My doula's version of the birth story

I am not the same person I was when I first wanted to be a surrogate in 2002. I'm not even the same as when I first became a surrogate in 2005. Each journey has been unique and I've learned different things along the way. Even people I've met throughout the surrogacy community have helped shape me and opened me up to new things. 

One of those new things was a doula.  At one point I almost said forget it, do I really need one? Well, I'm glad I decided that whether I "needed" one or not, I certainly wanted one. And just like with surrogacy, I found my match. 

Terra was certainly nice and came across as knowing what she was doing. But as we met more often, I looked forward to our next meeting and I felt a friendship growing. She became a great support and someone I could talk to about personal things with the pregnancy. She helped me prepare for my natural VBAC and helped me achieve it! I can't imagine it any other way.

At one point I told her she was going to have it easy with me.

This is her beautiful version of my birth story. It absolutely moved me to tears. I am so grateful to have found her.

The Story of a Stork

Usually these stories are easy for me to write....they are filled with LONG labors where everything one person can think of was attempted. They are filled with stories of calm before storms and roaring babies earthside. This story is one of complete peace and acceptance...it is quick and beautiful...something I am not as used to seeing.

When I met Jill she was instantly someone I wanted to know more...Her story was AH-mazing! She has 3 beautiful children and has devoted the years after her own children to giving the gift of life to babies that would not have had the chance without her. She has given her time and her body to families all over the country so that they can have the gift of family. How many women are willing to do so much for someone they did not know?

As we got to know each other over the course of what seemed like only a week to me but months to an expanding woman who was so busy growing a baby and running a business while also being a wife and mother to 3 remarkable children I was astounded by the strength Jill had. As labor came and went, so did the temptation to give baby a little push to come. Jill remained calm and strong, she knew what she wanted for this baby and this family that she gracefully continued being pregnant and enjoying the exciting things she was experiencing. 

At her last Doctors appointment her Doctor pretty clearly laid down the law. She needed to have this baby and relatively soon. Jill knew what was best for this child so she set a date for her induction...she did not want it to end that way but again was happy to give this baby the safest and best outcome...no questions asked. Jill had a previous C-section and through lots of research and education she was planning a VBAC. She knew she could do it...she just needed one last piece to the puzzle...LABOR.

Jill went home that day and resigned to the fact that Monday she would help this baby with the final steps and be induced.....but of course there were bigger hands at play and her resignation meant something bigger had to take over. Sure enough at 4:28 AM on Saturday December 20^th I got “the text” I just knew...this was it. We talked a little back and forth, I tried for one last cat nap. At 6:30 I was getting dressed and headed out. There was a misunderstanding and I met Jill and her family at the hospital...although I should have met them at a local gas station...I am sure they loved arriving at that gas station in labor...to realize I was 15 miles away sitting in the hospital parking lot. But all the same they made it and we got them upstairs and into triage. Jill seemed to me that she was in early labor but nothing major....I only saw 1 contraction and she curled her toes and said it was strong...but hey....if she could vocalize that....it HAD to be early? The nurse got her all checked in and checked her cervix she had what is called a bulging bag of waters and was a 4 or 5 cm. The nurse was positive...as was everyone else...this was it...so on we moved to a labor room. Jill got to the room just in time and crashed into the bed to have a contraction. As I scoped things out....I realized...there was no tub...Jill wanted a tub...so we waited that contraction out and moved to a HUGE corner room with a beautiful bathroom and a nice big tub! Now this was the place to labor! I asked for a birth ball and sprayed the room with some yummy citrus spray and began my set up for a LONG day of laboring beautifully and peacefully.

Soon enough her doctor came in and explained that he only felt comfortable with things moving rather quickly and that he would like to break Jills water. This was not what we wanted and Jill pleaded to have some time. She explained things were moving quickly and would happen soon....just a little more time. Her doctor reluctantly agreed but explained contractions were far apart so labor was likely to move very slow and an hour would not make a difference....but he would give her some time. So we began hoping things would progress at least a little in that hour. 

