The Birth of Trinity Faith Ritenburg
This birth story begins with the celebration of my other daughter’s birth. We had thrown a huge 4th birthday party for our daughter and arrived home around 4pm. It was November 30th and my due date wasn’t until December 24th. When we got home, I went to the bathroom and discovered that my mucous plug had come out. I had read that even if the plug comes out, it could still be weeks before the baby is born, so I didn’t make a big deal about it. I did however suggest to my hubby that we put a plastic sheet on our bed just in case- and thank God we did! I was having contractions that evening while we watched a movie, and later while we were in bed. They were getting stronger and I decided to do some visualizing. I kept imagining my baby moving lower and my cervix opening, I kept telling myself that I was getting huge. After a couple hours of that, I felt something come out- I figured it must be more mucous and I went to the bathroom to investigate. It was water, but I didn’t really think my water broke, so I was going to change my underwear and when I pulled them off- I had a gush of water. Then I knew that it was indeed my water breaking. So, I woke up my hubby and told him what was happening, it was 1am. He wanted to know what I wanted to do. I called the midwife and let her know what was happening, we had an appointment already scheduled for December 1st at 12 noon, so she said that I should just call her when I thought I would be needing her. I also called my best friend/doula Rebecca, and my mom, they were surprised but delighted as well. I decided we’d need our rest, so we should just go back to bed and try and get sleep. The contractions kept coming and were requiring me to breathe through them, so I asked Peter, my hubby, if he would set up some relaxing music for me. That helped, but eventually it was just keeping me awake, so I shut it off. I really couldn’t sleep because I was so uncomfortable so I went down to the couch where I could be more upright and that helped. I fell asleep for an hour or so, and then woke up in a puddle that spilled over the side of the couch. By this time I was on my 3rd pair of underwear in a couple of hours and since it was 6am and Peter had had some sleep I woke him up to set up the pool for me- so I would stop soaking everything I came near. He filled the pool and it felt good to get in, but it also slowed everything down to nothing. No more contractions. We went on with our day, Peter made french toast for Hailey and I, and we just waited around for things to get rolling again. I called the midwife to see if she wanted to just wait for things to get going more, or if she still wanted to come at noon, she said she would be there at 1pm. I got sick of waiting for labor, and wanted to go to the grocery store to get some healthy snacks for later. I started having contractions again in the store, but not consistent. After shopping, we stopped by our friend, Amanda’s house who had agreed to video tape the birth. She was surprised to hear that I was in labor- and was at her house! We left there to get home to see the midwife was already there- it was 12:30pm. She had just arrived. We let her know things were really slow and so I had a normal checkup, baby’s heart rate was great, blood pressure was great, everything was perfect, baby just wasn’t ready yet. Even though the water had broken, the head was acting as a cork and keeping the rest of the water in, and my body was making more fluid every 3 hours- such a miracle pregnancy and birth are! We all ate lunch and I decided to take a walk outside. It was so bitter cold and windy that I didn’t make it far at all. But at least I had some time alone, and got out of the house. When I got back home I was tired so I had a little cat nap on the couch. I had a few contractions that were pretty rough, but they were very sporadic. I told Peter that I thought that if we got out and did something that things would really get going. So we decided to go the mall to walk around and then take Hailey to see Madagascar 2. I called the midwife before we left to let her know that things were still slow and we were going out- she said “enjoy yourselves”. On the way to the mall, the contractions started coming 10 mins apart and I had to have Hailey and Peter quiet so I could concentrate on breathing though them- so they were pretty strong. In the mall they continued being 10 mins apart and then were coming 5 mins apart. I went to the bathroom 3 times in the mall and we were only there about an hour- each time I went, there was a little bloody mucous in the toilet, so I knew things were going to happen that night. On the way home, we stopped at Timmy Ho’s and Peter and Hailey each got a doughnut and I got the potato soup I’ve been craving since they came out with it. It’s so yummy! They were still 5 mins apart the whole way home except the last one before we got in the house was 4 mins. Once we were inside, I had Peter put some more hot water in the pool and while it filled I breathed through some really tough ones- I think by this time they were about 3 mins apart. Peter called the midwife who said she would be on her way, and also called his mother- who would be playing with Hailey while I labored. I called Rebecca and Amanda, then got in the pool. It was about 6:30pm by this time. When Amanda arrived about 10 mins later the contractions were 2-3 mins apart and were lasting about a minute each. My mother-in-law arrived next and then Rebecca shortly after. The midwife came about 10 mins after Rebecca got there. I was definitely in full force labor and it was intense! I was not comfortable in the pool at all because it was only at 94 degrees and I was freezing which was making me tense and I couldn’t relax. One thing that