Friday, Feb 5, 2010

10am: We woke up, had breakfast and got ready for the day. I was having some cramps but didn't think much of it since I had been having cramps here and there for the past week.

12pm: We initially headed out to go to the Woodlands Mall but jokingly decided not to in case the baby decided to come on this day. We headed out to Rice Village for lunch instead. The cramps were about 9 minutes apart at this time, but still didn't think much of it.

3pm: Ate lunch and headed back to Baytown. At this point my cramps were about 5 minutes apart. I called my midwife and doula just to give them a heads up, but I told them if this was true labor it would prob be a while. I was still really comfortable.

4pm: Arrived home after sitting in traffic for a while. The cramps were 1-2 minutes apart. I got in the tub for about 15 minutes with Isaac to relax.

5pm: Arie, my husband (family physician) check my cervix and I was only 2cm, 60% effaced, -2 station. Texted my midwife and doula and said it was going to be a while. I kept telling my sister that the cramps will probably slow down and that it was more than likely practice labor. :-)

6:50pm: Arie checked me again, since the surges were 1 minute apart and I was getting a little uncomfortable. At this point I was laying on the bedroom floor and Arie was massaging my back and whispering affirmations to me. I was 5-6cm. We asked the midwife and doula to go ahead and come on over to the house.

7:35pm: I couldn't help myself and my body started to birth the baby. On the first "push" my water broke as I was in polar bear position on the bedroom floor (which was covered with sheets and a tarp). I told Arie to get the bathtub ready, and to do it quickly. In the next minute I got up and walked to the bathroom. I stood up, resting my hands on the edge of the bathtub. I couldn't move at this point and there was no way I was getting into the tub. My body had three more strong pushes...at this point the doula arrived and the midwife listened in on the phone as she drove.

7:43pm: Philip Alexander Marancenbaum was born into the hands of my husband. His head came out and then nearly a minute later his body followed. I actually had to remind Arie to stay calm at this point, so I could birth him calmly.

7:47pm: Jackie Griggs, our midwife arrived and helped us adjust, birth the placenta, cut the cord and check us out.

The ENTIRE birth was painless! I am still in shock that the birth happened so peacefully, easily and QUICKLY! For weeks I have been meditating and asking the baby to arrive anytime after Feb 4 (the day my sister arrived to help us with Isaac) and for a 3 hour birth. Little did I know, that it would happen exactly as I had been practicing. I even "knew" it wouldn't be a water birth and to be prepared with extra sheets and tarp.

Philip looks just like me...a little blondie or redhead! We couldn't be more excited and look forward to sharing our little bundle of love with you soon. Isaac was nearby and visited with me several times during labor but preferred to watch his cartoon show and did not witness the birth; he is settling in perfectly as a new big brother!

Philip Alexander Marancenbaum was born Friday, Feb 5. 8 lb. 7 oz, 20 1/4in.

With Love,

Jamie