Tayla's Birth Story
Our journey to Genesis started, I think, as many other mothers has… with a recommendation. As a first time mum, I wanted to experience every little milestone, step, moment and decision that pregnancy would present to me. I envisioned the moment I’d become a mum to the full and was delighted and nervous for what the next 9 months held. My partner, bless him, was happy to go along with whatever I wanted as long as it didn’t involve too many hormonal over the top moments! We originally had an OB Gynae, but wanting a more personalised experience and to be around a family of practioners who loved the miracle of pregnancy and birth as much as we loved experiencing it, we were recommended to and moved to Genesis. One visit to the clinic and we were sold. Picking a midwife was equally as easy, when we met Janelle and Hennie from Growth Spurt… we felt right at home.
Tayla was an active and intuitive baby right from the word go. My instincts told me from early on, that this baby was ready for the world. I had a very easy blessed pregnancy and she was ‘engaged’ from about 6 months. Drama free, not totally weight gaining free, and happy… the months went by easily. I absorbed pregnancy information like a sponge, fascinated by what was happening to little Tayla in the womb and learning about my body, really for the first time, as a woman. I became a mini encyclopaedia and ran a blog on all the funny and insightful things that happen to us women during pregnancy… so I thought also, come the big birth day, I’ll be ready!
I was 39 weeks and during our weekly check-up, Janelle noticed that Tayla’s heart rate was quite high. We weren’t too worried as she’d always had a rather high heart rate, but Janelle hooked me up to a monitor all the same just to be sure that she was doing ok. Half an hour later, her heart rate sitting at around 160 beats per minute, we were happy and I went on to work. I was preparing my handover, being one of those mum’s who like to work to the last, and was feeling the pressure a bit. That day in particular was quite busy with my handover and the expectation of a mad dash to the airport the following day to fetch my mother who was coming in from Australia
So Duane picked me up around 3:30pm from work and off we went back to Genesis. Tayla’s heart rate had climbed to 180 beats per minute and while there, it peaked at 190 beats per minute. She was really unhappy. Duane and I just stared at each other, stared at the monitor and willed everything to be ok. About an hour later, Dr Mia came to see us and to really, give us the good and not so good news. Her heart rate was a big concern, but he didn’t want to Caesar us then and there. He believed that perhaps the cord was stuck somewhere and that Tayla was in distress about it, but we still had a window period allowing her a few hours to find her way and unravel herself before it became an emergency situation. He told us to go home, fetch our packed hospital bags and come back to Genesis at 7pm that evening. If she was still unhappy and her heart rate did not settle, he’d book us into Park Lane
Well, there was the drama that the pregnancy had so far been free of! Our families were anxiously waiting for news and when this news came… there was quite a bit of concern around us waiting to see what her heart rate would do… but we trusted Dr. Mia, Janelle and the Genesis team and we waited. We went home and got ready to go back. I’ve never seen my partner Duane move so fast! His heart was possibly in competition with Tayla’s and he had us packed and ready to go in 15 minutes. I on the other hand… tried to be as calm as I could. Reminding myself that if I panicked, Tayla would panic more… so I rubbed my bump and spoke to her, telling her to relax and that we love her and everything was going to be ok, but she must relax.
We arrived at Genesis at 7pm on the dot, with his mum and aunts meeting us there, the worry over this blessed baby. Got hooked up to the monitor and viola, baby’s heart rate was 145 beats per minute. Happiness! We stayed for an hour and were released home at 9pm with a happy Dr Mia, a happy baby and relieved family members all round.
The next day, I went in to work, after much lack of sleep from the day’s activities, and prepared for my last day. I noticed around 2pm that I was having what I thought were Braxton Hicks fairly regularly, but didn’t pay too much attention to it. My boss was teasing me that those were the real labour pains… but I just thought, so soon? Nah… wouldn’t I ‘Just Know’? Duane fetched me around 3pm to go to the airport to fetch my mum and I told him about the Braxton’s. Out of curiosity, we started timing them… and lo and behold… they were regularly apart… just like the real thing. I refused to get worked up, especially coming off the back of the previous night’s drama… but sent Janelle an sms to tell her what was happening. She agreed, it looked like labour… but we’d just take it easy and see what happens. So we fetched my mum and went off to dinner.