Jill was so calm and peaceful during her contractions and they were about every 5 minutes so we all assumed again that things were moving slow and steady and we would have a baby in the afternoon. But about 45 minutes later baby had a very large heart deceleration...all at once, without any indications. Nurses rushed in and paged Dr. Twede...he came in and they decided it was in fact probably a change in her cervix. They checked her and we were left amazed! She was and 8+! It was now 9:00 AM and we knew this was going to happen quickly. Dr. Twede then broke Jills water and told her she could just do what she needs to and he would be back when she felt “pushy”

From here things went quickly. Jill obviously felt things more intensely but continued to stay calm and peaceful. She listened to her playlist and when one of her kids would turn it down of off she immediately noticed and asked to have turned back up. She would smile and laugh as different songs came on. She would explain to us why different songs spoke to her. I would tell the story of Under Pressure...but it has been told a few times...and Jills version is the best...But I will say this. We watched a HUGE contraction build and take over the monitor...we expected Jill to become agitated but she just smiled and laughed as those lyrics were sang.

Shortly after that things felt different to Jill so Dr. Twede came up...it was time. Who knows how Jill did it...but transition: the time commonly depicted as moms screaming and hitting their husbands was so calm with Jill...she never made as much as squeak to let us on to the intensity she was feeling....she just sat and swayed and smiled...what a way to bring a baby into this world!

Pushing was intense and quick but she had her husband by her side and before you know it...a baby was laid on her chest and a pair of scissors was handed to Jill...that is right...she got to cut the cord! How symbolic that moment was....A woman severing the last tie before she places that baby into her parents arms. It was lovely. Jill was able to nurse and pass the baby to her children to say hello. It was amazing to see her strength and willingness. 

The following day was a whirlwind and I was not around to witness much....but I can say it was beautiful. CiCi's parents were amazing and wonderful! Their son was a ROCKSTAR celebrating his birthday via Skype. I doubt any of us will ever forget those moments and the beauty of what Jill has done. It was an honor serving those families:)

With that...I guess that concludes Jills Birth Story...It was amazing....I cant think of a better describing word. Such a wonderful day and moment in history.

Love to the Reeder family!

The birth story!

Contractions started around 3:30 Saturday morning. (12/20/14) I hadn't gotten much sleep. For some reason I was tossing and turning before contractions even began. I had also started wiping pink the night before. 

I had never gone past 39 weeks before and on Saturday I was 40w3d.  I was scheduled to be induced on Monday the 22nd. My Dr. wasn't going to let me go past 41 weeks, which was Christmas Day. I was so happy to be going into labor on my own. (This would be my 3rd spontaneous labor, I was induced with my girls just because my doctor offered at 39 weeks)

 I pretty much knew it was time to go to the hospital around 4:30. I texted and called my IPs. 

They had also been up tossing and turning all night. Unfortunately, their plane wasn't leaving until noon, which meant they were probably going to miss the birth.

I filled in my doula and my birth photographer/friend. 

I showered, shaved my legs, ate and started waking up my husband and kids. This was it! It was baby day.

Everyone was excited.

My 15 year old helped me tie my shoes.
:)

I sat on my birthing ball, waiting for my family to get ready to go. Contractions were getting stronger.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30. Contractions were pretty intense on the ride to the hospital. (30 minute drive) I was squeezing hubby's hand and the grip bar.

Strangely they weren't so bad when we got to the hospital. I was 4-5 cm when we checked in. I was given a room and told they were keeping me around 8:30.

I kept having contractions, but they weren't that bad. They did start getting intense again towards the end.

At times I was in a good amount of pain, and yet I was laughing through some contractions and explaining the songs on my playlist.

The nurses said my room was the place to hang out with my awesome music.

(Mainly Beatles)

Baby had some decels and I was given oxygen. They broke my water when I was at an 8.

My daughter and husband were in contact with my IPs while they were on their way.

At one point IM was talking to me on the phone through an intense contraction. I wasn't able to talk, but it was awesome to know she was there for me and to listen to her encouraging words.

Baby was posterior (face up) and turned as I pushed. 

So crazy! 

I tore because her head was so big. 

Catalina Jane (I've called her Baby CiCi this whole time because I only knew her initials) was born at 10:34 AM. She weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21 inches long. That's the biggest baby I have carried and delivered.  I had figured she would be about 9 pounds. 

It was quite amazing to physically feel myself pushing her out. I was so in the moment and I didn't feel the ring of fire like I did with my first surrogate baby who was 3 pounds smaller. So crazy!

They put her on my belly and I got to cut the cord. She nursed pretty good right away! She looked all around when she was born and had a good, healthy cry.

