You know the postal theme right? " Neither snow, nor sleet, nor any other obstacle will prevent us from delivering theUnited States mail". It was brought home to me the yesterday that this theme was for midwives long before the postal service was even a blip on a paper. Midwives are tough cookies.
We got the call around 3a.m. that we have been waiting for. This Mama already has three children so we knew it would be pretty fast. She had previously delivered all the other babies in hospitals complete with all the bells and whistles; pitocin, IV's, epidurals. This time though she really wanted to experience the birth at home and without all the bells and whistles. She wasn't really in labor when we got the first call but was having other symptoms that would turn into labor.
I left the house at 3:45am. When I got outside I quickly realized that getting on the road would take some time. Just getting to the van took about five minutes of gently stepping on about three inches of ice. Did I ever tell you I hate ice? I am actually petrified. I have fallen on ice and with a previous broken hip I was not anxious to do it all over again. The van was completely covered in a very thick coating of ice so I started the car and grabbed the scraper. I can tell you without a shadow of doubt your front passenger window will NOT crack easily. For the life of me I could not get any ice off that window. What should have taken 35 minutes in travel time took over an hour. Thankfully there were not too many cars on the roads at 4 in the morning! Just to get in the house I felt like crawling since everything was coated in thick ice.
I was the first to arrive and Dad and Mom were finishing up the checklist we give. They were rock stars. They had everything in bags and marked for easy access, which makes our job so much easier. I had no way to listen to babies heart tones since I don't have my own doppler yet. Courtney arrived shortly after me so we started the process of vitals. Mama really wanted a water birth so we blew up the pool and waited.
After Wendy arrived we monitored the contractions and decided the three of us would go down the street and get some breakfast so Mama could have some time to get into her zone. Unfortunately the ice was still thick and dangerous. I had to move the van since I had parked in someones spot but when I went to move it I got stuck. The wheels just spun and spun! So, Wendy and Courtney got out of their cars and we rocked the thing back and forth with the two of them pusing with all their might to unstick the wheels. We couldn't stop laughing. Leave it to me to get stuck on ice!
When we got back Mama had moved right along and so we got busy supporting her through labor. Since she had had hospital births without a doula she had no clue what kind of things we could do in support of the pain. I think she was quite pleased with the help she got. She got into the tub and immediately started feeling relief which is really why a water birth is so popular right now. The contractions started coming closer together and within a just a couple of hours they were right on top of each other. By the time she really felt the urge to push she was within minutes of giving birth.
According to our charting, Mama pushed for a total of three minutes! That was it and baby arrived. She was pretty exhausted by that point but Wendy had her "catch" her own baby who immediately was put on her chest. Dad was so thrilled who had been a great labor coach the whole time. We put a warm baby blanket on so Dad said. "well, it's time to see if we have a boy or girl" so he lifted the blanket and discovered a boy baby.
Her other three children who are all under 5 had been upstairs with Grandma and Aunt Theresa during the labor and delivery. She wanted the children to see the baby right after he was born, so they were brought down within 2 minutes of birth. Later we found out the 4 year old had been sitting on her bed with her arms folded praying for her Mommy. She was also the one who kissed her Mommy before labor had gotten intense and had told her Mommy "good luck" as she walked up the stairs.
The children all kissed Mommy and could see the baby and then they were taken back upstairs for the birth of the placenta. She did not want to get out of the tub and was afraid we would pull it out. I assured her we don't "pull" the placenta out and within 5 minutes she delivered it and all was well. Mama felt a whole lot better. We waited till the cord was done pulsing and Dad cut the cord after it was clamped and we got Mama and baby out of the tub. That was the least messy birth I have been to.
It was my turn to do the newborn assessment and Courtney helped me when I needed help. Baby boy turned out to be 8 pounds and 12 ounces. He was about 20 inches long and was perfectly healthy with all fingers and toes accounted for! Baby took to breastfeeding like a champ and Mama and baby were happy and peaceful on the couch together when we left. I felt like we needed an easy button to push! Mama did so well.
I have learned and was reminded again that a woman who is properly supported emotionally and physically can deliver her baby using the instincts God has given her. I feel blessed to be a part of a team that encourages women to take control of their own births and have little or no intervention in the birth of their babies.
Thankful? You bet. I am so blessed, thank you Father.
