Jubal’s Birth Story

All praise to God as we found ourselves with another opportunity to bring life into the world. After experiencing an unmedicated VBAC I was inspired to attempt it again with this third pregnancy. I went through my routine check ups and all seemed to be going well. However, I posted daily scriptures and affirmations on my bedroom mirror throughout the pregnancy to combat all my anxieties. My previous birth journeys showed me how little control I had and how important meditation was to building a serene atmosphere. I also created a music playlist to truly set up for a peaceful labor when the time came. 

Pre-Labor

On the Tuesday afternoon of my 39th week while discussing labor day plans with my OB she revealed that she no longer worked in the same hospital she previously delivered my last baby. She was now performing deliveries exclusively in a hospital I’ve heard terrifying stories about. I asked her what were my options being that I was petrified of delivering at that hospital. She told me in order to deliver my baby at another hospital I would have to labor at home and be rushed into the nearest hospital. She also suggested that I find a midwife or doula to properly assist me. Seemed simple except I was in my 39th week and days away from my due date. 

At this point I was beyond livid and couldn’t believe I was just receiving this information. I would’ve gone forward with her hospital of choice but the idea disrupted my mental calmness which could possibly affect my delivery experience. In order to attempt another VBAC I needed to be at peace mentally with EVERYTHING. As a result, I took a leap of faith and began seeking a midwife and doula who would take me as their patient this late in my pregnancy.

Later that evening, J and I started calling around for an available midwife and doula. After having some intense conversations with several midwives I gave up. However, J continued his search. He was able to reach a midwife that was willing to meet with us for an interview. 

The following day we met with her and everything felt right. Honestly it was like our spirits connected. Although we had never met our conversation surprisingly revealed how we crossed paths with each other on several occasions during this pregnancy. Look at God! 

The decision was made to move forward; I as her patient and she as my midwife. During the discussion the midwife suggested since we were going to labor at home and rush to the hospital, why not deliver at home. A home birth? I wasn’t aware of that option especially in attempting another VBAC. J started firing off all types of questions and worst case scenarios. Once we took a moment to pray and review the detailed information provided by the midwife, we decided to go for it. We were excited. She instructed us to have the OB transmit all medical information to her in order to complete the transfer. I assured my new midwife everything would be complete the next day. Before she left our interview she checked my vitals set a follow-up appointment for the upcoming Tuesday. I told her I probably wouldn’t make it because Tuesday was my actual due date.

Labor Day

On the next day, Friday, somehow the contractions intensified so much that I was not comfortable driving to work. J was already working so I called my dear friend Martha to drop me off. I was scheduled to work from 1pm to 9pm. While working around 7pm I coughed and felt a slight gush of water. I never experienced my water breaking so this was unique to me. I went to the restroom to check and in deed my water had broke. My manager quickly had us close for the day as I called J to pick me up. 

When we arrived home I quickly changed into something comfortable. J started the birth playlist, began the oil diffuser with a lavender scent, dimmed the bedroom lights and began filling the tub with warm water. Next, he set up everything else up like we were going into a blood bath with plastic curtains and towels everywhere; I guess it was his interpretation of the information from the midwife interview. We called my midwife to inform her. In order to ease my mind I decided to have a mini photo shoot. This went on until the contractions intensified. I labored back and forth between the tub and our bed waiting for our midwife to arrive.

Once my midwife arrived I had entered the transitional phase with stronger contractions but I was ready this time as I had mastered the art of breathing through them. She set up the birth pool next to the bed and filled it with warm water. For the first and only dilation check I was 9 cm! Shortly after I began to feel the need to push so I transferred from my bed to the birth pool. The water was soothing. As each contraction came she instructed me to push with them. I was expecting her to help assist in pulling or guiding our baby out of the canal but she informed us that my body and the baby knew what to do; she was simply there to reassure all was going well. I sat in the tub pushing and talking to my baby to come out. I must admit this portion albeit scary was empowering. After about an hour of pushing and squirming our baby boy was born on Saturday morning at 2 am. He entered the earth with the sounds of Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin playing in the background.