really helped me though while I was in the pool was my husband had his hands on my shoulders and I was holding his hands and he was squeezing my hands. Feeling the power and the warmth from his hands actually gave me strength- I took strength from him. Also, Rebecca was rubbing my lower back which really helped to ease some of the tension. Eventually though, about 20-30 mins of being in the pool, I told everyone that I wanted to get out and go up to my bed, so I would be warmer. Once upstairs, Peter and I got in bed together and I warmed up. The contractions were so low in my sacrum and it felt like I was being disemboweled. It was so painful, and my breathing turned into low groans and moans- little did I know that her head was crowning. I felt as if I were being split in half, there was so much pressure and it was really hard to breathe through them now, I really felt like I needed to push. After a few minutes of laying there with the covers on, my midwife took a peek and discovered that she was crowning and poured some olive oil on me to help me stretch. I told them I wanted to squat on the floor next to the bed. It was then that Hailey and my mother-in-law were called up so they could witness this miracle. Once in this position, it did hurt more because gravity was pulling her down, but I knew it would go faster this way and I would open up more. I gave one push in this position and then needed more leverage so I got help to get up on my feet and squatted a little on my feet and after 2 pushed my little girl was out. Her daddy got to catch her and discovered that she was a girl, we had not known until that moment. I was so relieved that she was out, but I had anticipated that I would be able to pull her up to my breast while the cord was pulsating and that I would be able to nurse her. This plan didn’t work too well since her cord ended up being really short and I had to stay on all fours with my baby girl in between my legs until we could get situated. I was able to lay down and they put her on my lower stomach and we waited for the placenta to be born before we cut the cord. This was hard because I wasn’t having any more contractions to get the afterbirth out since I wasn’t nursing. Eventually it came out and Hailey was able to cut the cord- what a gift to watch her so involved in her sister’s birth- she has to be the most proud big sister ever! I was surprised how much it still hurt in my vaginal area after the birth. The midwife put some witch hazel on me and that helped. I had lost a lot of blood 400 cc’s I think she said, and she was getting a little concerned that I was going to hemorrhage- so she was getting the pitocin ready- but I ended up not needing it. The midwife and Rebecca got my bed all cleaned up and me too- I was a mess. I wanted to take a shower but because of the stairs, and the amount of blood I had lost, the midwife didn’t think it was a good idea. So I just got back into bed and nursed my sweetie. It was so nice to be with my family in my bedroom and have shared such an intimate experience with all of them. There is absolutely nothing about this birth that I would change and I would do it all over again. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done, but it was so worth it and I know I gave my baby the best entry into this world that she could have. I am so thankful for a supportive and loving husband and best friend. Praise God that everything was orchestrated perfectly because He is in control of all. I never doubted that His strength was enough for me. Trinity Faith was weighed by her father and was 7lb. 8 oz. Daddy also measured her and she was 18 ½ in. This was all done on my bed right next to me. Our baby never left our side, and she was given the best care because the people holding and touching her were loved her. She was born with light brown hair, and she looked just like her older sister looked when she was born, except that big sissy was much chubbier than her. I share such an amazing bond with Trinity and I am enjoying her fully! God’s timing was perfect and I get to enjoy a beautiful healthy little baby girl for Christmas this year. Talk about the perfect present! Thanks God!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
36 weeks 2 days! Only 26 days to go!
Ok so we're on our way home from church tonight and Hailey says, "Hey dad..." "Yeah Hailey?"
"You know mom's boobs are pretty big huh?" "Yeah, they are sweetie..."
Out of the mouth of babe's i guess...it was pretty hilarious! Tomorrow my little sweetie will be 4- i can't believe it! We were invited to a family from church's house tomorrow and i'm happy to go fellowship and hang with the body! Strict dress code i've been informed of- jammie pants and
t-shirt. this i can totally handle!!!! guys will be playing football! fun. We may still take Hailey bowling if it's not too late.
Things I'm Thankful for:
my salvation
my family
a bed to sleep on
my home
my church
healthy children
clothes that fit- sort of ;-)
true joy
love that i don't deserve
a patient husband
snow- it's so beautiful
a car that works and has a heater!
meals with family
much much more...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
33 WEEKS!
Can you say big baby? Hailey loves to kiss her new baby. She is a great big sister already.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
My Birth Plan
BIRTHING MY LOVE
In General:
Ideally, if all goes smoothly, I hope that the midwife who attends me in labor will remain in the background, taking observations to check on the baby's and my safety, but otherwise not getting involved in my labor, unless I request otherwise. If I do find that I would like her to become more involved, I would like her to support and encourage me, using her experience to guide me through labor and offer suggestions.