In Christ Alone,
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Gratituesday
I woke up to the temperature at zero. WIth the wind chill at -19 the schools closed for the day. H.I.S. ministry is closed for today. Today I am very thankful for a warm home, warm clothes and great food. I am also thankful for all the babies I have gotten to witness come into the world! Below is the newest story.
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Monday, January 21, 2013
A Very Unexpected Baby "H"
When I got the call Saturday night it took me a few minutes to realize which baby was coming. Our team does a home visit around the 36 week mark. The mama should have her birth kit that she orders and shows us around the house so we know our way around. I had only met baby "H"s Mama twice. Once in the office and once at her home visit. She had a due date of February and we still had two more births for January. I was expecting one of the two mamas for January to be in labor not this one.
When I got the call Mama had only been in labor for an hour but when Wendy got there she was fully dialated. Mom still was not convinced she was in "real" labor. We knew the baby would be fast but I had also learned my lesson with baby "G" not to race, especially in high winds! I arrived around midnight to find three small children in the living room with two Aunts quietly watching T.V.
I found Mama in the tub with Wendy sitting on the floor taking with her. I quickly got up to speed. Mama had ordered the birth kit but it had not arrived so nothing was ready. In all the equipment that is brought with us there was not one cord clamp to be found. No heating pad to warm the blankets to put on baby right after the birth, in fact not even a diaper for the little one.
Once I got acclimated I took over helping Mama relax in the tub. She had wanted a water birth and had ordered the kit with the tub liner but both of our birth tubs were at the other two homes waiting for their babies to be born. She she labored about a half hour in the tub quietly. Finally her water broke which was clear with vernix floating in it. Vernix is a soft creamy coating that babies have in utero so their skin doesn't dry out in the 9 months they are swimming in all that water. The earlier the baby (usually) the more vernix they have so when the water breaks there is vernix floating in the water.
It was then I realized this was my first official "early" birth. Within minutes of her water breaking she felt the urge to push. I supported her perineum floor with gauze so she wouldn't tear. It beats having an episiotomy. All of the sudden Mama stopped and said "I gotta get out of here, I can't have this baby in the tub. The bed was set up quickly for her to deliver the baby.
The baby's head crowned but then quickly retreated into the birth canal. It was at that point Wendy told me that we could be dealing with another shoulder dystocia. We talked to Mama about the possibility and said we would give the baby one or two more pushes and if the same thing happened again we would need to have her change positions to help the baby out.
In one more push out came the head and then a push later came the rest of baby. No shoulder dystocia, yeah! I laid the baby right on top of Mama. Sure enough here was a baby covered in wonderful vernix. I have heard of hospitals putting the baby under running water to get rid of it. If you could bottle the vernix up you could make a fortune selling to women who want to get rid of wrinkles! We love the vernix and definately do not run the baby under water to wash it off.
I had placed the baby a little too high because the cord was stretched so Wendy noticed and had me move baby down a bit to give the cord more room. It all happened so fast for Mama that it took her a moment to realize she had just given birth. All of the sudden she gets wide-eyed and says, "I just gave birth". I loved the look on her face, it was precious.
About a minute later I asked if they were ready to see if the baby was a girl or boy? Daddy peeked under the towel I had on the baby and sure enough, it was a boy. Mama and Dad were so surprised. There are almost all girls on both sides of the family. She was certain it would be a girl. She turned to Daddy and said with those big wide eyes, "We had a boy?" She peeked down then and sure enough that baby was a boy."
Poor Courtney, my buddy and partner had a flat tire on the way to the birth so she missed the actual birth. Next one is hers to catch. Courtney has reminded me that pizzas are delivered and babies are caught. So I got to "catch" another baby. After Mom and baby had gotten into a clean tub filled with nice warm water and herbs the bed was made with clean sheets ready for both of them to get some much needed rest.
After they were all snuggled in bed we all realized the wind storm had really picked up. This was her second baby to be delivered during a winter storm. The drive home was really tense. The wind was around 60 miles an hour and the van I drive was being hit back and forth by the wind. At one point it felt like King Kong had stomped down the freeway and punched my side of the door really hard. It pushed me completely into the right lane which thankfully was empty.Of course, it then started to snow. I prayed all the way home, thankful to be out of the storm and into a nice warm bed. In just a couple of hours it would time to head to church, thankful for the safety of baby "H".
Have I told you lately just how much I love my new ministry? It is amazing to witness the birth of one baby at a time. To witness just how strong birthing Mom's can be.
