My second pregnancy was a similar but also very different than my first. You can read more about my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester in their separate posts. As far as the actual birth, that was much, much different than my labor and delivery with my first — the main thing being that I had a home birth this time around compared to a hospital birth the first time. If you’ve come for the home birth details, you’re in the right spot!
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The night I turned 40 weeks pregnant, I started having mild contractions. Greg and I joked that of course this would happen because we were both fairly tired, and if I went into labor it would definitely be a long night running on little sleep. I was also experiencing insomnia and not sleeping well for the last few weeks of the pregnancy, so it was rough. I tried to ignore the contractions and get some sleep, but I was more excited than anything thinking that this could be the real deal (plus, again, the insomnia), so I wasn’t able to sleep very much. Turns out the contractions only lasted a couple hours and were gone by the morning. Long story short, this went on for the next week — contractions on and off through the night and then gone again by the morning and nothing throughout the day.
Day after day, I was getting more eager and impatient. Bodhi was born 4 days late (40+4), so I figured for whatever reason, this pregnancy surely wasn’t going to go past that. Ha, I’m sure you can guess — I was wrong.
We had an appointment with our midwife, Nancy, on Friday, July 23rd, (4 days after my due date), and nothing seemed too different. She asked her typical questions, took my blood pressure, listened to Baby’s heartbeat, and checked the position of Baby. Everything looked and sounded good, and we decided that surely this baby would come soon. She sent me home with Catnip tincture to help the insomnia, as well as Cotton Root Bark which is said to help increase the contractions and pick up labor. She told me that the next time I was having fairly frequent contractions that I could take the tincture and see if it helped speed them up and increase the intensity — essentially going from warm-up/pre-labor to active labor.
On Monday, July 26th, I hit the 41 week mark of my pregnancy. I called to set up an appointment at my back-up* provider later in the week for them to do a stress test just to ensure Baby was doing fine. This type of appointment is common after 41 weeks. For the stress test, they basically hook you up and monitor Baby’s movements and heart rate, and they also check the amniotic sac fluid levels and so on. I set my appointment for Thursday, July 29th, hoping that Baby would come before then and so I wouldn’t have to drive an hour away to the appointment.
* [[I say back-up provider as this is where I went to get any tests, bloodwork and ultrasounds done as my midwife doesn’t actually do these. This provider and my midwife are in contact during the entire pregnancy and share my medical records with each other when needed. If an emergency were to arise, this is also where I would go.]]
Fast forward to Wednesday, July 28th, and I was having mild contractions on and off that started around 1:00am. I got up around 6:30am, and the contractions were still coming, somewhat moderate now, but I could breathe through them without too much trouble. They weren’t too consistent — sometimes close together, sometimes longer stretches in between, but I still texted Nancy just to let her know what was going on. I asked her if I should start taking the Cotton Root Bark tincture, and she told me to hold off for now as she was currently at another birth.
To try and keep things going and hopefully get labor to pickup, I wanted to keep moving. We started with a walk around the neighborhood — me, Greg, my mom, and Bodhi. I did a lot of curb walking which is said to help speed up labor. I also had a few friends that suggested it to me as they said that is what really helped them when they went into labor. It was very hot out, so we didn’t stay out for long periods of time. In the meantime when we were back inside, I was pacing around as well as bouncing on my yoga/exercise ball.
Around 10:00am Nancy gave me the green light to start taking the Cotton Root Bark. The regimen goes as follows: first hour – 20 drops under the tongue; second hour – 30 drops under tongue; third hour – 40 drops under tongue. It didn’t taste good or bad, but there was a slight burning sensation as I held it under my tongue due to it being alcohol based. After the first dose, I didn’t feel much of a difference and honestly shortly after I took it it seemed like contractions even slowed down a bit — LOL — the opposite of what we wanted. It was probably just a coincidence because by 12-12:30pm the contractions were still coming on, and fairly strong at this point. I tried to lay down to rest and take a nap, but the contractions were strong enough to where I knew that was definitely not going to happen. I again let Nancy know and she stated that they would head to our house at this point and see how things were going. Her and her assistant, Emma, lived about 45-60 minutes away from us. We also let our birth photographer, Aubrey, know that she should probably head over soon as well — she also lived about 60 minutes away from us.
By 1:00pm the contractions were coming on about every 3 minutes and lasting on average 1 minute — sometimes a little less, sometimes a little longer. My sister came over around 1:45pm, and Nancy and Emma arrived shortly after around 2pm. I was in the bedroom at this point, as this is where I did most of my labor in the very beginning. I felt comfortable in my room. One of my favorite things about giving birth at home was that I could control my entire environment exactly how I wanted it. This allowed me to enjoy the entire process so much more. No masks, no limit on who was in the room with me, no machines to be hooked up to, no bright lights, no unwanted noises, no hospital smell, etc.