The Labor:
I would like to remain active and use whatever position I find comfortable. Please encourage me to stay off my back! I may wish to move throughout the house and to use the bath or shower from time to time.
I would like to avoid internal examinations if possible, unless there is a particular reason why you think one is necessary. I am open to natural methods to soften the cervix, such as nipple stimulation, clitoral stimulation, sex, or another method suggested. Please do not offer to break my waters, and please be very careful to avoid doing so during any internal examinations. If the baby appears to be poorly positioned or labor is not progressing well for some reason, I would appreciate it if you could suggest changes of position or movements which might help. I would like to have music playing during the labor, I will have a play list and music readily available.
I am a firm believer that all my strength and source of hope is found in my Lord Jesus Christ and that I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me. Prayer will be a big part of my labor, as well as praise.
Birth Companions:
The following people may come to my home during the labor or birth:
My husband/partner, Peter.
My daughter, Hailey.
My mother-in-law, Pat, who will be helping to look after Hailey.
My doula/best friend/massage therapist, Rebecca.
Birth Pool:
I have a birth pool and will use it if it helps me.
It is important that the pool temperature is comfortable for me so, unless it is outside normal safety limits, I will choose the temperature myself. I understand that I would probably want a cooler temperature during the first stage of labor, and warmer - nearer blood temperature perhaps - for the second stage. I would like to have a water birth if possible and would appreciate your support in encouraging me to give birth underwater.
Pain Relief:
I hope to manage using no drugs for pain relief, and would appreciate your encouragement to use other methods. For example, I might use movement, massage, relaxation, birthing stool, or the birth pool.
The Birth:
I do not wish to have an internal examination to confirm whether or not I am 'ready' to push. I shall only push when I physically cannot do otherwise! If there is any reason to suspect that I might have a premature pushing urge then I would like to discuss this on the day. Please keep the room as quiet as possible during the second stage. I would like to minimize distractions at this time. If you need to discuss matters with the second midwife, please could you do so very quietly and preferably out of earshot!
I would like to give birth in the birthing pool or wherever seems right at the time. I intend to 'catch' my own baby, and would prefer the midwife not to touch at all unless there is a problem. I would like the midwife to observe and to be on hand in case of emergency, but otherwise I want to be left to give birth entirely under my own guidance. I would like to avoid perineal damage if possible and would appreciate your guidance in giving birth gently to accomplish this. I would like olive oil to be applied if I do end up giving birth outside the birthing pool. However, I would rather tear naturally than have an episiotomy. I would rather not be told how to push, or guided in the second stage, unless there is a particular reason to suppose that I need assistance, or unless I ask for assistance.
I would like to see or feel the head as it crowns, and my birth partner will have a hand mirror available for this.
I would like to have relaxing music playing when my baby is born.
I would like the lights dimmed when my baby is born, and for the minimum amount of noise to be made. I hope that it will be a gentle entry into the world.
Please do not suction mucus from the baby's nose and mouth 'just in case' - only suction if necessary.
Please do not announce the baby's sex as I would like to find out for myself, or have my husband discover the sex.
Third Stage:
I would like the cord clamped and cut when it stops pulsating. I wish no drugs to be used unless specifically indicated. It is important to me that you do not clamp the cord until it has stopped pulsating, unless you need to take emergency steps which preclude this. **Please do not pull on the cord or use fundal pressure unless there is a specific indication to do so, as I have read that this is contra-indicated in drug-free third stages**. Please offer my daughter the opportunity to cut the cord if possible. If she chooses not to, or is unable to, I would like to cut the cord. We do wish to keep the placenta, and would prefer it be laid flat in a Ziploc in the freezer to be taken care of at a later date.
Care of the Baby:
I would like to breastfeed my baby as soon as possible after the birth
I would like to keep the baby unclothed and close to my skin immediately after birth, to maximize skin-to-skin contact. Please do not administer prophylactic Vitamin K after the birth. If the birth is traumatic for the baby or there is some other risk factor for HDN, I will be happy to discuss this with the midwife and allow vitamin K if we both decide it is appropriate.
Repair of the Perineum:
I would prefer to avoid having stitches if possible, so if you think any tear will heal of its own accord, without stitches, please let me know.
