Finnegan was born May 16 2012 at 9:51 pm. 
I was starting to think he was never going to come even though he was only a week late. I was convinced he would come early and so I had been prepared for 3 weeks! Every night going to bed wondering if this was going to be the night…?
Finally, Tuesday May 15, I woke up having contractions. I thought – today is finally the day!! We quickly made arrangements for the two older boys to stay with Grandma and Pop Pop and prepared ourselves to meet our midwife later that morning. I was excited and anxious!
However, after my appointment with our midwife I was disappointed to be told I was only about 3cm dilated and had a ways to go. Nevertheless, I was still having mild and consistent contractions so we took the boys to the park to run around before they left for the night. We knew at the park I would have a chance to walk some too and perhaps get labour moving quicker!?
The day was beautiful! Sunny and warm and although the best I could manage was a fast waddle, I loved being out with my guys before such a monumental event.
After our time at the park we came home for lunch and naps but sadly my contractions had slowed down to almost a complete standstill. I knew the boys were having an effect on them. The busier I got with them, the slower my contractions would get until they had in fact stopped. My body just couldn’t go into labour when they needed my attention. Luckily after the boys woke from their nap, their Pop Pop arrived to whisk them away for the night. I fought tears saying goodbye because I knew I’d never get this baby out with them distracting me but I missed them the minute they drove off. Bitter sweet.
For the first time in a couple of years Hubby and I had a night to ourselves but I couldn’t relax. I was sure I was going into labour ANY minute hahaha! So we got busy! We cleaned the house and prepared the bedroom where I planned to give birth. Being our third home birth, it didn’t take us long to ensure we had what we and the midwives would need. Once we were done, we were sure it was best if we rested as much as possible because labour could start anytime. We snuggled in with dinner and a movie. I felt like I was completely ready to have baby now. I couldn’t think of a single thing that was holding me back until we started the movie.
It was called “We bought a zoo” and it was just sappy and emotional enough to get me going. I think THAT is what I really needed! I began to cry and cry some more! I cried for over 2 hours on my husband’s shoulder. Mostly I cried about the idea of our family changing and how on earth I could possibly have enough love and attention for everyone?! I cried fear, frustration, sorrow, guilt and joy. I was completely emotionally exhausted and of course my contractions started up again…
We decided to get right to bed for as much sleep as possible before things really picked up. I fell asleep instantly to the sound of my “relaxation music”. It played all night long as I drifted in and out of consciousness while contractions came every 30 minutes. I felt a deep sense of calm and peace and no pain at all.
In the morning I called my midwives to let them know I had been having contractions all night but that I was no where near ready for them. Again, since this was my third birth, I had come to know each stage well. My midwives suggested I come to their office so they could check me and give me a stretch and sweep which was exactly what I was about to ask for! It was about 10 am so we had some time to spare before our appointment with them, so Hubby and I decided to make the most of it!
First, we stopped at a men’s shop so he could buy a new suit for my sister’s upcoming wedding! Then we went for lunch and all the while mild contractions came and went every 20 minutes or so. However, at lunch I revealed I was at the end of my rope and was seriously considering an induction and epidural because the anticipation was killing me!! I was also starting to feel scared that something was wrong since everything was still moving so slowly. Then I realised I had no appetite at all and let Hubby finish my lunch. Looking back, these were all clear signs things were changing!
After lunch it was finally time to see our midwife again. This time it was great news! She said baby was coming SOON as I was 6cm dilated now. They teased me that it would be nice if I’d have this baby in an hour or so , so that everyone could get to bed at a decent hour. It was about 3pm when we left the midwife office and shortly after getting home and bouncing on my stability ball, contractions started getting more intense. I felt great. Confident. Centered. Peaceful.
We contacted my mom to give her a heads up that things were picking up (as I had been doing for the past 2 days) and she was anxious to come over. Then we put on a comedy show to keep things light and Hubby made himself a pizza in prepreation of the upcoming energy he’d need!! hahaha Of course I’d be doing the majority of the work but I could only stomach my watery juice at this point.
Contractions continued while I labored on the stability ball. I relaxed into each contractions in a way I hadn’t before. In the past I had endured each contraction – almost fighting it – which actually made them painful! This time I breathed deeply throughout them and consciously relaxed my abdomen each time. I also envisioned myself in my favorite most comforting place… I was honestly proud of how well my body managing them as silly as that is to say.
My mom arrived and joined us in keeping relaxed. We sat in our livingroom chatting between contractions. I think she was surprised to see I wasn’t in more distress but this birth wasn’t like my others. This time I was completely at ease and letting my body do it’s thing. I was allowing myself to open up. I kept envisioning stepping off a very high clift but instead of falling I would start gliding through the air! I also envisioned my body opening like a flower with baby’s head coming forward. I felt empowered.