We had Bob Marley playing quietly in our bedroom, natural light flooding the room, and my team (Greg, my mom, my sister) silently supporting me.
Nancy took my blood pressure, listened to the baby, and did an internal check after she arrived. Blood pressure was good, Baby sounded great, and I was about 4 centimeters dilated. Nancy and Emma suggested trying different positions during contractions which would help drop Baby as well as put Baby in an optimal position. I started doing a small lunge during each contraction — I put one foot up (sometimes it was on my bed or a bench ((about 1.5-2 feet from the floor)), sometimes it was on the toilet lid when I moved to the bathroom for a bit). I would have the raised leg bent, and I was leaning into it with each contraction.. During the next contraction I would switch sides and lunge on the other leg. I went back and forth like this for quite a bit. When I took a break from doing that, I used my rebozo wrap (see pictures below) and would squat down during contractions. I also liked to softly hang onto it for support as I slightly hinged forward.
During my labor I did what felt best for me. After laboring mostly in the bedroom, Nancy and Emma let me know that the birth pool was ready if I wanted to move there, which I did. We had the pool set up in our living room. The blinds were slightly closed so that the lighting was low and relaxing, again only natural light coming into the room. We had calming, meditation music playing on the Alexa now.
I’m not sure how much time passed here, but I just remember feeling so calm, sitting in the warm water, quietly talking with Greg, my mom and sister, as they sat close to me outside of the pool. I continued to breathe through the contractions and again, took some more lunges in the pool during them.
After maybe 30 or so minutes, Emma suggested that I change positions and suggested that I could get in the shower if I wanted to. She said that sometimes changing environments can also help keep labor moving along. I trusted her, exited the birth pool, and got into the warm shower. This also gave them a chance to put more hot water in the pool to keep the temperature warm.
I spent about 10 minutes in the shower. The warm water felt nice on my lower back as I was having a lot of back labor. Greg stayed with me the entire time, encouraging and supporting me better than I could’ve imagined. The contractions were slowly picking up and becoming more intense, so I opted to get out. I went back in the bedroom and laid in bed for a little while where Nancy and Emma then checked me again. I was now about 8cm dilated. If I had to guess, it was probably around 5pm at this point. I decided to return back to the birth pool as I felt the most relief submerged in the water and as comfortable as I was going to get here. Nancy and/or Emma would occasionally check Babys’ heartbeat with the Doppler, and they continued to take my temperature and blood pressure ensuring it was staying at a safe range. (I remember feeling very grateful during these checks — I didn’t have to move or change what I was doing for them to do this.)
I eventually reached a point where I was extremely uncomfortable. The contractions were so intense that I had to focus with everything in me until it passed. I remember reminding myself to breathe through them — each surge was bringing me closer to meeting my baby. As hard as it was, I was trying to really relax through each contraction and let my body do what it needed.
There was a point when I remember looking at Greg and just crying, telling him how hard and painful it was. I didn’t want to do this anymore, but I knew I was so close. He kept reminding me how strong I was and that I was doing the dang thing. He never left my side and was the strength I needed, especially when I was at my weakest.
Our baby was going to be here so soon!!
I kept reminding myself of that. It was at this point where my body just completely took over. I was on my hands and knees, and with each contraction, my body was pushing for me. Never once did I physically have to stop and push. This is exactly what is supposed to happen in labor!! I was surrendering to it all — the pain, the exhaustion, the waves, the emotions, the noises exiting my body. And then there came a point when I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The contractions were so close together and my body was bearing down and pushing so intensely that I felt like I couldn’t catch up. It was honestly a little scary, but I kept going with it (not like I had the choice to stop lol).
Nancy was right by me, reaching down into the water and feeling underneath me. The next thing I heard her say was that my water broke, followed shortly after with the head is coming out. This I knew, because it burned so badly. Yes, the “ring of fire” is so very real. Not to mention allll of the pressure in my butt.
I reached down and could feel my baby’s head!! The hair swaying in the water, the softness of the skull. Holy crap, I knew I was so close to meeting him/her. As the head was starting to come down, Nancy reminded me to slow down the pushing and do more small, short pushes to help prevent tearing. A few pushes after that and the head was fully out. Only 2-3 more pushes following that and Baby shot out. I probably spent ~10 minutes total pushing.
The female body is a m a z i n g !
Nancy helped grabbed Baby and bring him/her under, through my legs, as I reached down and pulled Baby up to my chest. I then sat down on my butt, cradling Baby, as I was so relieved that he/she was finally here and the pain was over. I then began wondering and searching to see if he/she was a boy or girl!