My doula, Terra handed her to me. 

 My family 

 got to meet her.

My mom, Connie was there when she was born, so we're my girls.

We had plenty of cuddle time with the cute, sweet girl while waiting for her mom and dad to arrive.

My husband didn't want to get "attached", but he couldn't help picking her up and calming her when she cried. He thought she was pretty darn cute and special!

                                      

                                      

He's an awesome, supportive husband!

At one point, I really don't remember if it was right after she was born, my husband gave me an early Christmas present-

                                         

So perfect, because storks are my thing!

                               

                                             

I tore and had to get stitches.

The first day I had been bleeding a lot and lots of blood clots. They were concerned and gave me some Pitocin and a shot to help.

Feeing pretty good, but stitches are starting to hurt. Back is getting sure too. So far I'm functioning on 2 hours of sleep and Ibuprofen. (As of 5:30 PM)

Today  (Saturday, December 20) is my best friends' birthday. My IM has the exact same birthday as my other best friend. We have lots of birthdays in common between us.

Friends and family came to visit-

This is Mallory, who was also my birth photographer. I'll probably have to have another post just with those pictures when I get them.

This is Veronica who is my friend and co-owns the agency with me. She is pregnant as a 2nd time surrogate.

My dad, Don and step mom, Kathie.

Lovely Rita and Sgt. Pepper arrived around 7:00 PM.  It was amazing to introduce them to the cutest baby ever!  Lots of good emotions.

My 15 year old daughter made this hat and matching scarf for Lovely Rita and Baby CiCi.

Sgt. Pepper changing a diaper.

Lovely Rita and Lady Madonna (LR's mom) gave me this awesome necklace as a push present. It has charms for all my babies, including my surrobabies. 

Not everything went as planned and my Dr was very cautious and particular about how I could VBAC. However, I am happy with how it all went. I got to wear my birthing gown.  :-)

My playlist helped. My music puts me in a zone and certain songs played at just the right time and made me laugh or at least smile through the pain. Under Pressure was pretty much dead on. Lol

This baby is so big and strong she is picking her head up already. 

I got lots of snuggle time with Catalina. It was super sweet to nurse her. It's amazing what the body knows to do with the whole birth and then contractions stopping after and her knowing how to nurse.

It's also amazing that once that baby's out, the nausea, heartburn, etc. is gone. 

Woohoo! 

It got a little emotional when it was time to say goodbye. (first time that has happened with my surrogacy journeys)

It had been such a wonderful journey and I felt so blessed. 

IM was thanking me and I started crying. It was bittersweet.

We all got to hold her one last time. (Hopefully not the last!) This was important to have closure and to say goodbye. (For now)

I'm so grateful for the experience. It really was almost picture perfect. We had a great relationship with IPs and that sweet baby treated me well throughout the pregnancy and even went easy on me with the delivery.

I'm starting to feel a little "now what?"

This has been my life the past 10 months.  (13 months really, start to finish)

Looks like I've dropped about 16 pounds already. (Day after)

There are advantages to having big babies.

;-)

Wow, 3 years already! Happy Birthday to my surro-twins.

Happy Birthday to my surro-twins! I can't believe it's been 3 years already.

Read all about it (the birth story) here with plenty of juicy details and a few pics.

My 100th post! 4 years ago today.... (August 1, 2006)

My first surrobaby was born August 1, 2006. I thought this would be a good time to share her birth story. I was living in San Diego at the time and the Intended Parents were living in Northern California.

Both of these shirts are my designs. Surrogacy humor rocks!

Hubby and I thought it would be funny to put a temporary tattoo on my pregnant belly. When I went into labor, they thought it was a real tattoo and they thought it was pretty cool!

Please ignore the close up of my stretch marks...

Here's the story as I told it to one of my online surrogacy groups:

I don't know what details to give..(this will be long!)


I went to Balboa with minor but farily consistent contractions at 7:30 pm Monday night. Waited in the waiting room until 9 pm. (in the meantime called IP's and decided they should take the 9:15 flight just in case!)

