Pearl
Pearl Blandford
The Birth of Baby Blandford
Born on the 16.07.2022
Time 7.33 am
Weight 3326g (7lb 5oz)
Length 48cm
Head measurement 34cm
Welcome to the world, Baby Blandford, who made his grand entrance on the 16th of July 2022, at 39 weeks and 5 days. It is my second time having the tremendous honour of supporting Pearl and Ross as they welcome a new addition to their family. Each birth story is a tapestry of emotions, woven with love and anticipation. And I am so looking forward to being part of Pearl and Ross’s special birth journey.
Pearl and Ross already have two enchanting children, a son, and a daughter. Pearl had always envisioned a family with three children, two sons, and a daughter. Her heart held a deep conviction that she was carrying a baby boy, and in her dreams, she had already met her precious brown-haired and green-eyed little one. The rest of us would eagerly await Pearl's Birth Day to discover the gender, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Pearl exudes unwavering confidence in her body's ability to bring forth life, having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and support during her previous birth. I had the privilege of being present at Pearl's second birth, where she triumphed over a traumatic and unsupported first birth experience to achieve a healing and empowering birth with their daughter. That journey had left an indelible mark, infusing Pearl with the strength and determination to approach this birth with a radiant sense of empowerment.
Fear has no place within Pearl's mind as she steps into her birthing journey. In my eyes, she already embodies the essence of a birthing goddess. Pearl, Ross, and I form a sacred triad, a team that radiates familiarity and trust. Pearl has also found solace and support in a Private Obstetrician who aligns perfectly with her birthing philosophy, further enhancing the web of care surrounding her.
"I believe in empowering women/parents/families to embrace their innate birth power. It is a gift that resides within them, waiting to be discovered and harnessed." – John H. Kennell, MD
With this being Pearl's third pregnancy, she enters it with a quiet knowing, anticipating a labour that is swift and efficient. Yet, the enigmatic nature of birth has taught us that it is anything but predictable. We surrender to the awe-inspiring mystery, knowing that each birth unfolds with its own rhythm and timing.
“All the strength I need is inside of me”
On the 14th of July, just a few days shy of her estimated due date, Pearl begins to experience the initial signs of labour. Waves of excitement ripple through the air as we recognize the familiar tides that herald the imminent arrival of new life. Over the next few days, Pearl's body awakens with mild cramps, each surge gently reminding her of the magnificent journey she is embarking upon. And as her mucus plug releases, it feels as if nature herself is whispering the secret language of birth.
Pearl embraces her journey with grace, finding solace and relief in the gentle waves of her surges. She turns to the trusty tens machine, its gentle pulses offering respite as she traverses the threshold between anticipation and meeting her baby.
As the afternoon of July 15th arrives, Pearl's surges intensify and draw closer together. Yet, they ebb and flow, causing occasional breaks. Balancing her labour and caring for her children becomes increasingly challenging. Pearl finds herself torn between the sacred journey of birth and the responsibilities of caring for her two beautiful children. She wants to surrender completely to the primal dance of labour, to immerse herself fully in the powerful forces at work within her.
By 5 pm, Pearl's sensations escalate once again, prompting her decision to make her way to the LGH. Here, Pearl can just concentrate on her labour without any distractions. It is planned that I will meet Pearl and Ross in the labour ward.
Upon my arrival at the LGH, I find Pearl radiant and serene. Her inner light shines brightly. She greets me with a smile that carries the weight of countless dreams and hopes, a smile that speaks volumes of her readiness to embark on this sacred passage. I get to work to prepare the space, transforming it into a sanctuary of tranquillity. Soft fairy lights cast a gentle glow, imbuing the room with a sense of enchantment. The sweet fragrance of essential oils wafts through the air, mingling with soft melodies that envelop us in a cocoon of serenity. A room with a deep, inviting bath becomes the vessel that will cradle Pearl's journey, offering solace and buoyancy in the hours to come.
