"Birth Story"-A letter to Max from our Doula

The Birth of Baby Boy Max Benjamin

I first met Rachel and Scott when they interviewed me for the position of birth doula during the labor and birth of their first child. I enjoyed the interview and I felt we were a good match. Thank goodness, so did Scott & Rachel as they hired me and decided to attend my classes in Birthing From Within as well. I was thrilled to be hired for this position. We talked about their ideas of birth. They decided to change from their doctor to midwives at Lankenau Hospital, Ronnie Rothman and Julianna Thompson, to better suit their ideas. We had a fun time in class and they seemed to bond with the other couples in it. They seemed well prepared for labor and birth from research and discussions in class and with their midwives. Each of them had their own questions and concerns about the labor. Since this birth would hopefully be a natural one, there were many more things to think about and prepare for during our doula class. We communicated often to make a birth wish list and to discuss details of their wishes.
On December 19th, 2006, Rachel called to tell me that things were happening at the the stronghold. Rachel was having contractions that had started a little bit after an exam in the office by Ronnie. Ronnie had swept the amniotic membranes to stimulate more effacement as Rachel was a little over due and she did not want to be induced. Then she had gone for an acupuncture treatment and the contractions started in earnest after that. By the time she had arrived at home, she needed to call me and tell me what was going on. That was about 5:00 PM. We talked for awhile and during that time, these seemed to get stronger. The instructions were to eat and then take a shower and see how things went with the contractions. Both of these almost parents seemed so excited and a little nervous but certainly not frightened at all.
We talked again about 8:00 PM and I asked if they would like me to come to the apartment. I arrived at their apartment at 9:00 PM. Rachel was having contractions that were strong and close together, lasting 50 to 80 seconds and coming every 2 to 3 minutes. Rachel was working through them with breathing and movement. She was on the bed when I arrived. Scott was busy helping her with great support and encouragement. Music was playing and the house was calm with lighting subdued, perfect for labor. I felt that we would leave soon. When I asked Rachel if she wanted to leave for the hospital, she was in strong agreement. Scott was a work-horse getting all the things taken care of. His mom arrived to take care of the doggies. He loaded the car with all the things for labor and afterward. He got drinks ready to take and plastic on the car seat with a towel in case the amniotic sac ruptured on the way in the car. Rachel expressed a fear of the long ride to Lankenau. They called Ronnie. She was there and would meet them upon arrival.
They remained calm and trusting. It was interesting getting Rachel dressed for the trip as she had contractions very often. She looked strong and calm and centered. She was using breath awareness and relaxation and seemed very focused. As the mood calmed down a bit, Rachel looked “endorphic” with pink cheeks and calm. We decided to go to the hospital and left at 9:25 PM driving in tandem. Contraction were about 1 to 2 minutes in frequency and lasting 70 to 90 seconds at this time.
We arrived at Lankenau Hospital at 10:00 PM. Scott parked the cars while I went to Labor and Delivery with Rachel. She was admitted to room #3. Ronnie was waiting. Our nurse was Kelly. Soon after arrival, Dale, Rachel’s mother, came to join Rachel. Rachel was examined for 7 cm (stretched to 8 cm) and was 100% effaced, with a bulging bag of water. WOW! We were all thrilled. I was so very proud of Rachel for being the BIRTH WARRIOR that she was proving to be. There was monitoring and questions and getting settled into the room. Rachel got into the shower right after all of this was over and stayed only for a short time. Then she took on the contractions in all different positions. She sat on the toilet and on her hands and knees on the floor. She sat on the ball but not for long as she was feeling the urge to push very soon, at about 11:00 PM.
Much of the pushing took place on the toilet. Rachel had considerable back pressure and we were putting pressure there near her sacrum to relieve it. Ronnie sat on the floor in front of the toilet to watch and guide. Scott and I took turns with the pressure and it seemed to help a bit. Dale was making sure that Rachel had water or Gatorade to drink between contractions. We used heat from a rice sac on her back and the “buns” squeeze to relieve the pressure and pain of the sacrum. Scott put music on and all was well…. But the activity was in high gear.
Rachel moved to the bed and got onto her hands and knees over the bed. Scott got up behind the bed and held the Robozo to help her with a good downward thrust with her pushing effort, which was just wonderful. The crown of the head was emerging slowly and stretching the perineum slowly. Scott was wiping brow and giving drink, with the help of Dale. Ronnie used oil to smooth the way for baby. The baby came right down. Ronnie helped Dale guide the baby’s head out and Scott managed to peak as well.
Then at the glorious time of 12:24 AM on December 20, 2006 (Wednesday), Master Max Benjamin was born. It was a wonderful birth! Pushing took 84 minutes only. Rachel had no tears and did an excellent job of slowly controlling the birth of little Prince. He presented with his right hand next to his face and even with that, there were no tears. I was very impressed! He had curly brown hair and long fingers and toes. He presented mommy with a meconium stool immediately after birth. He had Apgar scores of 8 and 9, excellent! He weighed 6 pounds and 15 ounces and was beautiful, active and very alert. Rachel put him skin on skin. He latched right on with very little assistance and did very well at the breast.
Rachel looked awfully happy and Scott was spell bound as he held his new little son. I was very proud of these two wonderful new parents and I am thrilled that I was the doula they chose to be with them for this mystical and life changing experience. Rachel birthed with flair and confidence and not ANYTHING for pain except a wonderful loving husband who nurtured her the whole way. Her midwifer was by her side and she had a doula to do some cheerleading. What a Birth Warrior! I think that Scott was stunned by the experience and was amazed at Rachel. I was so proud of them both!
What a wonderful day this has been. Thank you for such a beautiful memory with a wonderful family and for allowing me to be a part of it. You are a fabulous couple and I loved being with you.


With Doula Love,