Welcoming Nerrisa Crowe's

This was my third pregnancy, and my first time with the West Suburban Midwife practice. My pregnancy was normal, with no complications. My due date was February 19th, but since my second child arrived 5 weeks early, we figured my third would come early as well.

Sure enough, I woke up at 4:50am on February 6th with contractions. They were pretty strong. I remember thinking, "This is it!" I timed the contractions and they were 4 to 6 minutes apart. I told my husban that this was the real deal and that we should start getting ready to go to the hospital. My labor seemed fast. We left the house at 6am. and I could feel the pressure in my pelvis. I had to payse and breathe every time a contraction came, I had taken Bradley classes when I was pregnant with my first, and I used the relaxation techniques to help tolerate the pain.

When we got to the hospital I waited in triage. A nurse checked me, but she had trouble determining how effaced my cervix was. She had a doctor come check me. The doctor came in, checked me ad said I was already 8 cm! They then wheeled me into the ABC room where this warm tub was waiting for me! Gayle had the water at the perfect temperature! I got into that tub and it felt so good! the contractions were A LOT easier to deal with.

I was getting really comfortable breathing though contractions when gayle told me I could push whenever I felt like it. I was a bit surprised, because I expected the labr pains to be a lot stronger before pushing. I guess not! I started pushing, and had a little trouble focusing my puchs. Gayle showed me where and how to push. Then she suggested that I try squatting. That did it! I squatted and withing tw pushes I was crowning! I remember saying, "The baby's comiiiinnngg!"

Withing 10 minutes at 8:36 am, after less than foru hours of labor my georgeous little gir was born! Caris Lucia was 7lbs and 4 oz., 19 inches long! They gave her right to me after she came out and that was the BEST feeling!

I gave birth with no IV's, strapping monitors, stirrups or medication. I rested afterwards in a queen size bed next to my husband. For me, the third time was a charm, because this birth was PERFECT. I thank the Lord for my little girl and for this practice, and I thank Gayle and her team for a wonderful birthing experience!

Nerissa Crowe.