At about about 6:45pm I suggested we call the midwives. I could feel things had changed and were getting more intense. Contractions were 5 minutes apart and lasting over 1 minute in length. We put on my “relaxing” music as I got deeper into labour and needed to concentrate and relax more so now. Hubby and my mom continued to stay by my side and chat with me a little between contractions.
The midwives arrived just after 7pm and watched me contract and listened to the baby. Then they began to set up while I continued to manage contractions on the stability ball and pacing the house with Hubby at my side and mom two feet nearby incase I needed her. Hubby held my hand or hugged me close with each contraction and the odd time he had to leave me, my mom took his place. I felt very supported.
As I drifted deeper and deeper in to labourland I simply overhead that it was 9 pm and they were going to call the other midwife. I knew that meant they expected baby VERY soon as midwife number 2’s sole job is to take care of baby after he is born. This leaves midwife number 1 completely able to focus on taking care of me. Such incredible care midwives provide. I am SO grateful for the work that they do.
A little after the call was made I instinctively made my way to my bedroom where I began transition. I felt myself willing the stages along. I was now envisioning that feeling of baby slipping out and holding him to help me focus as contractions really got intense. I breathed and moaned through each one but I wanted to get onto pushing as I actually enjoy that stage! My midwife said my water would break during one of these contractions but I told her it’s not likely as it never did for my other births. She then asked if I wanted her to break my water so things could move along quicker and I said YES! Hanging in the midst of transition is intense to say the least, so anything to speed it along was welcome! My stuident midwife broke my water and I felt that familiar warm trickle immediately and knew it wouldn’t be long.
My feet and legs were tired and I wanted to sit or lay down but when I tried to do so, the contractions were just too much and I knew it would be another birth like my other two – upright. What felt like an hour later I began to bare down a little to further myself along to the pushing stage. Hubby held me upright when the contractions came and encouraged me with his words of how proud of me he was. My mom also encouraged me with quiet words and a warm presence.
Finally I started to push because I wanted it to be done. I felt myself bare down again and things began to open up. I yelled a little as the intensity took over. I tried to keep my voice low and use the contractions to push him out. Finally I felt his head crowning and I pushed more without the help of the contractions as I was just so excited to be done. His head emerged and I tried to keep pushing but was stopped with cries. “Stop stop slow down Kelly!” I didn’t understand? I didn’t want to stop!? But I heard my mom share that the umbilical cord was around his neck and he was slightly blue! Thankfully my midwife swiftly unlooped the cord and said I could push again when I was ready. Crisis quickly and peacefully averted. Then I gave one more big push and out he came.
Relief. 9:51pm.
They handed him to me but I could only hold him a minute. “Someone please take him” I said. I needed to recline on my bed. My body was shaking from shock and cold. But once I was settled, the midwives laid him on top of me so I could see him. Perfection. Finnegan had arrived. It was love at first site.
In the midst of admiring him I also had the task of delivering my placenta. The not so exciting part of delivery but of course a critical one! It was a little more painful this time than with the two previous births. I also got a shot of piticion to help my uterus contract more intensely and prevent excess bleeding. Protocol these days. After the placenta emerged I had a look at it. I find it fascinating examining the home my body created for my baby. One midwife commented on how healthy it looked considering Finn was “late”…which made me think that perhaps he wasn’t “late” at all?
Once I was told by the midwives I could relax I announced I was going to have a bath with Finn. My favorite part of each birth was a warm bath after to clean off and relax. Finn was very alert and strong. He was anxious to try to hold his head up when he heard my voice but eventually rested that tiny head on my chest when we slipped into the warm water. Bliss.
While soaking in the bath, Hubby began the telephone calls to our family while my mom and our midwives cleaned and restored our bedroom. I just admired Finn and relished the fact that I was done with the work of labour.
Soon one of our midwives came in to say good bye as she had examined Finn and since he was doing great, her job with us was done. We thanked her for her help of course as she waved good bye. Onlyduring birth are you perfectly content waving goodbye to someone you hardly know naked in your bath tub! Hahaha
After our telephone calls were complete, I dried off and got into bed with Finn and Ryan. Our midwives checked Finn and I again before they left. My mom left too. They all promised to be back first thing the next morning. It was a little sad to see them go but I was anxious to rest and get some sleep before life got crazy!
I thought we’d all drift off to sleep instantly but Finn was still very alert and ready to nurse. So Ryan fed me strawberries and water (that’s all I wanted!) while Finn nursed away…
It was now 11:30pm.
Finally at about 1am Finn had had his fill and was drifting off to sleep. I snuggled him close. Blessed. I was blessed again.
Kelly | 
