Katelyn
The Birth of
Lacey Jade
15.10.2021
6pound 11 ounces
49cm
For all the things my hands have held, by far the best is you.
This is Katelyn and Sam’s first baby.
I really enjoyed being in the company of Katelyn and Sam. They are a wonderful young couple, with a very friendly fur baby “Ranger” a black Labrador.
Katelyn has put a lot of thought into how she could best prepare for the birth of her baby, and who she wanted on her team to help her feel emotionally and physically supported. Deciding that for her to have the best chance at a positive birth, she would like to engage in my services as a doula. Katelyn sought someone that was just going to be there for her, who knew the system, and who could help ease any anxieties, especially if complications did arise once she was in labour. Katelyn also enjoyed all the resources I shared with her, following on with postpartum support once she was home with her new baby. And a surprise bonus …Katelyn enjoyed that I also cooked meals and snacks for her J
During her Pregnancy, Katelyn heard many stories surrounding pregnancy discomforts, complications, and traumatising births.
Katelyn, on hearing all this, was writing her own pregnancy and birth story. Katelyn’s birth was going to be unique to herself and her baby.
Katelyn and I spent many hours together talking about what labour and birth may look like, and how I could best support her and Sam on the day their surprise baby made his or her debut. Katelyn was always in high spirits when we caught up, her pregnancy had been such a positive experience, and Katelyn was just glowing.
Just like Katelyn, I have optimistic thoughts surrounding her birth. I could see that Katelyn wholeheartedly believed in herself and her ability to birth her baby. Recognising that this is her right of passage. We would often have a little laugh about it, as we expected nothing less than a complication-free physiological labour and birth.
40 Weeks and 2 Days
When it came to labour … Katelyn made true of the quote:
“Birth is an opportunity to transcend. To rise above what we are accustomed to, reach deeper inside ourselves than we are familiar with, and to see not only what we are made of, but the strength we can access in and through birth.”-Marcie Macari
15th October 3.42 am – I receive a text message from Katelyn informing me that her waters have broken in a very dramatic way, about an hour ago. Ranger had been unsettled, Katelyn moves from her bed and is heading to the kitchen to give Ranger a drink. As she bent down, her body took advantage of the pressure and “Pop” Katelyn's waters released. Katelyn shared, that she would call me at a more civilised time and that she was experiencing some exciting changes.
Around 6 am- Katelyn and I chat on the phone. I can hear that her sensations are strong and seem close together. I mention that I will get dressed and make my way from Launceston to Westbury now. Then on second thought! I don’t think that is the best plan. We may not have time. Katelyn had spoken to a midwife a few hours earlier; they had mentioned that she should make her way in this morning. We both agree, Katelyn and Sam should pack up and head to the LGH. Our vision of enjoying fairy lights and soft music while Katelyn laboured at home was not going to happen this time. My birthing goddess’s labour is progressing a little too fast. I can also tell that Katelyn is taking all this in her stride.
I meet Katelyn and Sam in the assessment room at the LGH, it is very clear that my birthing goddess is well and truly in active labour. Sam and Katelyn seem chilled in all. Katelyn breathes beautifully through every sensation.
Part of birthing without fear is trusting your instincts. It’s clear to see Katelyn’s instincts are showing her the way xx
7.50 am – We are moved into labour ward. I set the birth cub on the bed, so Katelyn can lean over the cub and move and sway her hips as she surrenders her mind and her body to all her sensations are asking of her. Making space for her baby to keep moving down. Katelyn feels a lot of tension in her hips. She has one foot on a yoga block to help make space. We encourage Katelyn with a soft touch and positive words, offering Katelyn water so she keeps her fluids up.
Other than the Doppler, there are no checks. Katelyn and her baby are doing famously. There is no management required. A physiological birth is unfolding in its own unique and perfect way.
“A strong intention, a relaxed body and an open mind are the main ingredients for an active birth."- Janet Balaskas
Katelyn, I feel so proud of you. Both I and our midwife keep looking at each other in amazement at how calm and controlled you are. Sam is watching on, feeling a bit nervous at all that is unfolding, for his own well-being, Sam was never sure if he was up to being part of Katelyn’s birth day. This was something that we were always aware of from the beginning. Both Katelyn and I felt proud of Sam. He had stayed for as long as he could before deciding to step out to get some fresh air before, we plans on coming back for the birth of their baby.
Sam stepping out, co insides with Katelyn’s labour changing. Katelyn may not be too far away from birthing her baby. Katelyn’s birth song is changing tunes through her sensations. Again, our midwife and I share raised eyebrow glances at each other as we smile while assisting Katelyn to the toilet, where she continues to work hard to bring her baby earthside.
8.30 am – Kaitlyn returns to move onto all fours on the bed. Katelyn is feeling a lot of pressure and can feel her baby moving through her.
Childbirth is a lot of hard work, and the sensations that accompany it are very strong, each one bringing Katelyn one step closer to meeting their precious baby.
Katelyn is well and truly in her birthing zone. Our midwife and I are the gatekeepers of protection, reassuring and caring for Katelyn. Our unspoken hope is that Katelyn instinctively feels this caring energy surrounding her, enabling her fully to surrender herself to birth her baby.
“It is said that women in labour leave their bodies …. They travel to the stars to collect the souls of their babies. And return to this world together” – anonymous
Katelyn closes her eyes and squeezes the acupressure comb. I wipe her head and chest with cool cloths. Our midwife has warm compresses ready for Katelyn’s Perineum.
Before we know it, we are helping Katelyn onto her side and lifting the footrest for Katelyn to use as leverage, we catch our breath, and I feel love is murmuring in all three of our hearts, we are ready, as here comes life.
8.51 am - Birth is the ultimate act of unconditional love. Katelyn has the joy of reaching down and welcoming her baby up into her arms. What a feeling! I don’t think there is a word special enough to give credit in describing how a mother feels as she meets her baby, whom she created, for the very first time. Nine months of waiting to fall in love for a lifetime.
The honour of witnessing a new baby make their way into the world is breathtaking. It’s like time stops. For what we have all just witnessed is nothing short of a miracle.
Katelyn doesn’t know the sex of their baby. Another wonderful moment Katelyn shares with us both is “A perfect and gorgeous baby girl”. Very alert and wide-eyed, looking back at us with her beautiful big eyes. You stole our hearts at hello Lacey Jade.
You also took Daddy’s breath away. A surprise, Sam wasn’t expecting you to make your debut until he returned.
I’m so proud of Katelyn, through knowledge and support Katelyn was truly able to surrender to the power of her birth. She trusted in her birth team and knew she had everything within her to achieve the spontaneous and physiological birth that she had prepared for.
Birth is challenging and it isn’t without sensations that take your breath away.
Watching women like Katelyn showcases how focused our minds can be, and how amazing our birthing bodies truly are.
Our little Lacey was a trooper, she stayed in a good position the whole way through labour. She tucked her head to her chest and engaged into the pelvis and travelled all the way down, together we laughed, we expected nothing less xx
Welcome to the world Lacey Jade. Born at 40 weeks and 2 days. A six-hour labour welcoming the sweetest 6 pounds and 11oz of pure joy.
Thank you, Katelyn, for trusting in me to be your guide and inviting me to share on the most special of days. Your birth story will become an inspiration for other women. And that inspiration starts with me xxx