The contractions started getting really intense and while staying in constant contact with Janelle and Hennie, we established around 7pm… ok… this was it. The real thing. Tayla had an almost birth day yesterday, but today she meant business. She’d had enough was ready to come out and say hi. I really thought that when this moment arrived… I’d be ready. I’d planned it in my head so many times, watched DVD’s, read books, gone to antenatal classes and spoke to other mums… but when it came I was totally unprepared, scared and truthfully exhausted from the night before’ s drama. I remember willing her to just stay put for just 1 more day… just 1 day… so I could sleep and then, I swear, I’d be ready for her tomorrow lol.
We didn’t have any snacks or drinks, but the staff at Genesis were amazing and kind and gave us Gatorade, muffins and sweets. My mother, having missed out on my whole pregnancy, wanted to be with us every step of the labour way… but I had to say no. The last thing I wanted was a room full of people, I only wanted our midwife and Duane and a little peace in-between. I planned a drug free labour, but the inevitable happened and I wished for them! I didn’t have them but really… really wished, wondered, asked (very impolitely) and got annoyed with myself for not planning on drugs as a back-up! The yoga breathing went out the door too. By 2am my contractions were coming 2 minutes apart and I was only 4 cms dilated… agony! Duane was rubbing and massaging my back through contractions, but when I saw our midwife Hennie, I could’ve cried with relief. Hennie took control and showed Duane how to push into my back during a contraction and told me it was ok to sleep during contractions… I was exhausted. I remember sitting there and thinking… darn movies always make it look so quick and easy! What a rip off, when this is over, I want a refund on all those Hollywood movies I watched where a woman gives birth in 2 minutes flat!
Fast forward to just past 5am… 9 cms dilated and time for the tub… the water was heaven… every minute or so. I was too tired to keep my eyes open. And when it came time to push… I can honestly say, without Hennie and Duane, I would’ve not got my baby out the way that I did. Duane was my strength and motivation … and Hennie my driver and my guide. Tayla arrived at 6:15am with her eyes wide open, staring at her parents and no crying until the water was drained from the tub and it started to get cold.
To the Genesis family… thank you. For your guidance, expertise, kindness and just everything that makes a first time mum, a scared mum and a happy mum have so much unfailing faith in you. Dr. Mia… thank you for being the Doctor you are… there are others who would’ve taken the opportunity to Caesar me during Tayla’s distress and with reason, but your faith and understanding of babies meant that we could deliver her the way that we had hoped to.
Hennie, Janelle and the Growth Spurt team… thank you. You empowered me as a mum and a woman. Your warmth and passion for your occupation made every visit sheer happiness. I know that without you, my pregnancy would’ve been a different experience. Really, I feel truly blessed to have you deliver our baby.
Tayla is everything I imagined her to be and then some. She’s a little intelligent feisty loving happy light that shines on us and I’m thankful that her first experiences of the world were with her parents at her side, enjoying the love and warmth of Genesis. Thank you for everything.
Love,
Duane, Odette and Tayla
The pictures I’ve attached are during our birth, with her Dad Duane and with our midwife Hennie… and there’s a picture of Tayla, Hennie and I when Hennie came for her home visit check-up 3 days later.
Kind thanks and regards,
Odette
My name is Bernice Van Der Merwe, I gave birth to my second daughter Jessica on the 2nd July 2011. Having birthed with Growth Spurt at a previous Active birthing Unit, I had no doubt in my mind that my second child would arrive into the world in the same calm, peaceful environment as had my first daughter 7 years previously.
We attended all our ante natal visits with Growth Spurt, did tours of the Clinic with our daughter who would be with our family for the arrival of her new sister. Knowing what an advantage an active birth would be for all of us, I looked forward more and more to the birth experience at Genesis, with the tranquillity of the rooms and looking forward to birthing in the gorgeous baths available, also knowing that we would all be able to be involved in this experience and welcoming Baby into the world as a sound happy family unit.
My first daughter was late and even after stretch and sweeps and been 6cm dilated I was induced twice before I began with active labour, and when my waters were broken she arrived 2hours and 20 minutes later. We all planned for a rather quick labour but expecting that I should I go into labour naturally would still have a few hours of labour which I knew I would choose to do at Genesis as opposed to labouring at home (been Boksburg). On the evening of my due date, my waters broke with a huge contraction. This happened at about 19h20, been at a friends house celebrating her sisters 40th she rushed home, to pack my car (all goodies were ready and waiting) and get hubby ready so that we could all move onto Genesis. It was probably not much more than 30min later when Julie and hubby arrived, and I noted that the contractions were arriving rather quick, but not too intense. I opted to get to the clinic as soon as possible as I gather a 6th sense was warning me that time was not on my side.
