 8 AM yesterday, and got settled. For the next 12 hours my birthing waves increased in intensity and frequency. By 9PM, active birthing had started and the last three hours were pushing.
What an absolutely amazing experience. Andaluz midwives nourished my body, pshyche and soul when I needed it most. They, with thoughts of all the OmBase Mamas, you - a mother/mentor to all of us, and the lessons learned in Hypnobabies got me through some pretty major challenges. The birth was without complications except for my own mind...there were times where I repeatedly verbally and silently questioned my ability to do it. These were difficult moments - because what really were my options at that point? I thought of the OmBase mamas frequently, the strength we gather from eachother for so many months, and played my birthing day CDs repeatedly in the background. It was truly a birth of trust, love, and community - without any one of these I think I would've been lost.
Anyway, at 4:53 this morning, when the time was "right" Bailey Fisher Lindstrom came out to meet the world. He is beautiful and at two weeks early weighed in at 7 pounds, 9 ounces and is 20.5 inches long (with huge paws as his daddy says). We are all well and healthy. I had no tearing (just some swelling - to be expected) and a very RAW sore throat. That was another thing I learned about me and which you taught in class...with so much energy pent up during birth, it is often helpful to release some of it verbally. Well - that was me. For much of the birth, I didn't not recognize my own voice - something took over and I chanted words of inspiration (Yes, Open, Peace, Relaxe, Come Out Baby, and Eric's favorit: Oh Good Lord Help me).. Additionally, I made grunting noises the whole time to also focus and release some of this energy. It was a surreal time...only wish I'd toned it down a bit because I have 25% of a voice left.
I have so much more I want to share with you and the girls about my birth experience but I am pooped right now and will keep this update somewhat brief. I've attached a few pics of the happy family. Please feel free to share all, along with my email and phone number, to the gals in prenatal and the couples in Hypnobabies.
Thank you again for being a part of our lives and our family.
Love,
Lisa