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
When I got the call Mama had only been in labor for an hour but when Wendy got there she was fully dialated. Mom still was not convinced she was in "real" labor. We knew the baby would be fast but I had also learned my lesson with baby "G" not to race, especially in high winds! I arrived around midnight to find three small children in the living room with two Aunts quietly watching T.V.
I found Mama in the tub with Wendy sitting on the floor taking with her. I quickly got up to speed. Mama had ordered the birth kit but it had not arrived so nothing was ready. In all the equipment that is brought with us there was not one cord clamp to be found. No heating pad to warm the blankets to put on baby right after the birth, in fact not even a diaper for the little one.
Once I got acclimated I took over helping Mama relax in the tub. She had wanted a water birth and had ordered the kit with the tub liner but both of our birth tubs were at the other two homes waiting for their babies to be born. She she labored about a half hour in the tub quietly. Finally her water broke which was clear with vernix floating in it. Vernix is a soft creamy coating that babies have in utero so their skin doesn't dry out in the 9 months they are swimming in all that water. The earlier the baby (usually) the more vernix they have so when the water breaks there is vernix floating in the water.
It was then I realized this was my first official "early" birth. Within minutes of her water breaking she felt the urge to push. I supported her perineum floor with gauze so she wouldn't tear. It beats having an episiotomy. All of the sudden Mama stopped and said "I gotta get out of here, I can't have this baby in the tub. The bed was set up quickly for her to deliver the baby.
The baby's head crowned but then quickly retreated into the birth canal. It was at that point Wendy told me that we could be dealing with another shoulder dystocia. We talked to Mama about the possibility and said we would give the baby one or two more pushes and if the same thing happened again we would need to have her change positions to help the baby out.
In one more push out came the head and then a push later came the rest of baby. No shoulder dystocia, yeah! I laid the baby right on top of Mama. Sure enough here was a baby covered in wonderful vernix. I have heard of hospitals putting the baby under running water to get rid of it. If you could bottle the vernix up you could make a fortune selling to women who want to get rid of wrinkles! We love the vernix and definately do not run the baby under water to wash it off.
I had placed the baby a little too high because the cord was stretched so Wendy noticed and had me move baby down a bit to give the cord more room. It all happened so fast for Mama that it took her a moment to realize she had just given birth. All of the sudden she gets wide-eyed and says, "I just gave birth". I loved the look on her face, it was precious.
About a minute later I asked if they were ready to see if the baby was a girl or boy? Daddy peeked under the towel I had on the baby and sure enough, it was a boy. Mama and Dad were so surprised. There are almost all girls on both sides of the family. She was certain it would be a girl. She turned to Daddy and said with those big wide eyes, "We had a boy?" She peeked down then and sure enough that baby was a boy."
Poor Courtney, my buddy and partner had a flat tire on the way to the birth so she missed the actual birth. Next one is hers to catch. Courtney has reminded me that pizzas are delivered and babies are caught. So I got to "catch" another baby. After Mom and baby had gotten into a clean tub filled with nice warm water and herbs the bed was made with clean sheets ready for both of them to get some much needed rest.
After they were all snuggled in bed we all realized the wind storm had really picked up. This was her second baby to be delivered during a winter storm. The drive home was really tense. The wind was around 60 miles an hour and the van I drive was being hit back and forth by the wind. At one point it felt like King Kong had stomped down the freeway and punched my side of the door really hard. It pushed me completely into the right lane which thankfully was empty.Of course, it then started to snow. I prayed all the way home, thankful to be out of the storm and into a nice warm bed. In just a couple of hours it would time to head to church, thankful for the safety of baby "H".
Have I told you lately just how much I love my new ministry? It is amazing to witness the birth of one baby at a time. To witness just how strong birthing Mom's can be.
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Thursday, January 17, 2013
I Am That "Middle Wife'
The Middle Wife(by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher)I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birthstory I know is the one I saw in my own second grade classroom a few years back.When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students.It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, everplace any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talkabout it, they're welcome.Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid,takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater.She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tellyou about his birthday.''First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.'She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishingI had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a handbehind her back and groans. 'She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!'(Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.)'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the carlike the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this.' (Then Erica lies downwith her back against the wall.)'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spreadwith her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!)'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe.They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes mybrother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of toys inside there. When he got out, the middle wife spanked him for crawling up in there in the first place.'Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat.I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's Show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'Middle Wife' comes along.Now you have two choices...laugh and close this page or pass this along to someone else to spread the laughs. I know what I did!!!Live every day as if it is your LAST chance to make someone happy!"Laugh uncontrollably, it clears the mind."