We left Julie’s house, hubby, Brodigan and now labouring Mom with bags just after 20h10 and made our way to the Clinic. The minute I placed my bum into hubby’s car the contractions went from not intense to “wow I am gonna die”. Fortunately all roadworks were clear and we made headway, I started having contractions literally every 1 – 2 minute, and by the time we were heading down the M2, I was having to raise myself off the seat during contractions. Taking Jan Smuts offramp I asked hubby to humour me and slow down and drive through all red robots, as I was wanting whatever drugs could be offered (I was planning a second drug free, totally natural birth). I don’t recall alot of the drive down Jan Smuts and when hubby dropped me and Brodigan off at reception, and I swung my legs to get out of the car, I knew I was in serious trouble. We arrived at the Clinic at 20H40, managed to get into a wheelchair as I almost collapsed at the staircase. My midwife advised en route that she would be at the Clinic within the next hour, an so the Clinic midwifes were forced to rush me wheelchair and all into a room (hubby was still trying to park the car). I told them that baby was coming and was told no ways as all the tests etc had to be performed. As we rushed into the room, the taps were opened to begin filling the bath for my water birth. I again told them baby was coming. My midwife starting rushing for gloves and monitors etc, when she realised I was beginning to birth in the wheelchair, underwear on and all. They managed to get me out of the wheelchair and I fell half on half off the bed as no ways was I gonna make the bath which by now had about 1cm of water in. As I swung my legs onto bed and had my panties removed the head starting delivering. Through all this chaos hubby walked into the room to discover the chaos in the clinic was in our room and walked into to watch his daughters head been delivered, and the complete look of shock on his wife’s face. My midwife stopped the head been delivered on that first contraction but Jessica was delivered on the second, time of birth been 20H42.
Our daughter who was always going to be part of the experience but was waiting for my friend Julie to ensure she was OK and not been frightened by everything was the only person in the room witnessing the full albeit exceptionally quick birth experience. Julie arrived at the Clinic a whole 3 minutes after us and while asking for me was advised that I had just delivered a baby girl, the shock resulted in a humorous argument at reception as she could not believe that the Bernice that had delivered was me as I literally had just arrived.
We then ironically battled and very unsuccefully battled to deliver my plancenta. After syntocin injections, breast feeding, painful manipulation and tugging of the placenta my fantastic gynae Dr Jivkov was called and an “emergency” procedure was scheduled to remove my placenta in theatre. I ended up having an epidural for this procedure and was totally shocked after the near birthing of Jessica in the car to having to endure an epidural to remove the placenta was abit of a shock. Through even this experience, the fantastic staff and atmosphere of this amazing clinic still had me in good spirits, and baby and I slept skin to skin when I came out of theatre.
The staff are fantastic, the way we get treated and looked after is fantastic, the food is excellent my daughter who was with me the whole time was involved and included so much as a family unit, I would’nt change anything at all. I will gladly recommend Genesis Clinic to any Mom and Dad to be who want a birth experience that makes them feel involved in the birth of their child and where this is not treated as a clinical medical procedure. Some hotels do not offer the facilities offered by this fantastic Clinic and their dedicated staff.
Thank you
Bernice Van Der Merwe
Birth story of Tiegan Thirtle
On friday 21st of January, i phoned my midwife Jeanel saying that i felt a bit strange. With my first baby my waters broke at 36 weeks and i had to be induced to bring on contractions, so with this pregnancy i was not sure what to expect. And what are the odds that exactly 4 years to the day here i was in labour again or so i thought. Jeanell asked me to come through to the clinic for an NST.
Once i arrived we found that i was 3 or 4cm dilated and was having contractions / braxton hix, we werent sure yet sure. I had so many mixed emotions running around my head because it was the day before my daughter's 4th birthday and we were having lots of people over to celebrate her birthday and now here i am in labour and if i was i wouldnt be able to give birth at genesis. Jeanel then told me to go home put my feet up and do NOTHING. Which is exactly what i did. The contractions subsided a little but by the morning they were stronger again. So once again we rushed off to hospital, however this time we had to go to the linkwood just incase. After another NST i was sent home as it was yet another false alarm.