Pearl's labour is a sacred dance, one that thrives in the embrace of silence and peace. Her heightened hormonal state renders her acutely sensitive to any disruption, as her body seeks the quietude in which to unfurl its innate wisdom. Mother and baby are doing so well, although there is a slight presence of meconium in Pearl's waters, her Obstetrician remains uncertain if it is present or not, without fully breaking Pearl's amniotic sac. Pearl communicates her needs with confidence, gracefully declining offers of interventions that do not align with her birthing vision. The sanctity of this space becomes her refuge, where her primal instincts intertwine with the hallowed whispers of the birthing realm.
As the hours unfold, we find ourselves attuned to the gentle rhythms of Pearl's labour. Time seems to bend and sway, its boundaries dissolving as we journey.
At 7:15 pm, Pearl's surges are occurring at intervals of approximately 5-8 minutes. We capitalize on this time to restore balance to Pearl's body and encourage optimal positioning for the baby's descent through spinning babies exercises and acupressure. The abdominal lift and tuck technique proves beneficial in creating space for the baby's head.
Not once does Pearl mention fatigue or inquire about the remaining duration until she meets her baby. She remains active throughout labour; I gently support Pearl to intuitively assume upright and rest positions that facilitate progress. She innately comprehends that her birth journey will unfold in its own unique way.
Ross possesses a remarkable personality, always ready for engaging in conversation. As the evening unfolds, our midwife and obstetrician pay visits. Ross takes it upon himself to provide Pearl and me with comprehensive summaries of the discussions and updates. This gesture brings a smile to my face, as I eagerly anticipate these updates throughout the night.
In the quiet hours of the night, Ross and I become guardians of her well-being, offering nourishment and sustenance to sustain her. Ross tends to Pearl's physical needs, his actions whispering volumes of adoration and support. In the depths of the darkness, we find solace, knowing that the dawn of new life is imminent.
As much as we have worked to create a safe and peaceful space for Pearl in the hospital, we are intuitively aware that this is a medical facility. Pearl’s Obstetrician informs us that she is going home at 12 am to get some sleep. If by morning Pearl's labour hasn’t progressed, she would recommend discussing the option of the Syntocinon drip to strengthen her contractions. We have complete faith that Syntocinon will not be needed. Pearl's labour is currently complication free, there would need to be a very strong case for Pearl to agree to medical interventions.
Around midnight, Ross and I alternate taking brief rests to preserve our energy levels. I find solace in slumber, able to drift off effortlessly in any setting. I settle upon a spot on the floor, near the heater, using a pillow and a rug as makeshift bedding. Although our midwife kindly suggests finding a more comfortable surface, I blissfully succumb to a peaceful hour of sleep.
Ross, ever the guardian of love, assumes his role as Pearl's protector, ensuring her well-being while I rest. Mother and baby thrive in the sacred cocoon of their bond.
Upon waking, Ross assumes his well-deserved respite, settling into a chair that converts into a cozy bed. Pearl, our ethereal birthing goddess, expresses her desire for a change of scenery.
At 1:23 am, the oversized bath beckons Pearl, brimming with warm water beckons Pearl to immerse herself in its embrace The moment Pearl submerges, her body and mind instantly surrender to profound relaxation. She assumes a mermaid-like form, gracefully embracing the tranquillity.
Though the bath momentarily slows down Pearl's sensations, she trusts her body's wisdom and welcomes the opportunity to rest. Between contractions, she closes her eyes, entering a dreamy space we affectionately call "labour land" - a sanctuary where time is but an afterthought as she journeys between worlds, guided by the invisible threads that connect her to her baby.
During these precious hours, Pearl embraces her labour, skilfully breathing her baby down, finding respite in the buoyancy of the bath. The acupressure comb aids her through this process. Ross joins us in the bathroom after his rest, his affectionate presence continuing to envelop Pearl. Towels carefully arranged on the bath's edge serve as a cushion for Pearl's head or facilitate effortless transitions onto all fours.
As the hours wane and the night yields to dawn, Pearl emerges from the water. We tenderly dry and warm her, the trusty tens machine finding its place once again, a comforting companion in this final stage of her journey.