I SWEAR IT FELT LIKE EVERYONE WAS HOLDING THEIR BREATH AS WE WERE LOOKING SO INTENSELY —
IS BABY A BOY OR GIRL?
“IT’S A GIRL! IT’S A GIRL!!”
I heard my sister shout in my ear behind me. A girl?! I thought. Are you sure?? I had to see for myself. Tears were flowing down my cheeks as I looked up at Greg. Our sweet GIRL is finally here, making her grand appearance on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 at 6:51pm. I swear the world stopped for a full minute as I was trying to take everything in. We freaking did it.
I BIRTHED MY BABY AT HOME. MY DREAM CAME TO FRUITION. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT.
I was helped out of the pool shortly after where I then laid on the couch. There were already towels and supplies laid out ahead of time so I was able to just lay down, rest, and begin nursing Baby Girl as I waited to deliver my placenta. We did skin to skin for awhile with a blanket over her to keep warm. She softly cried for a few minutes, and I remember thinking it was such a soothing sound to hear — she was really here in my arms.
We finished the delivery with birthing the placenta — a few more contractions and pushes, and it was done. The placenta was bagged and refrigerated to later be encapsulated. Nancy and Emma did a quick internal check, and I was happy to hear there was no tearing. We delayed the cord clamping for a good 30-45 minutes, and when it came time, Greg cut the cord. Bodhi got to meet his baby sister for the first time, and although he was unsure what was going on, he was taking everything in — the changed environment, new people, different atmosphere. It was such a beautiful moment. Bodhi was put to bed shortly after, and Greg, my mom and sister took turns holding Baby Girl. I went to the bathroom to quickly shower and rinse off — another glorious thing I loved being able to do immediately after, at home.
I got dressed in my robe and fancy mesh undies, and we all made our way back to the bedroom. Nancy and Emma performed the newborn screening and tests as I rested in bed. Greg ran out to get us all Chick-Fil-A; the most glorious after-labor meal (even though I didn’t feel hungry, but knew I needed to eat). I opted for the grilled chicken sandwich and had a few fries on the side.
Aubrey, our birth photographer, left shortly after, followed by Nancy and Emma (who would return in 48 hours for a follow-up), and eventually my mom and sister.
Alas, it was just me + Greg, and our new bundle of joy.
— KORA JANE LESCALLETT —
T H A N K Y O U
This post truly wouldn’t feel complete without giving credit and acknowledging my entire support system, not only throughout my pregnancy, but on this day especially.
Gregory — my dearest husband, biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and strongest foundation. You were by my side through every appointment, ultrasound, checkup, and of course, the labor + delivery. I would not have been able to do this without you. Thank you for being my strength when I lost all of my own. Your love for me, Bodhi and Kora never goes unnoticed. We are forever grateful for you, and we love you more than you know.
Mom — I know we may not always agree, and I know you were a little uneasy about the idea of a homebirth, but I am grateful that you had an open mind and were constantly there for me. No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your baby, and I’ll always need you. ((We are never took old for our Mom.)) Your support and advice make all the difference in the world. Thank you for always having my back and standing by my side.
Sissy — my best friend in the entire world; even though you were pretty much forced into my friendship when I was born (lol). I’d still choose you even we weren’t related. I love you so much, and I can’t even begin to write out what it’s like to have you as my sister. Without me even saying a word, you already know what I’m thinking and always know what to say — for that I am forever grateful. Thank you for being there for me day after day, big or small. I’d be lost without you.
Nancy and Emma — you were truly the best midwives that I could have envisioned for this home birth. You respected my wishes and requests, and you made the entire process so seamless. We need more providers like you. We are forever grateful for this whole experience with the both of you!
Aubrey and Lauren — thank you for being the best photography team. Aubrey, I couldn’t have asked for better shots. Without even getting to meet you prior to the birth, you already felt like a close friend. Lauren, the edits and final album outcome were amazing. The time, hard work, and love that was put into our album has never gone unnoticed. The talent that you both have in remarkable. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
And lastly, a special thank you to each and every one of you that have supported me along the way. My friends, fellow mamas, mamas-to-be, and even strangers — we need each other; to support, love, and encourage along the way, not only with motherhood, but life itself. Empowering and lifting each other up is free, and it goes much farther than you may realize. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for following along.
Xx, Alyssa
((More birth details below)
Details
Midwifery — Birthwise of Central North Carolina
Birth Tub and Supplies — In His Hands Birth Supply
Photography — @aubrey.ljp of @laurenjollyphoto + @ncbirthphotographer