My wonderful husband looked after me so well and organised the whole birthday party and it was a success. The next 3 weeks were very long, i had constant contractions / braxton hix on and off for the 3weeks. I also endured a very uncomfortable procedure called a stretch and sweep. Eventually at 39weeks i started having stronger contractions from around 3pm in the afternoon (10th February) at around 2 in the early morning i phoned my midwife Hennie De Beer and she asked me to come through to genesis with all my labour and baby bags. Because of all my "false alarms" i was very unprepared and i had no snacks, eek. We were made to feel so comfortable and at home and we were taken straight to our room to get a little rest and see how labour progressed. We tried to get some sleep but it was a bit difficult as the contractions were a bit irregular but very painful.
At around 6am i called for Hennie because the contractions were 2min apart. After an internal examination we discovered that i was already 7 cm dilated but also that Tiegan was lying with his chin up, which would make for a very difficult delivery. So my midwife called for a doula Camille. She was so helpful and friendly. She made me do some painful exercises to get Tiegy to change his position and they worked. I then resorted to sitting on the birth ball and it was here that i had the most delicious breakfast -muesli, fruit and yoghurt, which gave some extra energy to help me through the rest of my labour. After a little while and another internal examination my midwife and i discussed my options and i decided to have her break my waters to help "hurry" labour along and to help tiegy drop more into the birth canal. It did the trick.
After what felt like forever i was finally ready to start pushing. So Hennie and Nicola helped me into the bath to get the process started, at this time i had already started pushing as the urge came and i couldnt help myself so he had already started to move most of the way through the birth canal. Camille took the much appreciated photos for us of the whole birth, while Hennie, Nicola and my husband Darren encouraged me on. They were encouraging but gentle at the same time. Changing my position all the time to make it slightly easier on all of us, especially my husband who often had his arms under my shoulders to give me extra support as i gave my all to push this little boy out.
Eventually his head was out, i was so relieved i knew any minute now i will get to meet my little boy. Once the cord had been unravelled from his neck Hennie told me to give one big push and his shoulders popped out. Hennie then told me to put my hands under his arms and as i gave it one final push i pulled my baby up onto my chest. What an amazing experience. My baby boy was here - 3.43kg 50cm long born at 12:56pm on the 11th February 2011. We were still joined by the umbilicle cord but i could finally hold him in my arms. My husband then cut the cord and they took Tiegy to get warmed up. I then sat on the side of the bath to deliver the plasenta, as i did this i got another urge to push and my plastenta just fell out, Hennie and i were both surprised at how quickly it came out but relieved at the same time. I then got cleaned up and dressed and into bed. During this time Tiegan was lying skin on skin on his dads chest, a very proud mommy moment for me, it still brings tears to my eyes.
My parents arrived a little while later with our beautiful daughter Kaitlyn, the very proud sister. Another very proud mommy moment for me was when my two beautiful children got to meet for the first time :-).
It was so relaxing to know that my husband and baby could be with me the whole time. The food was amazing and all the staff were wonderful and friendly. My friend and midwife Linda was there to look after us through the night. Linda delivered my daughter in 2007, it was wonderful to share this experience with her aswell.
Hennie, Nicola, Camille, Jeanel and Linda thank you so much for everything you did for us you will always remain special to us xxx.
Our little boy is now one and is so full of joy and life
Thank you for everything
Darren, Tarryn, Kaitlyn and Tiegan Thirtle
Our natural water birth experience
It all started at about 1 am on the 28th of June 2011. Not knowing what real contractions felt like and seeing that they were irregular I went blissfully back to sleep unaware that I was in the beginning stages of labour! The next morning I had a meeting with some designers at work and at around 11am my husband drove us to Genesis Clinic for our antenatal appointment with our midwife Sue King. We were quiet anxious as I was 41 weeks and 5 days pregnant, almost 2 weeks overdue! As we got to our appointment Sue immediately sent us downstairs to the contraction monitoring machine to see if I was indeed in labour. As it happened I was already 1-2cm dilated and didn't even know it. We went back home after Sue performed an internal examination and that's when things really went on their way. By 6pm we timed my contractions to be 10min apart and so excitedly we called Rosalia Pihlajasaari, our doula. Rosalia suggested that I should take a bath and monitor if the contractions would continue. The labour seemed to be progressing as the contractions were irregular but still continued . During this whole time I did not feel pain and only a slight discomfort now and again when the contractions lasted a little longer. I continued to sit and bounce on my gym ball and we were finishing the