This is a sacred time for Pearl and Ross, as they nestle together on the bed, seeking solace and rest. I find a quiet corner, embracing a moment of respite, my heart overflowing with awe and reverence.
As 5 am arrives, Ross recollects his mother's experience during a prolonged labour, when walking around the room invigorated her surges. He shares this suggestion with Pearl, and they clasp hands, embarking on a gentle stroll while the softly playing songs from our playlist set a tender backdrop. This ritual proves transformative. Pearl's sensations intensify, drawing nearer with every step. Ross approaches me and whispers, "I think we're on."
Unbeknownst to me at the time, as Pearl walks hand in hand with Ross, two sentimental songs from my playlist fill the room. In the arms of the Angels and Halo. These melodies hold within them a tender connection to Pearl's past, evoking tears that trace their way down her cheeks. Pearl’s sister Dani had requested her two favourite songs to be played at her funeral. In this sacred space, she feels the loving presence of her younger sister Dani, carried on the wings of the music, just when she needed a change in focus and some extra help in her labour. The veil between realms thins, and Pearl draws strength from the ethereal embrace that whispers softly, "You are not alone."
“A new baby Is the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities”- Eda Leshan
At 5:52 am, Pearl's sensations reach their zenith. Her body responds instinctively to the call of gravity, to the dance of upright positions that beckon her baby into the world.
At 6:30 am, Pearl's labour undeniably propels her closer to meeting her baby. Primal sounds resonate from deep within her soul, as she instinctively connects with her child. She assumes an all-fours position, moving and breathing in tune with her body's ancient wisdom. Pearl's Obstetrician arrives and is very happy with the progress witnessed, affirming that no interventions are required.
“Women’s bodies have their own wisdom, and a system of birth refined over 1000,00 generations is not easily overpowered.” – Dr Sarah Buckley
By 6:42 am, Pearl feels intense pressure, signalling the imminent arrival of her baby. She consents to an examination, and as expected, her cervix is no longer present. Pearl encounters her most formidable challenge yet, as we support and guide her through different birthing positions. She expresses that this is the most demanding task she has ever undertaken, acutely aware of her baby's closeness yet feeling a slight resistance to their descent. We continue offering comfort measures, including Ross's gentle neck and leg massages. Pearl remains enveloped in a cocoon of unwavering love and support, lying on her side.
Though her energy may wane, her determination never falters. I am watching Pear's shaking leg that she is pressing into the footrest, her body is working so hard. Pearl's hormones are in full play. Pearl taps into her inner strength, pushing past physical barriers. Together, Pearl and her baby surmount obstacles, inching closer to their meeting.
And then, at the precise instant when the universe holds its breath, time stands still. With one final surge, Pearl's body opens wide, and the miracle of birth unfolds before our eyes. Their baby emerges, guided by Pearl's obstetricians’ hands. His or her first cry mingles with the crescendo of emotions that wash over us all. As Pearl reaches down and welcomes their precious baby up onto her chest. Their journey has reached its glorious destination.
The sheer relief on Pearl's face says it all. Birthing our babies is not called labour for nothing. And our birthing goddess expresses her relief that her baby is finally here.
While a trace of meconium is detected, their baby is vigorous and content. I am captivated by the baby's dark hair and full lips.
Once Pearl catches her breath, she is asked, "Who do we have ?" Pearl responds, her voice brimming with certainty, knowing in her heart that she has birthed a son. Ross has a peak, and exclaims “We have a boy”
Ross, overcome with emotion, shares the name they have chosen for their precious son. Each syllable carries within it a tapestry of meaning, woven from love, heritage, and dreams for the future. In that moment, as the room pulsates with the energy of new life, the circle of their family feels complete.
My heart swells with gratitude and awe as I bear witness to this sacred journey. Pearl and Ross, I extend my deepest appreciation for allowing me to walk beside you, to hold space for your journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The love that envelops your beautiful family of five is a beacon of light, guiding you on countless adventures that await.
Love Krista xx