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Ancient Paths
But my people have forgotten me; they make offerings to false gods; they made them stumble in their ways, in the ancient roads, and to walk into side roads, not the highway,
Jer 18:15 (ESV)
I have loved this passage for a very long time. I was reminded the other day jsut how hard it is to walk on the path God has for us. I am a substitute mentor mom for MOPS for the next couple of months. I love MOPS. When we lived in Colorado I became very involved with the organization. I love ministering to the next generation of mom's. They are a lively bunch with lots of great ideas.
We got into a discussion about raising girls, boxing and cage fighting. Never would I have dreamed those three topics would be talked about in the same sentence! The discussion really made me think about our worldview. If our worldview is centered on God's word and we have accepted God as our Savior then we need to think like God thinks.
I will confess that it is hard at times to think like God thinks. It is hard to swim upstream. It is hard to refrain from chocolate ice cream when everyone else is eating chocolate! This reminds me of the scripture that tells us to daily take up our cross. Now that cross is not a pretty little gold cross on a chain, worn around the neck. It is a cross that has splinters, that is heavy to carry, that is a burden.
So what does girl cage fighting have to do with anything? How do we raise the next generation of young ladies? Do we keep to the ancient paths or veer off to a side ride that will not get us to our destination? Something to think about today?
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Jer 18:15 (ESV)
I have loved this passage for a very long time. I was reminded the other day jsut how hard it is to walk on the path God has for us. I am a substitute mentor mom for MOPS for the next couple of months. I love MOPS. When we lived in Colorado I became very involved with the organization. I love ministering to the next generation of mom's. They are a lively bunch with lots of great ideas.
We got into a discussion about raising girls, boxing and cage fighting. Never would I have dreamed those three topics would be talked about in the same sentence! The discussion really made me think about our worldview. If our worldview is centered on God's word and we have accepted God as our Savior then we need to think like God thinks.
I will confess that it is hard at times to think like God thinks. It is hard to swim upstream. It is hard to refrain from chocolate ice cream when everyone else is eating chocolate! This reminds me of the scripture that tells us to daily take up our cross. Now that cross is not a pretty little gold cross on a chain, worn around the neck. It is a cross that has splinters, that is heavy to carry, that is a burden.
So what does girl cage fighting have to do with anything? How do we raise the next generation of young ladies? Do we keep to the ancient paths or veer off to a side ride that will not get us to our destination? Something to think about today?
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Gratituesday
Good morning world. Today is my second favorite day of the week. It's Tuesday and that means it is Gratituesday. A time we stop and smell the roses. A pause to let the creator of the universe know just how thankful we are. The second reason Tuesday's are so special is because I get to hang out and work with an amazing group of peope.
This group of people have a heart for the downtrodden. They live out the command to serve the least of these. Each and every Tuesday, come rain or snow or sleet, this group comes together and serves the poorest parts of Flint.
H.I.S. ministry stand for Helping Individuals Succeed. The system is really impressive. We give away a box full of food, we give away clothes and new shoes and brand new coats for the needy. We listen to the heartache and pray with those who want to be prayed over.
It is such a big operation it takes about 35 people each week to make all this happen. As an added bonus I get to serve right along with my oldest grandson Matthew. He too finds Tuesday to be the highlight of his week. I am so proud of him for having a tender heart for those who are less fortunate than him.
Thank you Father for allowing me to work alongside amazing people who have a heart for the least of these.
What are you grateful for today?
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
This group of people have a heart for the downtrodden. They live out the command to serve the least of these. Each and every Tuesday, come rain or snow or sleet, this group comes together and serves the poorest parts of Flint.
H.I.S. ministry stand for Helping Individuals Succeed. The system is really impressive. We give away a box full of food, we give away clothes and new shoes and brand new coats for the needy. We listen to the heartache and pray with those who want to be prayed over.
It is such a big operation it takes about 35 people each week to make all this happen. As an added bonus I get to serve right along with my oldest grandson Matthew. He too finds Tuesday to be the highlight of his week. I am so proud of him for having a tender heart for those who are less fortunate than him.
Thank you Father for allowing me to work alongside amazing people who have a heart for the least of these.