Was seen and monitored for awhile, then sent home because I wasn't dilating. Dr. stripped my membranes one last time. They told me to go walking and come back in a few hours. By then it was 11 pm and I decided I'd rather sleep. So I went home, tossed and turned abit.. kept having contractions, nothing I couldn't handle. About 2:30 in the morning they seemed to die down and I thought I'd get some sleep and maybe things would pick up later in the morning. But then about 3:30 I was having contractions about every 2 minutes and they wre starting to hurt. So I got out of bed.. told hubby we better get back to the hospital. (actually he woke up and asked if I was ok because I was wimpering)

I was afraid I wouldn't make it to the hospital, because the pain I was feeling was the level of pain I felt when I asked for the epidural with my last baby. (I cried the whole 20 minutes on the freeway, I was death gripping the door handles on Johnny's truck) I thought I'd die walking into the hospital and going up the elevator.

IP's had arrived and had settled into their hotel. I had to have hubby call them because I was in so much pain, and in tears and couldn't quite breathe. He let them know that we were headed back to the hospital and they should hurry over.





We got to the hospital about 4 am. I was dilated to 8.


I let them know I was in pain and wanted an epidural. I had to fill out paperwork and they had to wait for labs to come back.

As I'm waiting they give me oxygen, and I'm laughing/crying through each contraction.

They talked me into just getting on with the baby pushing since I was now a 10. AHHHH!!! I was a little nervous, but figured I could do it knowing she was a small baby.

Well it hurt like hell!!!! At one point I thought I had pushed her out.. and then they're telling me to keep going. About 10 minutes later they say they see her head. I was going nuts... I couldn't breathe, hold my legs and push at the same time. I felt out of control. At one point I felt like I was pretty much hypervenitaling.

And yet everyone says I didn't seem that way at all.

I was told how strong I was and how good I was doing. She was born at 5:29 am! 5 lbs 13 oz. 19 inches long.

I didn't cry like with my own kids. I was just happy to be done.. I wanted the dr. to leave me alone, I wanted to breathe! But he was tugging at the placenta and finishing up things down there.

The baby was wisked away to her mommy and after I was cleaned up and covered the father was brought in. (per both of our requests) He was surprised how quickly it was. He had barely had a chance to sit down and thumb through a magazine.

I thought I had the birth plan typed up just as I wanted. I had mentioned that I wanted the intended parents to bond with the baby right away, but that I didn't want to feel left out or pushed aside. Well I did end up feeling that way. But I was so tired, I didn't care at the time. It hit me a bit later.

I was so happy that my husband, kids and mom were there. By the way, there was no confusion about the baby with my kids. They knew from the beginning that she was not coming home with us, that she was not ours.

I was finally able to see her and hold her at 10 pm last night. (the day she was born.. remember she was born at 5:29 AM) I was new to the situation, and I didn't want to intrude on the parents. Everyone else had held her but me. My friend and my mom both told me that the mom wanted me to come and hold the baby!

When I got there the mom said she was being cranky. She handed her to me and she immediately closed her eyes and went to sleep. I've never seen a baby sleep that sound before. The mom said she must be so comfortable with me. I felt kind of bad, but at the same time it was a special moment for me.

Holding her was not the same as holding any of my own babies. I did feel proud and happy, but more for the parents. I felt like I was holding a close friend's baby. It did not feel like I was holding the baby that I had carried for 9 months and recently gave birth to. It probably helped that she looked nothing like me, lol.

The parents were extremely grateful and loving every minute of being new parents.
(you don't get to see them, sorry)

Christine (SweetMama) came to see me at about 8pm. That was nice.(she brought me food from Arby's)

She got to go see and hold the baby.

Emotionally I am doing so good! Physically, not too bad! I think I'll heal rather quickly.

It was really cool that everything was so different from my other pregnancies/deliveries.

For one thing, I didn't throw up as much during pregnancy. I only gained about 27 pounds (compared to my usual 35-40) I went into labor on my own (only did that with my first) my Dr. usually induces me at 39 weeks, however this was not my Utah Dr. this was the random on call Dr. at the Navy hospital.

And................. this was the first time I had a baby natural!!! I am proud of that!   :)

Also she was born face up, all my babies were born face down. And she was the smallest baby!! My smallest was 6 lbs 10 oz. And I've never had a baby born in the morning.

I'm home from the hospital! (I barely stayed the 24 hours, I didn't feel the need to stay any longer)

I think that's it!

Jill

P.S. My mom had flown in to help out and a few days later we went to Disneyland.

What a way to celebrate!!!   :)

We moved back to Utah about a week or 2 later. Yeah, I know, I'm crazy!