In Case of Transfer to Hospital:
If transfer by ambulance becomes necessary, please do not strap me in on my back - I would prefer to be on my side, to make contractions easier to deal with. Please do not offer Pethidine/Demerol, or any other medications as I am concerned about its possible effect on my state of mind in labor, and on my baby's health. I am very keen to avoid a caesarean section if it is at all possible, as I do not want to enter future labors with a scarred uterus. I particularly would like to avoid a caesarean just for slow progress. If labour is simply taking a long time but my baby is not in immediate danger, please would you encourage me to keep going and perhaps to try changes of position or movements which might help. Please do not offer a caesarean unless my baby is in danger. If a caesarean section becomes necessary, I would prefer to remain awake with epidural or spinal block anesthesia. I would like my partner to stay with me at all times, and would like to breastfeed the baby as soon after birth as possible.
If there are problems after the Birth:
If I suffer a severe post-partum hemorrhage, please do not perform a hysterectomy unless it is the only available course of action. Although I already have 1 child, I still hope to have more. Please do not admit my baby to Special Care simply for observation, but only if there is a specific reason for concern.
Baby Feeding:
Please do not give my baby supplements of glucose water or formula milk without my permission. I would expressly like to avoid having any formula supplements unless it is unavoidable, and certainly not in the first two days in any event.
Under no circumstances is my baby to be bottle-fed as this could lead to nipple confusion and hinder breastfeeding.
Going Home:
I would like to go home as soon after the birth as I am able to move, unless I or the baby have health problems which require hospital treatment.
In General:
Ideally, if all goes smoothly, I hope that the midwife who attends me in labor will remain in the background, taking observations to check on the baby's and my safety, but otherwise not getting involved in my labor, unless I request otherwise. If I do find that I would like her to become more involved, I would like her to support and encourage me, using her experience to guide me through labor and offer suggestions.
The Labor:
I would like to remain active and use whatever position I find comfortable. Please encourage me to stay off my back! I may wish to move throughout the house and to use the bath or shower from time to time.
I would like to avoid internal examinations if possible, unless there is a particular reason why you think one is necessary. I am open to natural methods to soften the cervix, such as nipple stimulation, clitoral stimulation, sex, or another method suggested. Please do not offer to break my waters, and please be very careful to avoid doing so during any internal examinations. If the baby appears to be poorly positioned or labor is not progressing well for some reason, I would appreciate it if you could suggest changes of position or movements which might help. I would like to have music playing during the labor, I will have a play list and music readily available.
I am a firm believer that all my strength and source of hope is found in my Lord Jesus Christ and that I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me. Prayer will be a big part of my labor, as well as praise.
Birth Companions:
The following people may come to my home during the labor or birth:
My husband/partner, Peter.
My daughter, Hailey.
My mother-in-law, Pat, who will be helping to look after Hailey.
My doula/best friend/massage therapist, Rebecca.
Birth Pool:
I have a birth pool and will use it if it helps me.
It is important that the pool temperature is comfortable for me so, unless it is outside normal safety limits, I will choose the temperature myself. I understand that I would probably want a cooler temperature during the first stage of labor, and warmer - nearer blood temperature perhaps - for the second stage. I would like to have a water birth if possible and would appreciate your support in encouraging me to give birth underwater.
Pain Relief:
I hope to manage using no drugs for pain relief, and would appreciate your encouragement to use other methods. For example, I might use movement, massage, relaxation, birthing stool, or the birth pool.
The Birth:
I do not wish to have an internal examination to confirm whether or not I am 'ready' to push. I shall only push when I physically cannot do otherwise! If there is any reason to suspect that I might have a premature pushing urge then I would like to discuss this on the day. Please keep the room as quiet as possible during the second stage. I would like to minimize distractions at this time. If you need to discuss matters with the second midwife, please could you do so very quietly and preferably out of earshot!
I would like to give birth in the birthing pool or wherever seems right at the time. I intend to 'catch' my own baby, and would prefer the midwife not to touch at all unless there is a problem. I would like the midwife to observe and to be on hand in case of emergency, but otherwise I want to be left to give birth entirely under my own guidance. I would like to avoid perineal damage if possible and would appreciate your guidance in giving birth gently to accomplish this. I would like olive oil to be applied if I do end up giving birth outside the birthing pool. However, I would rather tear naturally than have an episiotomy. I would rather not be told how to push, or guided in the second stage, unless there is a particular reason to suppose that I need assistance, or unless I ask for assistance.
I would like to see or feel the head as it crowns, and my birth partner will have a hand mirror available for this.
I would like to have relaxing music playing when my baby is born.
I would like the lights dimmed when my baby is born, and for the minimum amount of noise to be made. I hope that it will be a gentle entry into the world.
Please do not suction mucus from the baby's nose and mouth 'just in case' - only suction if necessary.
Please do not announce the baby's sex as I would like to find out for myself, or have my husband discover the sex.
