Traci Michele Photography

Photography

Labor And Delivery Story

by


Contractions started:   1 am, August 31, 2011
Went to hospital at:  4 am
Admitted to hospital at: 5:30 am
Labor progression:  Slow and steady throughout the day
Things I did to manage contraction pain: sat on exercise ball, sat in whirlpool tub, walked, leaned over bed, slow danced/swayed hips…
In between contractions: I pretty much downed ice cubes!
Dr. broke water at: 3 pm (6 cm) dilated 
By 5:15 pm: I was in transition mode and the pain was almost unbearable at this point.  Baby was trying to wiggle down into position but kept moving forward or backward on my backside.
By 7:15 pm: I was pretty much ready to die!  Never have been in this much pain before, but the Lord was gracious to give me a wonderful Doula, a great nursing staff, and a loving husband to be by my side coaching me along.
By 7:30 pm: I was finally ready to push.  I gave one good push and the baby’s head was out…  It was all I could do to wait for the next contraction and remember yelling “Just pull the baby out.  Get the baby out of me!”  The next contraction I did just that!  
Baby born at: 7:35 pm, August 31st.

It was certainly a long day… the worst of the pain lasted much longer than I had anticipated…. BUT…

The Lord was gracious to allow me to rest periodically throughout the day to regain my strength.  The Lord was faithful to allow me to do this birth completely natural and med free.  He completed the work He had started in my heart and He is so faithful! 

Phil. 1:6: being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

We praise His name on high for this beautiful blessing!  Thanks again for all your prayers and concern.  Some positives of natural labor that I’m experiencing all ready:  I feel great!  I don’t feel like I’m retaining fluid.  Grant is a super duper eater!  

Photobucket

Thanks for visiting!

Comments

  1. so happy for you, traci!! grant is a beautiful baby and you are such a beautiful mama. praying for you as you all adjust in the next few days.

    sending you love,

    kimberley

    ps. 3 is *so much* fun!!!

  3. Your story was so inspirational Traci! I also gave birth natural and can relate to your pain! God is gracious. So happy for you and your family and that everything went smoothly and your baby is healthy!

  5. Congratulations!! How wonderful to be able to have the natural birth you wanted. His tiny baby feet are precious!! Best to all of you as you adjust to your new addition and being a family of 5!!

  6. You amaze me, Traci! But I guess I shouldn’t be amazed since I prayed for a quick recovery. 😉 God is so faithful! Congrats again!

  7. Hi Traci!
    Thanks for your visit to my blog!
    Im following you in friendship!
    Congrats on your new arrival! How beautiful!!
    Love your photos!!
    Gorgeous family!!

    Deborah 🙂

  8. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I’ve had 1 natural birth (20 hours of labor) and 2 c-sections … and I’ve got to say NATURAL is the BEST (especially when it all over!! LOL). 🙂 Rejoicing with you on your new baby boy – LOVE baby feet!!!

  9. So glad it is all over and you have your little miracle from God’s hand. Rest and heal!
    Blessings!
    Pam at 2encourage.blogspot.com

  10. Congratulations! And on your due date, too. That’s awesome. And somehow you managed to find the time to sit down and tell us all about it. ;0)

  16. I loved reading this. I love birth stories and it’s so neat to read the story of the first unmedicated birth too. I would love to have an unmedicated birth but I’m really leaving it in the Lord’s hands regarding how long and difficult my labor is. I think it’s amazing that you relied on Him to get you through the pain. So glad baby Grant was born healthy and is doing well! Congratulations again!

  20. Welcome Grant and congratulations to you and your family Traci! I loved your “story” since it gave just enough information without being too much information. Ha! Blessings!

  22. Congratulations! I also had all three of my children natural, and yes, truly a blessing from God. What a beautiful baby boy you have.

  30. Traci.. I am overjoyed that your new beautiful baby boy is here safe and healthy! Praise the LORD! I will be praying for you in the next few weeks.. rest and rest more. 🙂
    You have worked so hard,,, and you have been blessed!
    Congratulations!
    September

  32. Traci!!! Congratulations sweetie!! So glad to hear you are doing so well and that you have another healthy little baby to love and cherish 🙂 God is so faithful isn’t He?!

  35. Beautiful birth story! When my 4th child was born, we did did it med free and it was fabulous. Have since had three more the same way! Praising the Lord with you for a fantastic labor and delivery, as well as a gorgeous baby boy!
    Bambi

  36. Congratulations, Traci! And…WOW…born *on* his due date, huh? What a good little boy 🙂

    He’s beautiful and I’m so happy that you were able to do the natural birth and that you’re feeling great already <3

  37. Wow!! This brings back memories for me! I also chose to deliver baby #3 med free. I know there was lots of pain, but I honestly cannot recall it….2 years later.

    Congrats on the new little love!

  40. Congratulations Traci! What a gorgeous boy you have! It is very heartening to hear your testimony of God’s faithfulness.. I’m so glad you were able to do this all-natural!

    I know it must give you such a power-boost. I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR!! 😉 You did just what God created us to do and everything else will fall into place as He wills it.. just keep holding on to His hand.

    Love & Blessings