What are you grateful for today?
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Sunday, January 13, 2013
What are YOU Worth?
On the black market some of our body parts are worth alot. If I wanted to sell one of my kidneys on the black market (which is illegal) I could get up to $262,000! If I wanted to sell my heart I could get $119,000. Of course I would not be around to collect on it! If I sold all of my DNA, bone marrow and all the parts I could be worth up to $40 million bucks. That is ALOT of money.
However, if I were to sell my soul, that is beyond comprehension. A scripture comes to my mind found in 1 Corinthians 6:20.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Did you catch that? You and I were bought with a price, a huge price. Only the One knows the true value of each of us and that is God. He knows we are more valuable then all the diamonds or gold in the world. He paid the ultimate price for you and me, his only son, Jesus Christ. So, how should we then live? One word comes to my mind, confident. Confident that we are of great value to the Master. Confident that God loves us beyond comprehension. So, let me challenge and encourage you to go out into the world believing the truth and not the lie. YOU are worth more than any gold or silver or diamonds. Live like you believe it.In Christ Alone,
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
However, if I were to sell my soul, that is beyond comprehension. A scripture comes to my mind found in 1 Corinthians 6:20.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Did you catch that? You and I were bought with a price, a huge price. Only the One knows the true value of each of us and that is God. He knows we are more valuable then all the diamonds or gold in the world. He paid the ultimate price for you and me, his only son, Jesus Christ. So, how should we then live? One word comes to my mind, confident. Confident that we are of great value to the Master. Confident that God loves us beyond comprehension. So, let me challenge and encourage you to go out into the world believing the truth and not the lie. YOU are worth more than any gold or silver or diamonds. Live like you believe it.In Christ Alone,
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Friday, January 11, 2013
Racing Towards Baby "G"
I had just hopped out of the shower when the phone call came in. We had all been waiting for baby "G" for weeks. We had three Mama's due the same week and I was convinced she would be first out of that group. Boy was I wrong!
When we got the call, Mama was having contractions lasting a minute and only 4 minutes a part. It was time to hurry. I started speeding down the freeway hoping to get there in time. A woman can go pretty quickly after the contractions are just a few minutes a part. I looked down and realized the gas tank was almost empty and I had fifty two miles to travel. So do I stop and get gas or hope I can make it? I talked with Courtney, the other assistant to gauge just how far down the road she was. Traffic was terrible on the freeway. I just kept picturing the other birth where I was the only one there. Courtney was 5 minutes ahead of me so as soon as she got there she texted me delivery was not imminent so go and get some gas. I filled up real fast and headed to the house.
A red sign was taped to the door that said, "I am giving birth at home today! Please don't be alarmed if you hear screaming." Later I laughed and realized that sign had been a good idea. When I got upstairs I started to get the birth tub opened when Courntey realized the hose would not fit on the sink. Guess what that meant? Shlepping warm water in buckets to and from the downstairs kitchen is what it took to fill the birth tub. Thankfully I did the doula work with Mama while Courtney and Wendy did the shlepping. There are some disadvantages to not being in my 20's.
Mom did great working with the contractions as they got closer together. When the tub was finally filled enough for her to get in she got such relief, which is a great reason for a water birth. It truly is a natural epidural. They were coming closer when all of the sudden she went into transition and said, "I just can't do this anymore, the baby is NEVER going to come out". Of course we all assured her that indeed the baby would come out but she would not believe at that point it was almost over.
Mama's husband was fabulous with her. He did not leave her side. I loved that he was so involved. Their deep affection really shone through through the entire labor and delivery. I am always impressed when a couple truly loves each other and works together. Hubby just kept encouraging her, letting her know it was almost over.
The the pushing started. By every estimate ( I have stopped trying to figure it out since Wendy is always right and I am not) this was a 6 pound baby. I figured he would be pushed out with just a couple of contractions. Wrong! It took an hour and a half of really hard pushing. So there are a couple of reasons that it might take that long. One, she might not be fully dialted, which was not the case. Two, we could have another should caught which is called shoulder dystocia, which was not the case. Or, the third reason is the baby is NOT 6 pounds, which it wasn't.
