First, things are great!!! We feel really lucky and really blessed!!! Breastfeeding, recovery and baby all seem to have shot along swimmingly. Baby Sterling regained his birthweight before his first week was even out. Rightly or no, we attribute much to natural childbirth, which we were lucky enough to swing...

After a night of false labor, we were pretty stubborn about admitting we were in actual labor despite having contractions all day and even through our last birthing class the following evening...as soon as we got home, we tried to stop them with snacks, drinks and a shower... but when I hollered from inside the shower that I was still contracting every 5-8 mins, it was time to send the husband to bed...just in case. :) I wanted to wait until they were 3 mins apart so that the hospital could have as little time to monitor and restrict me as possible, and so that was 2am, when my friend Emily and I finally repacked our hospital bags and woke up Douglas. Of course Douglas was ready to tear sheets and boil water instead, but he managed to keep his cool and get us there.

It was dumping snow out, so our midwife got there as fast as possible, but still ab 15 mins after us. Talk ab the role of psychology and feeling safe...the very second she walked in the door we were in full blown transition. So she checked me (7 cm) and threw me in the tub. now here, I have to differ w the "midwives epidural" wives' tale...bc there was nO relief to be found in that tub...in fact, I found it awkward and frustrating as I flailed around to find something to hold on to... BUT, I was happy to have something containing all the body fluids! :) I started pushing before long, so we got me back to the bed so I could get acrobatic with the squat bar. I made douglas cover his eyes, so that I could feel comfortable to move about as I needed without wondering what kind of visions would be stuck with him or worry him. Things definitely moved fast and furious for us. But then it seemed to me like the baby was stuck when he should be crowning. I asked, but was assured everything was fine. Turns out..ab 3 pushes later...my midwife told me that I was delivering an unbroken water instead of baby's head...that "[i] would have an easier time of it" if we broke the water... They would've suggested it sooner had they not thought it against the 'natural' childbirth I was striving for... but, I was all game, so Merrilynn broke it on the next contraction, after coating the entire room in blue tarps (i mean, i'm thinking "how much water is in there?!! We're ready for katrina, or at least a luxury car wash here!) That was amazing, bc it acted like a luge and baby's head came out in that same first push, then his body, the next. And here is where I must also make issue with whomever it was that said the head crowning stops blood to the skin, numbing you from sensation!!! WHAT!!!? That sounds much different than the "ring of fire" I was introduced to! I must have misunderstood!! It may be why you don't feel a tear, but you most definitely feel a ring of fire!!! Maybe I missed the class where this was discussed, but I did express my lack of enthusiasm at this surprise since I was under the impression that transition was the most painful part! so, fast and furious it was!!!...

We'd arrived at the hospital at 2:45 and had a beautiful new love, new valentine, beautiful baby boy on my chest and in our world and lives by 5:18am!

I'd told my nurse to adopt, my friend emily that i'd rather get eaten by sharks next time, and my husband douglas that siblings meant epidurals...before it was over. BUT, before we even left the hospital...from experiencing the immaculate flood of euphoria upon successfully delivering my son naturally, an energy that continued to this day...from watching him do so well with connecting with me and breastfeeding...from watching this amazing body recover.......before we even left the hospital, I'm thinking..."if natural childbirth had anything to do with any of these circumstances (and chances are...statistically), i'm thinking "it's worth it." (period) ...and, i'd do it again!

Thank you for helping us to realize this beautiful and amazing happening, Merrilynn. Your attitude and positivity and peace go a great way to getting us moms-to-be and our heads and our husbands relaxed and ready for a positive experience, and our unique, own experience, welcoming it in whatever form it may realize! I was sure you were an angel on February 5th. Have I properly thanked you for arriving to and reacting flawlessly on every turn. I simpy don't ever need to have a baby with anyone else. (see?!! can you believe i'm already talking next babies?!!)