Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Number forty six

All good things come to those who wait. (Yes bold Em, I'm talking to you).

Today I was unexpectedly sent to LBS.

I arrived 4 minutes after the birth of a little one, to a primip who had laboured beautifully and quickly, a few stitches (not by me), done and dusted. I had a student midwife with me who was just terrific, really efficient with obs etc. The couple were pretty pleased with themselves, baby fed promptly, gave him his top to toe check on Mum's tummy, he was really relaxed. All was good.

Mum was in the shower and almost ready to go to the ward when I was called to another room.

It was another labouring primip, already 7cm dilated. I took handover and she stayed standing up at the windowsill. She was attended by husband and mother who were doing really well with massage, and she was rocking, not making much sound.

After a while she informed me there was 'something there'. I peeped and there was a pouting bottom, that went away with the contraction's end. But I knew there was a baby not far behind!

I kept peeking up her dress with contractions, seeing a bit of poop here, a bulge there. She was trying not to push, just let the contractions do the work.

It worked. What a genius, what a natural she was.

On the fifth look, there was definite perineal bulging and .....a head on view! I got the hubby to push the bell to call another midwife for the imminent birth, and asked her if she wanted to stay standing up for the birth. No, I want to get on the bed. Then you'd better be quick! I replied.

The second midwife turned up, I got my gloves on and the head was there, then slipped back after the contraction. Just enough time for the student midwife to come skidding in the door and scramble into a pair of gloves. We caught the baby together after a slow and gentle crowning, then a quick restitution and baby slithered out in a hurry, with a hand under the chin.

What is it? Mum asked - I don't know - you tell me! Its a girl! she cried Yes! I prayed for this!

There were sobs of delight, repeated thankyous and much joy in the room. Baby A blinked and looked around at all the grinning adults, pink and perfect and alert. She was calm and observant and very pretty. Her parents were just delighted, and so they should be. We midwives were most fulsome in our praise for them too. Such a clever woman, such a fantastic labourer, she made it look easy. We were stoked.

Unfortunately there were quite a few stitches needed here and there, nothing catastrophic but a bit ouchy initially. She was really great again, and turned to me for support during the stitching, which doesn't often happen, but I was really pleased to be 'with woman' in this way. She slipped her hand in mine, our heads were close and she asked softly that I tell her a story...so I began.

Once upon a time...there was a lovely young woman who was having her first baby, and when it was time to labour she was really brave and strong and beautiful and stayed home for a long time while her contractions came thick and fast. And when she got to hospital she was already near the end. And so she kept labouring beautifully, talking to her midwife when she needed to and telling her when the baby's head was there. And then she pushed out her baby easily and calmly, and everyone was very proud of her, and she was proud of herself, because she had done an amazing job bringing her baby to the world. What a miraculous thing is the female body, and the process of birth. God is very good.

It was such a special thing. I have never had a woman ask me for that before, and I was surprised that I slipped so automatically into storytelling mode, as if she was a child. She wasn't of course, but it seemed right. And she responded shyly but with delight to hear her tale already the stuff of legend. I told her that she should think about having her next baby at home, or in a birth centre as she had done so well she was an ideal candidate.

The baby remained calm and alert, and fed well and easily. It was really special. Her prayers were answered...and so were mine.

How delightful to spend the day with two new mothers who birthed with such power and ease. With two sweet, calm babies who didn't fuss but just responded well to their natural instincts. And to work with a student midwife who was so competent and thoughtful. We had a chat at tea, about how moved we frequently are at seeing women birthing so strongly, trusting their bodies to follow the physiological process, and how it all can go so smoothly. It is a privilege like no other, to be a witness to these births.

To top off our lovely day, on the board where the women's names are logged room by room, and they are noted as 6cm, delivered, or whatever, next to our room the coordinator had written:

"Delivered, beautifully"

I love being a midwife

15 comments:

mtnchild said...

You are awesome! You were made for being a midwife.

What a lovely story to tell a brand new mother, I'm sure you helped make her day.

Yvette

em.s said...

Yeh! I LOVE reading these stories. Thank you for sharing that. It was just what I needed today. I have just been to see the doctor who recommended inducing THIS AFTERNOON!

Needless to say, I got a bit of a shock and am still reeling from it. To pass time before Ben gets home I thought I would calmly read my favourite blogs. And there you were.

Thank you for all your support, I will take your mantra with me - 'your body knows what to do - trust it.' I will let you know how we go. Til then, Em xx

em.s said...

just so you know, that Emily was me :) it signed me in under my other email address!

Unknown said...

I love reading about days like this. I'm sure you love to write about them too. Must make you truly grateful to do what you do. :) I love midwives.

Anonymous said...

As I have said before, I wish you were with me when I had Moo...

Lovely stories of birth babe.

Blossom said...

how wonderful ......how very very wonderful.

Kelly said...

can i have another baby please...? lovely story, how special for you both. gives me hope that women can be in labour in hospy how they need to be.

Anonymous said...

I wish, how I wish, you were around when I birthed my babe. I want you to be there!

Janet said...

How amazingly beautiful... made me tear up a little. What a great job you do.

Anonymous said...

Lovely birth stories. How amazingly tender you are....lucky mum's to have you as their midwife.

Anonymous said...

What a privilege. Thank you.

Suse said...

I often get teary when I read your blog. That was beautiful.

River said...

I love birth stories.

lisette said...

that was so beautiful - i wish i had had you for a midwife with 2 of my 3 babies (the middle one was fine - and in a birth centre)

thanks for your lovely warm blog

alby said...

You make me want to go out and be a midwife too! Love your work, Cheers!