This little tiny Mama pushed out a whopping 9 pound baby that had a head circumference of 14 7/8 inch head and 22 1/2 inches long! Once the head crowned the baby came out in just a few minutes. The babies head did not do much moulding. When he did come out Mama was in the water up on all fours. As soon as the baby came out Wendy realized the cord was very tight around the neck. I was charting and Courtney jumped out of the way so Wendy had enough room to do what she needed to do. It was so tight she spun the baby around to get the cord off. In seconds it was off and baby started to scream.
He was put right on Mama's chest and we finally got a look and could not believe how big this baby was. He looked like he was 3 months old. There was not a wrinkle on his face. He looked like a Gerber baby 5 seconds after he was born. How is that even possible? He stopped screaming and took both arms and pushed up to see his Mama's face. Tears just started flowing. It was so precious.
Over and over again I see the miracle of birth. Each baby is uniquely made. He KNEW his Mama's voice. He was just so perfect. His feet remind me of one of our son's feet, so long! He came out with several chins and lots of fat rolls everywhere. The birth was everything this Mama wanted. She couldn't believe he was out finally.
The birth was the "easy" part for Mama. We ended up staying six more hours. The uterus would not come down and Mama could not go to the bathroom. All reasons for us to stay. We were treated though to an amazing Grandma who had been cooking all day downstairs. She had a scrumptious apple pie ready in time for the baby to be born. Somehwere in the long 6 hours afterwards we all finally accepted a piece of her amazing pie.
Finally the uterus started to contract and we finally all got to go home and leave Mama and Daddy and Grandma to love on that precious baby boy. I left the house that morning before the sun was up and came home late into the evening. Driving home I just praised the LORD. He is so good. I set my cruise control for 70 and just cruised home reliving the day. Thanking him for watching over all of us that day.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
When we got the call, Mama was having contractions lasting a minute and only 4 minutes a part. It was time to hurry. I started
A red sign was taped to the door that said, "I am giving birth at home today! Please don't be alarmed if you hear screaming." Later I laughed and realized that sign had been a good idea. When I got upstairs I started to get the birth tub opened when Courntey realized the hose would not fit on the sink. Guess what that meant? Shlepping warm water in buckets to and from the downstairs kitchen is what it took to fill the birth tub. Thankfully I did the doula work with Mama while Courtney and Wendy did the shlepping. There are some disadvantages to not being in my 20's.
Mom did great working with the contractions as they got closer together. When the tub was finally filled enough for her to get in she got such relief, which is a great reason for a water birth. It truly is a natural epidural. They were coming closer when all of the sudden she went into transition and said, "I just can't do this anymore, the baby is NEVER going to come out". Of course we all assured her that indeed the baby would come out but she would not believe at that point it was almost over.
Mama's husband was fabulous with her. He did not leave her side. I loved that he was so involved. Their deep affection really shone through through the entire labor and delivery. I am always impressed when a couple truly loves each other and works together. Hubby just kept encouraging her, letting her know it was almost over.
The the pushing started. By every estimate ( I have stopped trying to figure it out since Wendy is always right and I am not) this was a 6 pound baby. I figured he would be pushed out with just a couple of contractions. Wrong! It took an hour and a half of really hard pushing. So there are a couple of reasons that it might take that long. One, she might not be fully dialted, which was not the case. Two, we could have another should caught which is called shoulder dystocia, which was not the case. Or, the third reason is the baby is NOT 6 pounds, which it wasn't.
This little tiny Mama pushed out a whopping 9 pound baby that had a head circumference of 14 7/8 inch head and 22 1/2 inches long! Once the head crowned the baby came out in just a few minutes. The babies head did not do much moulding. When he did come out Mama was in the water up on all fours. As soon as the baby came out Wendy realized the cord was very tight around the neck. I was charting and Courtney jumped out of the way so Wendy had enough room to do what she needed to do. It was so tight she spun the baby around to get the cord off. In seconds it was off and baby started to scream.
He was put right on Mama's chest and we finally got a look and could not believe how big this baby was. He looked like he was 3 months old. There was not a wrinkle on his face. He looked like a Gerber baby 5 seconds after he was born. How is that even possible? He stopped screaming and took both arms and pushed up to see his Mama's face. Tears just started flowing. It was so precious.
Over and over again I see the miracle of birth. Each baby is uniquely made. He KNEW his Mama's voice. He was just so perfect. His feet remind me of one of our son's feet, so long! He came out with several chins and lots of fat rolls everywhere. The birth was everything this Mama wanted. She couldn't believe he was out finally.
