Where to begin this story of welcoming Laina and Phoenix into this Earthly realm. I felt since the beginning of May these little ones were going to come into this world at any moment. I stopped working at the beginning of May to ensure that I would carry these babies as long as possible. Well… they sure did stay a while baking in the mini oven
On June 22nd, 2 weeks of having false labor active labor, I called my Midwife at 11am while I was at the pool with the girls because I thought I was in leaking fluid. She advised me to go to primary care for a urine test, go to hospital, or go into the SeeBaby office. So, after a confusing time scheduling, I went into Dr. Bootstaylor to get checked via ultrasound. We spoke after the ultrasound, and babies were good, no fluid leaking. I then discussed with Dr. B about having a membrane sweep the next morning, when I was scheduled for a visit. He offered to do it that evening instead, so I didn’t have to make an extra trip tomorrow morning. (“Was I really ready to meet them?”)
So he checked my cervix (2nd time during the whole pregnancy, and in one week I went from 3cm, to 4cm), my body was almost ready to go on it’s own. He stretched my cervix to 5cm “easily” and did a membrane sweep.
After that long office visit, we drove home, and I called my doula, Tomecas. She advised me to “pamper myself”, i.e., take a bath, do my hair and nails… (as we all know I don’t do my hair). As she was talking to me, I knew things were changing, I started to have light contractions.
We arrived home, and I nibbled on some pizza crust, and had some vegetables and lemonade with ice. It was 630pm and I was starting to feel regular, but light contractions. Eric started to get the girls ready for bed at 7pm, and the contractions started to get “real” and deep. I started to arrange care for Fayola and Kyra for the night, I knew I would be having these babies tonight. 730pm hit and “Boom”! I knew this was it, I called my midwife and let my doula know I would be heading in. 745pm, my midwife called (Martha) back, I told her I am heading in NOW.
815pm: Eric and I are in the car, car loaded, and I could barely focus, these contractions were getting real intense. I just kept telling myself “let it go” after each contraction. Eric raced up to Decatur in some heavy traffic to DeKalb Medical Center. I had the windows down and barely remember the trip up there. I was having chills and cold, I knew I was in transition.
915pm: We pulled up to DeKalb Women’s Center and there was Tomecas waiting on us. I could barely walk into the hospital. I had to get registered, Eric got my bag, and I could barely focus. I was leaning over a chair while a woman was asking me questions in a tiny office room.
From here on out, I don’t remember much, but that I felt I needed to push soon. They got me to triage and Martha met me there. She and Tomecas were trying to get me to lie down so I could get checked. I didn’t believe I was dilated very far and I looked at Eric and said “I will be getting an epidural”, he had no response, just looked at me with reassurance. I was having contractions back to back, non-stop. I finally got on my back, and I was checked, 8cm dilated, 100% effaced. I needed to get to a room. Tomecas and Martha walked me to my room, which was FAR away it seemed.
Once in the room, after having consistent contractions they got me onto a bed into kneeling with my hands and head on the head of the bed. All I remember is the music (classic R & B and jazz), lavender on my face from Tomecas, and the nurses trying to get monitors on the babies, particularly you Laina, and getting an IV started.
After they got the babies monitored, they gave me the go ahead to push. I started pushing at 1000pm and my water broke. Shortly thereafter I started to push out our sweet Laina, she was born at 1039pm and I was kneeling and pulled her up to my chest. I couldn’t believe I finally got to hear her cry. They offered me to lie on my back and deliver my son, but I wanted to stay kneeling. Eric cut her umbilical cord and held her to his chest as I pushed out Phoenix at 1046pm. He didn’t cry at first, but took 30 seconds…. then all I felt was relief and two babies crying.
I did it… after all those weeks of “false” labor, of swelling, of fatigue, they were in my arms and latched on nursing from my breasts.
Praise be to God! He is the Bestower the most precious gems and gifts we could have ever asked for! We were all healthy and there were no complications. Now we are a family of 6, it will be such a fun and lovely journey.
Phoenix – “Rise from ashes, as sign of immortality”
Laina – Named after your mother, Jennifer Elaine
. We waited and waited and waited for Laina and Phoenix to arrive, and it took until June 22nd. My feet were swollen and I was so tired! I thought you were coming for weeks, but you decided to wait until I was ready, thank you.
