The Birth of Baby Ellie

After a long labor that ended in a vacuum assisted birth with my first baby, I was nervous going into my second childbirth experience. Being able to give birth at the birth center made me feel a lot more comfortable and relaxed. On the morning of August 3rd, I felt a little different than usual and could tell my body was preparing for labor. My husband and I agreed that it was time to do all of our last minute grocery shopping before baby Ellie arrived. While grocery shopping that morning, I began having contractions. We went home, unloaded the groceries, and I rested while my son took a nap. My contractions gradually became more intense and closer together throughout the day. At around 6 oclock, my wonderful doula, Meghan, came over and we timed my contractions. After having quite a few contractions back to back at around four minutes apart, we decided it was time to head to the birth center. Once we arrived, the contractions slowed a little, but things quickly moved along after about an hour. Megan could tell I was ready to change positions and the midwives prepared the bath. I had mentioned before that I really wanted a water birth. After laboring in the bath for a while, I felt the urge to push. After just a few big pushes, out popped our beautiful baby girl! It was the most beautiful experience. I could not have asked for a better birth!