The birth was the "easy" part for Mama. We ended up staying six more hours. The uterus would not come down and Mama could not go to the bathroom. All reasons for us to stay. We were treated though to an amazing Grandma who had been cooking all day downstairs. She had a scrumptious apple pie ready in time for the baby to be born. Somehwere in the long 6 hours afterwards we all finally accepted a piece of her amazing pie.
Finally the uterus started to contract and we finally all got to go home and leave Mama and Daddy and Grandma to love on that precious baby boy. I left the house that morning before the sun was up and came home late into the evening. Driving home I just praised the LORD. He is so good. I set my cruise control for 70 and just cruised home reliving the day. Thanking him for watching over all of us that day.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Gratituesday January 8,2012
Every Tuesday a bunch of us stop and remember all the things we are grateful for. It is so easy to get caught up with the "junk" the world has to offer. It can be so easy to take our eye off the mark.
Once again I am reminded just how good our God is. He placed me in the perfect place in His perfect time. Today, I can't help but be thankful for two amazing women who have come into my life. These two women took me into a very active birth practice. I am not sure what they thought they were getting, but these two ladies have welcomed me with open arms.
The "boss' is Wendy. She has been birthing babies now for over 10 years. Then there is sweet Courtney. She laughs at my jokes! We loving call ourselves Minuion 1 and Minuion 2 for Wendy. We are at her beckon call and we love her. We discovered while working together that we all can't stand drama. Courtney and I have thought about making T-shirts that say something like the "No Drama Team".
God put me exactly where I need to be. For that I am truly thankful.
I would love to know what you are thankful for today?
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Baby "G" births story coming tomorrow
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Once again I am reminded just how good our God is. He placed me in the perfect place in His perfect time. Today, I can't help but be thankful for two amazing women who have come into my life. These two women took me into a very active birth practice. I am not sure what they thought they were getting, but these two ladies have welcomed me with open arms.
The "boss' is Wendy. She has been birthing babies now for over 10 years. Then there is sweet Courtney. She laughs at my jokes! We loving call ourselves Minuion 1 and Minuion 2 for Wendy. We are at her beckon call and we love her. We discovered while working together that we all can't stand drama. Courtney and I have thought about making T-shirts that say something like the "No Drama Team".
God put me exactly where I need to be. For that I am truly thankful.
I would love to know what you are thankful for today?
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Baby "G" births story coming tomorrow
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Thursday, January 3, 2013
It Only Takes One
Good morning and welcome to 2013 on my blog. Right before New Years Eve I was reminded of the years I have blogged through the Bible in 90 days. Suddenly I felt the urge to once again read through God's Word again, front to back. I realized there was no time to prepare everyone to get on board so I decided to do it alone with no set time frame. My goal then is to read from Genesis to Revelation in a fairly rapid pace. If you would like to join me then by all means, jump on board friend.
I have been thinking alot about the new year. I love the sense of wonderment at a fresh start, new with no mistakes in it. A time to turn the page and start over again. God must have felt a similar sense when he found the earth in shambles. Every thought of man was evil. Stop for a minute and think about that. EVERY thought and deed was evil. How long did it take from the perfect garden filled with beauty to a sin sick world filled with every weed possible, both literally and figuratively. How long God did you watch the disintegration of everything good? How he must have grieved. The beauty of the garden along with it's smells of life teeming everywhere has been gone for a good long while.
Scripture tells us in Genesis 6:6 that God's heart was grieved. I know deep within my core grief. It breaks my heart when I think of the times I, Jill Roper have grieved the heart of God. Here in Genesis, God wasn't just grieved in His heart for one person but for the 99.9%. They were all corrupt except one.
If it had not been for the one he would have wiped out the entire earth filled with all creatures including his finest creation, the ones that were made in His image, man. Verse 8 is the kicker and it starts with a big BUT. "But, Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD."
It struck me when I was reading this, it only took one man to save the entire human race. One is a pretty impressive number friend. It reminds me of the story of the little girl tossing star fish back into the ocean. She is standing on the shore with hundreds of starfish litering the beach. It could be overwhelming but she gladly picks one up at a time and throws it back into the ocean. Someone came by and said she was being foolish because there were so many she couldn't possibly get them all back in. Standing there alone on that beach with one star fish she said, "but for this one starfish it makes all the difference in the world."
