So, by now many of you have probably heard that there is something of a story behind Ben’s birth. Wonder no longer!
We had been planning since the start of the pregnancy to have a home birth. It was a very exciting thing for us and we had been enjoying preparing for his arrival. We did have a midwife, though she wasn’t there for the actual birth. The plan, of course, was for her to be there for much of the labor process, including the birth, but Ben had other ideas.
Mollie had been up since 5 AM, and was having some contractions every 10 minutes or so. Around 6:50, she got up to take a shower; on her way in, she woke me up and said, “Honey, I’m pretty sure I’m in labor.” The contractions had accelerated significantly: once she stood up they were closer to two minutes apart! I got up and got dressed and ready to call the midwife; after all, labor is hours long, right?
Not so! During the phone call, Mollie had an obviously significant contraction, and the cell carrier dropped our call. Before I could call the midwife back, Ben was born in our bathroom at 7:05.
After I handed him off to Mollie, I called the midwife (now on the freeway) back and, after some further instructions, helped Mollie and Ben to the bed. We enjoyed 15 minutes or so of calm bonding time while Ben had a good cry and Mollie helped him learn to breast feed.
So, everything didn’t really go to plan, but 14-minute labors rarely do, I’d guess, and everything worked out very well.
In the week since his birth we have already been blessed by his easy-going personality. He is strong and healthy, and already a pro at nursing and napping. Natalie is adjusting very well, and is very concerned that he keeps his hats on (“uh-oh, hat back!”).
Our friend Katie Moos was gracious enough to come and document the event. Here is a slideshow of some of the great pictures she took. Feel free to ask if you’d like any copies.
