Ronan's Birth Story

First, I should say that Ronan's birth was one of the most amazing, exhilarating experiences I've ever had. Almost pain free and only 90 minutes start to finish, I will never win the labor horror story contest. I also can't take any credit for how easy it was, I was simply lucky and blessed beyond measure. While I know that most labors require much more work and pain, I want to share my story because there seems to be a general lack of beautiful, positive birth stories out there. Ronan's birth may have been extraordinary, but I'd like to put it out in the world so that other women know that a wonderful, natural birth in a hospital is possible.

This story is as much about when Ronan was born as it is about how. When I found out I was due April 1st, I couldn't help but laugh and think how funny it would be if he was born on my Papa's birthday (April 8th). I was extremely close with my grandfather (Papa); in fact, one of my nicknames was "Papa's Baby", and he was one of the most amazing people anyone had the pleasure to meet. This charismatic Italian had the ability to make whoever he was interacting with feel like the most important person in the world. He kissed men on the lips and flirted with every woman no matter their age or beauty. My sometimes rocky childhood was anchored by his love. He passed away when I was twelve, and I carry his spirit in my heart, thinking of him daily and striving to live my life by his example. So my due date made me wonder, would Papa make me wait a whole week to meet my baby? Jude was only two days late, so I assumed such a long wait was impossible.

But then the first, second, third of April all came and went. I went to the doctor, and since I was already 4cm dilated and 90% effaced, she suggested we make an appointment at the hospital to break my water on the 8th. We both thought it wouldn't be needed, a "just in case" kind of thing. I really didn't want any kind of induction, even if it was only breaking my water, so I set out to get the party started. I tried just about every natural induction I could find (more about these later because while they didn't start my labor, I think they did help make it go so well).

On the 6th I woke up frantic, how could I still not have gone into labor? I decided to write in my journal, thinking perhaps I was hiding some feelings that were blocking my progress. I couldn't find my journal anywhere. I rummaged through my desk and came upon an old gratitude journal. I flipped to the last entry, looking for some blank pages, and what I found was an answer from the universe. The last entry was dated 4/8/2008: I was thankful first and foremost for my grandfather's would be 75th birthday (also the day Japan celebrates the Buddah's birthday). I was full of gratitude for friends, family, health, Jason, and lastly: "An overflowing cup of life full of possibilities." I can assure you that I was not typically this optimistic. So it was settled, he would be born on the 8th.

The Birth

On the morning of the 8th, Jason and I prepared to go to the hospital. I baked cookies for the staff and tried not to be nervous. We got all checked in and met our awesome nurses, and at about 9am my doctor came and broke my water. Then I had to spend some time on the monitor. The baby's heart looked great, but the nurse and I decided that the contraction monitor was broken because it said I was having strong regular contractions even though I felt nothing. After about 20 minutes we got the okay to walk around.

There was a small but beautiful courtyard where we could pace around. We got down there, and I started feeling strong contractions. I was so excited, we were finally going to meet our baby! Jason and I were joking around, and at one point I had a really strong contraction and I said "I don't know where to put my hands" an obscure Talledega Nights reference that my wonderful husband totally got! We were told that at around 10 am we needed to return to our room, so back upstairs we went, still laughing. (I'd like to note that Jason is the best birth partner ever, I feel so lucky that I get to have his babies.)

When it was time to be back on the monitors, I got really uncomfortable, lying down did not feel good and I thought, okay, now I need to start using some of my techniques to cope or I'm not going to make it. I asked for a birth ball and Jason got me my hypnobirthing on the ipod. I listened to that recording for precisely one contraction, and I never had a chance to use the ball. I told the nurse that I was feeling an odd amount of pressure and she said, "Okay, well, be sure to let me know if you feel the urge to push." I thought, sure but that's gonna be a while, I just got here. With the next contraction I yelled out "I'm pushing!"

I was in total shock. The staff was so wonderfully calm as they sprang into action. My doctor was just finishing a surgery and she made it in the nick of time. Here's where it really did hurt. I felt the ring of fire and a pressure in my low back that felt like an elephant was stepping on me. But it was only for five minutes. Three good pushes and my sweet baby boy was in my arms. Pure magic.

I went into this birth free of fear and full of trust in my body. I was so overwhelmed by how lucky I was to not only have the drug free birth I'd hoped for, but also a super positive experience that resulted in a very healthy and happy baby boy. I was unbelievably blessed and high as a kite on hormones, love, joy, and gratitude.