It only takes one my precious friend. This is a new year so I want to challenge you to be that one who makes a difference. Search out, pray about that one you can minister to. And while you are making a difference to that one tell them the story of the ONE who gave His life to save all who come to him. That is the most important difference you can make in the life on one.
Till next time.
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
I have been thinking alot about the new year. I love the sense of wonderment at a fresh start, new with no mistakes in it. A time to turn the page and start over again. God must have felt a similar sense when he found the earth in shambles. Every thought of man was evil. Stop for a minute and think about that. EVERY thought and deed was evil. How long did it take from the perfect garden filled with beauty to a sin sick world filled with every weed possible, both literally and figuratively. How long God did you watch the disintegration of everything good? How he must have grieved. The beauty of the garden along with it's smells of life teeming everywhere has been gone for a good long while.
Scripture tells us in Genesis 6:6 that God's heart was grieved. I know deep within my core grief. It breaks my heart when I think of the times I, Jill Roper have grieved the heart of God. Here in Genesis, God wasn't just grieved in His heart for one person but for the 99.9%. They were all corrupt except one.
If it had not been for the one he would have wiped out the entire earth filled with all creatures including his finest creation, the ones that were made in His image, man. Verse 8 is the kicker and it starts with a big BUT. "But, Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD."
It struck me when I was reading this, it only took one man to save the entire human race. One is a pretty impressive number friend. It reminds me of the story of the little girl tossing star fish back into the ocean. She is standing on the shore with hundreds of starfish litering the beach. It could be overwhelming but she gladly picks one up at a time and throws it back into the ocean. Someone came by and said she was being foolish because there were so many she couldn't possibly get them all back in. Standing there alone on that beach with one star fish she said, "but for this one starfish it makes all the difference in the world."
It only takes one my precious friend. This is a new year so I want to challenge you to be that one who makes a difference. Search out, pray about that one you can minister to. And while you are making a difference to that one tell them the story of the ONE who gave His life to save all who come to him. That is the most important difference you can make in the life on one.
Till next time.
In Christ Alone,
Jill
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Gratituesday
A brand new year, with no mistakes in it yet, now that is something to be thankful for indeed. I have something extra special to be thankful for today, my precious husband.
We started out 2012 in hospice. None of us thought Rich would make it. At that point it had been almost three years of debilitataing pain and disease. It was time to go home to be with the LORD. Apparently that was not God's plan and by March he was off hospice. However, God chose not to heal Rich for whatever reason. We have spent the last several months learning how to live in a way that we never would have imagined 4 years ago.
He fights post herpetic neurolgia day in and day out. There is never relief just constant pain. Unless you have lived with it you have no clue just how wearing it is. There is never a break, but my husband has NEVER given up. He could have easily given up at any point on this path but not my husband. He is determined to learn the lessons God has for him and try to be content right where he is.
The other day he earned hubby of the year. I had two births back to back. I was beyond exhausted, I was slap happy. When I walked in the door he had candles burning, sheets folded down, waiting for me, the shower ready and a kiss. I took a much needed shower and slipped under those wonderful sheets and slept for 15 straight hours. During that time he had washed all my clothes and got me ready for the next birth by laying everything out for me. In spite of all the pain he served me.
I am deeply humbled and very grateful for a husband who can still find ways to serve those he loves. He is my hero and the love of my life.
What are you thankful for today?
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
We started out 2012 in hospice. None of us thought Rich would make it. At that point it had been almost three years of debilitataing pain and disease. It was time to go home to be with the LORD. Apparently that was not God's plan and by March he was off hospice. However, God chose not to heal Rich for whatever reason. We have spent the last several months learning how to live in a way that we never would have imagined 4 years ago.
He fights post herpetic neurolgia day in and day out. There is never relief just constant pain. Unless you have lived with it you have no clue just how wearing it is. There is never a break, but my husband has NEVER given up. He could have easily given up at any point on this path but not my husband. He is determined to learn the lessons God has for him and try to be content right where he is.
The other day he earned hubby of the year. I had two births back to back. I was beyond exhausted, I was slap happy. When I walked in the door he had candles burning, sheets folded down, waiting for me, the shower ready and a kiss. I took a much needed shower and slipped under those wonderful sheets and slept for 15 straight hours. During that time he had washed all my clothes and got me ready for the next birth by laying everything out for me. In spite of all the pain he served me.
I am deeply humbled and very grateful for a husband who can still find ways to serve those he loves. He is my hero and the love of my life.
What are you thankful for today?
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".
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