last few episodes of "private Practice" on DVD. Rosalia arrived at around 10pm, I was starting to experience some pain but really nothing major, it just felt like my stomach was going tighter and tighter. Rosalia sat with me and we chatted about the upcoming birth and the excitement around it and before I knew it, it was 1am! For me it just felt like time flew by.From 10pm-1am it felt like 5min have gone by! Rosalia really did an outstanding job of keeping me relaxed, practicing some techniques to regulate the contractions and finally letting us know when we had to leave to get to Genesis.We left at around 01:10 am from Little Falls area and got to Genesis just before 2am. I drove with Rosalia in her car, and my husband( Robbert) behind us in his, and she played some spirit music for me which was like magic because it focused my mind on good thoughts and I didn't really feel pain. When we got to Genesis our room "Juniper" was already prepared for us and Gayle, a midwife from Genesis was there waiting for us with our private midwife Sue King. I was put on the contraction monitor again so that they could monitor the effect that the contractions were having on the baby. All was going great until Sue King did and internal examination and told me that I was already 7cm dilated and she had to break my waters. I was so afraid that I just cried through the whole thing and didn't stop for quiet a while, even though the actual procedure didn't really hurt. Rob really did an amazing job at comforting me and holding my hand through the contractions. I couldn't have done it without him! While Rob was by my side Rosalia and Sue were setting-up the birthing pool as the in-built one at Genesis they said was too big for me. When I finally got into the water the contractions were very intense and Rob and Rosalia had to hold me up in the pool as each one came and went as I was struggling and was getting a little tired. Sue checked me again at about 04:50am and said that I was 9cm dilated It did feel like I couldn't do it for a second but when I said that Rosalia really held it together for me by being so sure that everything was going to be alright. A few minutes later Audrey Lilly came into this world at 05:20am on the 29th of June 2011 weighing-in at a healthy 3.06kg!
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Sue King and Rosalia Pihlajasaari without whom this amazing birth experience would not have been possible. Also we wish to extend our thank you to all the Genesis Clinic staff members as each and every single one of them does their job wholeheartedly and with the greatest of passion.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our story.
Eve , Robbert and Audrey Berriman
The Birth Story of Samuel
The first of November 2010 had come and gone and there was still no sign of impending labor. My weekly visits to Ruwaida were unremarkable. We were told to wait one more week and then discuss how to induce labor as naturally as possible.
With each passing day, I would wonder if my body had become a prison for my son or if it even knew what it was supposed to do. My mind was running wild with reasons why nothing was happening. You hear the scary stories of how an incompetent cervix causes pre-term labor but I started to wonder if perhaps the opposite had occurred, a cervix that refused to open. Ruwaida reassured me that a normal pregnancy could go on for up to 42 weeks and that at 41 weeks, I was still considered normal, to which I obviously burst out laughing because there was noting normal about it, to me at least.
My supposed last check-up at a whopping 41 weeks was on the 8th of November. We had decided that 8 days was a long enough wait and we eagerly awaited the induction. Inductions in hospitals usually begin with a gel that's placed on the cervix to get it to dilate and if that doesn't help then your waters are broken and you go from zero to one hundred (in terms of contraction strength) in 0.2 seconds so most women opt for an epidural because your body isn't given the chance to pump out its endorphins fast enough. By now I'm sure you can tell that I've done a thorough job on all my options so I know what I want! Knowing that I'm a ninny when it comes to pain (and I can hear you ask why then am I opting for natural birth) so I wanted a gentler approach if that even existed.
My last check-up was first thing in the morning and I was given a 200ml solution of synthetic oxytocin (the hormone that kick stars labor, mine needed a swift one in the pants at that) to drink hourly over the course of the day. I was home by 8:30am and lying in bed just relaxing. Lester's students had an exam that morning so he come home as soon as they were done which was around 10am. My lower back ached slightly but it was at irregular intervals so I dismissed it but kept in contact with Ruwaida to let her know how I was doing. By 3pm, all aches and pains were gone which worried her so we packed the car (just in case) and headed to Genesis to monitor Samuel. My poor car. I laugh thinking about it now. I had a bag for Samuel, myself, 2 for labor (1 contained candles, music, aromatherapy oils for labor and extra towels; the other was the snack bag filled with energy giving sweets and drinks - you'd swear we were driving to Durban for the comrades or something), Lester had his bag (dads got to sleep over free of charge, yay ) and then the equipment (I'm ready to roll on the floor with laugher) which had my tens machine (for pain control) and a gym ball.
