My contractions started at 1AM on April 23rd. I remember waking up from the cramping feeling thinking, "This is finally it!" I was so excited. I waited until Jason's alarm rang and said "Guess what? You are not going to work today!" Jude said to take it easy for a while, the contractions would get stronger and closer together, so we decided to go out for breakfast. It was so exciting feeling the cramping as I enjoyed my sandwich with Jason. I picked Roast Beef! Something I rarely eat, but hey - I needed lots of strength. Our last time alone together for a while... My contractions were very steady from the beginning to the end. Gradually they became stronger and closer together. We watched movies, in the afternoon, and I remember that it became harder and harder to concentrate during a contraction. I loved that I could still water my flowers since we didn't have to go to the hospital. I called Jude around 6 PM. The contractions felt strong. She told me to sleep, to give my body rest. I remember thinking "Is she crazy? How am I supposed to sleep through this ??, but I trusted Jude and was amazed that I actually dozed off a couple of times. I was laying on my side constantly peeking at the alarm clock next to the bed, timing the contractions. I was obsessing over the timing. :) The apartment was very quiet. I had some of my favorite calming music playing and Jason was sleeping on the couch in the living room. Even though he was in the other room I felt supported. That was around 8PM. The contractions were strong by then and I felt myself fighting it, but I didn't know how not to. I waited as I watched the hours go by. Most of the time I felt like being alone, but there was a time when Jason lay next to me, holding my hand. His presence was so much help. I thought of the wonder of the body and how there was nothing I could do now, but wait and breathe. I felt the fear of the unknown and at the same time excitement to see little Sophia for the first time. Around 1:30am we decided to fill the birth pool with water. Then my water broke and I called Jude right away. She said she was leaving immediately and on her way. I remember her saying, "you sound so calm." Well, I thought, I am in between a contractions...then one came and I made a sound I didn't know I could do, and dropped the phone! I surprised her and myself. Jude said she knew it really was time! It was. From then on everything went so fast! I sat on the toilet a lot. Not the most romantic place, but it felt really comfortable and I felt like I had to pee a lot. I remember holding a hand mirror between my legs to see if she was coming out, silly me! I then felt my body pushing and the words shot out of my mouth, "Jason, I have to get into the water now!" It felt like she was just going to fly right out that second. The pool was only half filled yet, but that didn't matter. It was the best feeling and I was wondering why I didn't go in the water any sooner! I knew that it was very close. It was around 2am by now and Jude arrived. In just minutes, Sophia Lee arrived. With Jude's help, I was able to feel her head, and then lifted her out of the water myself and onto my chest. Sophia let out a short little cry, opened her eyes and looked around. She was so beautiful. I kept thinking how amazing the human body is. I didn't even push. I am still amazed that once I was able to let go and get out of my way that my body and Sophia just did it all. I really loved watching Jude measure and check out Sophia. It felt so good all wrapped up in my own bed! My whole pregnancy and birth experience was amazing. After meeting Jude and Mani for an interview I knew we were in good hands. Thank you guys so much for everything! Heike, Jason & Beautiful Sophia |
The Birth Story of our 1st daughter, Sophia Lee
