Dear Levi

Written and Shared with Permission by Danielle B.

Dear Levi,

I was 40+3wks on Thursday, March 21st when I awoke to a strong contraction which I needed to breathe through. It was 5:45am. Three more came and went at the same strength ranging from 20-10min apart but slowly getting closer together. Could this be the day we get to meet you?

Things were still happening at 7am, and as the big brother and sisters piled into our bed that morning, I told Daddy to stay home from work. I texted Midwife Rebecca and let her know I was pretty sure this was the real thing. At the same time, Daddy called Mimi and Papa and asked if they could pick up the older three later in the afternoon... maybe around 2pm?

By 9am, the contractions were coming every 3-7min. Some were over a minute and strong. Most were 30-50sec and moderate. It was enough for Daddy to ask Mimi and Papa to get the big siblings now instead of later, and Midwife Rebecca asked to come over as well. I was sure they would all be coming too soon, and that we still had awhile to go, but even I couldn't deny that it felt like things were progressing quickly.

The big kids were picked up at 9:30am, and Rebecca arrived shortly later around 9:50am, followed by her assistants Emma and Leona. They checked on us, and we were both doing well. I had lost some bloody mucus not long before their arrival (a strong sign that you were coming), but the contractions were still a mix of strong and moderate. She advised that it was likely too early for the bathtub, but she was confident "baby would be coming today".

Daddy and I retreated to the bedroom where I spent my time standing/swaying and on the birth ball. I felt the contractions in my lower back this time, and had a lot of comfort from Daddy giving me counter pressure through each wave. He was there for each one, and I can't imagine doing it without him.

Things intensified quickly, and I continued to breathe down to you with each surge. By 10:20am, I REALLY wanted in the tub. But I also didn't want to get in too early and slow things down. After all, Rebecca had barely been there for 30min at this point.

I waddled to the bathroom, looking longingly at the water in the bathtub.

"It's fine. You can just get in" Daddy said

"But what if I slow things down?"

"I'm telling you it's fine. Just get in".

I was still contemplating getting in or not as the next wave crashed over me. The contraction was strong and long, and I took it's strength as a sign that labor was in full swing. Even if we had a while to go, I was ready for the water. As the wave ebbed, I got into the tub. The water was an immediate source of comfort, and I was grateful for Nathan's encouragment to get in. 

I rested between the contactions by leaning forward against the tub, forhead on my arms. As each wave began I would sit up, eyes closed and breathing down to you. Every breathe brought you closer to me. Every surge brought you closer to me. I was not afraid. We were working together, you and I. We could do this.

"I hesitate to say this, but I think he's coming soon" I said. 

With each breath and contraction, I could actually sense and feel you moving down. It was incredible! And then you started hiccuping. The midwives were in the cramped bathroom at this point with us. It hadn't been long before I felt that familiar feeling - my body was bearing down. I breathed down and moaned with my body as it worked to bring you earthside.

You were right there 

You were coming.

Your head was out.

I felt something by your head.

"The cord?" I managed to get out.

"Nope, no cord" Rebecca replied.

It was your ear I felt. I felt more and there was your nose!

I continued to breath, following the instincts of my body. Big breathes followed by short breaths. Eyes closed. Hands gripping the tub. Daddy there, supporting from behind.

And then you were out.

Just like that.

I couldn't grab you with my positioning, but Rebecca did - carefully unwrapping the cord from your shoulders, and placing you on my chest.

You were born by 10:55 in the morning. The midwives say active labor was about 25min, and that I only pushed for 1min. Even as I write this, five weeks later, I'm still in shock by how quick, calm, peaceful, and smooth your birth was.

I felt no fear. Just confidence in us and that every breath brought me closer to you.

Big brother was convinced all along you were a boy. After all, he already had two sisters. It just made sense to him that God would give us two boys and two girls.

Luke was right. To our delight, as Daddy and I admired you in the tub, we got to meet you and see you for the first time. Our sweet boy; our Levi. 

8.3lbs / 20.25in