Third Stage:
I would like the cord clamped and cut when it stops pulsating. I wish no drugs to be used unless specifically indicated. It is important to me that you do not clamp the cord until it has stopped pulsating, unless you need to take emergency steps which preclude this. **Please do not pull on the cord or use fundal pressure unless there is a specific indication to do so, as I have read that this is contra-indicated in drug-free third stages**. Please offer my daughter the opportunity to cut the cord if possible. If she chooses not to, or is unable to, I would like to cut the cord. We do wish to keep the placenta, and would prefer it be laid flat in a Ziploc in the freezer to be taken care of at a later date.
Care of the Baby:
I would like to breastfeed my baby as soon as possible after the birth
I would like to keep the baby unclothed and close to my skin immediately after birth, to maximize skin-to-skin contact. Please do not administer prophylactic Vitamin K after the birth. If the birth is traumatic for the baby or there is some other risk factor for HDN, I will be happy to discuss this with the midwife and allow vitamin K if we both decide it is appropriate.
Repair of the Perineum:
I would prefer to avoid having stitches if possible, so if you think any tear will heal of its own accord, without stitches, please let me know.
In Case of Transfer to Hospital:
If transfer by ambulance becomes necessary, please do not strap me in on my back - I would prefer to be on my side, to make contractions easier to deal with. Please do not offer Pethidine/Demerol, or any other medications as I am concerned about its possible effect on my state of mind in labor, and on my baby's health. I am very keen to avoid a caesarean section if it is at all possible, as I do not want to enter future labors with a scarred uterus. I particularly would like to avoid a caesarean just for slow progress. If labour is simply taking a long time but my baby is not in immediate danger, please would you encourage me to keep going and perhaps to try changes of position or movements which might help. Please do not offer a caesarean unless my baby is in danger. If a caesarean section becomes necessary, I would prefer to remain awake with epidural or spinal block anesthesia. I would like my partner to stay with me at all times, and would like to breastfeed the baby as soon after birth as possible.
If there are problems after the Birth:
If I suffer a severe post-partum hemorrhage, please do not perform a hysterectomy unless it is the only available course of action. Although I already have 1 child, I still hope to have more. Please do not admit my baby to Special Care simply for observation, but only if there is a specific reason for concern.
Baby Feeding:
Please do not give my baby supplements of glucose water or formula milk without my permission. I would expressly like to avoid having any formula supplements unless it is unavoidable, and certainly not in the first two days in any event.
Under no circumstances is my baby to be bottle-fed as this could lead to nipple confusion and hinder breastfeeding.
Going Home:
I would like to go home as soon after the birth as I am able to move, unless I or the baby have health problems which require hospital treatment.
32 WEEKS!!!!
Can't believe i'm 8 months prego- only 56 days to go- hopefully not, but we'll see.
So i'm officially a facebook dork. Never knew anything about it before a few days ago, and now i'm finding it quite enjoyable.
I am so blessed by my hubby and his conviction and dedication to "hose me down" with the water of the Word.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Update
So hiccups are pretty much a daily thing now for my 4lb. 17in. long baby. Peter felt them today. He or she must be sucking their thumb. Very active baby just like Hailey was, not quite as vicious as Hailey though, more gentle movements than Hailey's violent kicks and punches. So this kiddo is supposed to be gaining a half a pound every week from now until birth! I'm ganna be soooo huge. I know that having a long torso helps to carry the baby, but this kid is so low that i have no shirts that cover my huge belly, let alone the "super stylish" belly band on my pants.
Today I was presented with an awesome opportunity to trust God. This is the way i choose to look at the situation.
Our home was reassessed last year- and so because of the huge jump in the reassessment, (from 73k to 121) our taxes took a huge jump as well. About a $1000 jump! So our escrow account was short quite a bit, and not only do we need to pay that shortage, but our mortgage is going up $72 a month starting in Dec. Perfect timing with me not going to be workin in Jan and Feb. Like i said, a great opportunity to trust God!!! Well, I'm going to have someone come here and look at the house and give us a new assessment, so hopefully our taxes will be lowered. God is always faithful and He's not ganna stop now!
Today I was presented with an awesome opportunity to trust God. This is the way i choose to look at the situation.
Our home was reassessed last year- and so because of the huge jump in the reassessment, (from 73k to 121) our taxes took a huge jump as well. About a $1000 jump! So our escrow account was short quite a bit, and not only do we need to pay that shortage, but our mortgage is going up $72 a month starting in Dec. Perfect timing with me not going to be workin in Jan and Feb. Like i said, a great opportunity to trust God!!! Well, I'm going to have someone come here and look at the house and give us a new assessment, so hopefully our taxes will be lowered. God is always faithful and He's not ganna stop now!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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