We arrived at Genesis at around 3:30pm and went to get strapped up to the fetal monitor. Ruwaida arrived shortly after us and had a look at the results, she looked at me sternly and said that Samuel's heart rate dropped every time I had a contraction and that concerned her. She advised that I consider the possibility of having a caesarean section to be safe. Tears filled my eyes and streamed down my face. I couldn't believe that we had come so far, waited so long and now I could get cut. I remember asking for a moment to be alone. I spoke to Samuel and lovingly told that he and I would be going through this together and that if, for one moment I felt that his life would be in jeopardy, I would put my desires and plans aside because he was the most important thing to me in the world. Amazingly, minutes later, his heart rate grew stronger with each contraction which meant that he would be able to withstand the forces of labor. Ruwaida came back to examine me and lo and behold, I was already 3 centimeters dilated. From there we were booked in and shown to our room,Geranium. Geranium has a balancing effect on the mind and nervous system, relieving anxiety and depression and especially stress. Fitting! Lester got our bags out the car and called Hailey to make her way over to us.
As I was walking down the passage, I got a sudden twinge in front of my abdomen that almost took my breath away. Lester joined me after a few trips to the car, as did Hailey and Ruwaida. Soon I realised that the twinges were 10 minutes apart and Ruwaida gladly announced that we were now in the active stage of labor, this was the point of no return. The curtains were drawn, the lights put on dim, rose-scented candles were lit and classical music played softly in the background. You would swear we were on a romantic trip but then I figured if this stuff got us into this predicament, at least we can use it to help us out! And let me add that from then on, my concept of time was shot so I couldn't account for the length of time it took for each pain-relieving remedy to wear out. First, I got on to my gym ball and started my breathing exercises, it became a way to manage the pain. I did circles, then bounced a bit and eventually went on all fours and just rested on it while who ever was on back duty (I had a difficult labor because all the pain was felt in my lower back, it was the way Samuel was facing hence the urgent need for rubbing or hard pressure placed on my lower back) saw to me. Hailey then advised we go on a tour of the gardens, being upright forced Samuel's head against my cervix and that was a way to move things along. Three quarters of the way through the gardens I started to sing my birth song - that's just a fancy way of saying that I started to moan and groan in pain.
When we got back to the room, it was back on the ball until I needed to go up a notch on the pain-relieving remedy scale. The tens machine was next. This little machine is used to send electrical signals to your brain via your fast nerve synapses while during labor, your body uses the slow ones (sounds sadistic) so the faster signal gets to your brain and registers first to ultimately "dull" the signals sent by the slower synapses. I had attempted to use the machine while I was on maternity leave as a practice run and could only tolerate a stimulus of 3-5 volts, a little pathetic, but in the middle of one of my contractions I looked over at the little machine putting out 35 volts per second and searing my skin. Ruwaida then did another check and reported that I had dilated a further 2 cms. It was time for the bath so I changed into my bating suit top (that's all - I was not in the least but interested in being decent as I was out of my mind with endorphins).
Being submerged in warm water was like being in a vacuum and then suddenly having the air let in; I could breathe a little and even participate in the conversation; and crack a joke or two between contractions. I moved around quite freely trying to find a comfortable position and remember trying to use visualizations; picturing in my minds' eye how my cervix would dilate like a flower. Trying was the operative word! Lester tells me that somewhere along the way he stepped out to have a breather and met another dad-to-be in the reception area; he said they looked at each other and quickly realized they were in the same boat, wives in labor and them worn out! I didn't even know he was gone. Back in the room, while still in the bath, I looked up at Ruwaida and said: "That's it! I've done all I can do, bring on the strong stuff! (while I flicked my Brachial artery getting ready to mainline). What have you got for me because I don't think I can do this anymore?". She then did another check, told me I had dilated to 8 cms and that she could break my waters to move us along. All that went through my mind was that breaking my waters would make the contractions worse so I opted not to but I did want whatever drugs she was offering. Hailey helped me out of the bath, got me dressed (in to my maternity bra only, not much help needed there) and on to the toilet. Another hilarious scenario: I was sitting facing the toilet because it was one of the only comfortable places I could find and begging whoever was on "back duty" to push as hard as they could - my poor husband found ways and means to make me happy! While I waited for the dispensary to get the drugs to me, I used the gas mask. The trick there was to start inhaling the gas just before the contractions started so that it could take effect by the height of the pain but as it would go, I eventually broke the push button because the gas was just not coming out fast enough for my liking. It wasn't so funny at the time. I was walking around like a raging bull angry because it was taking so long for the medication to arrive. With two pethidine injections and more synthetic oxytocin, I was able to "relax" a little, it just took the edge off (a friend's husband wanted to know what's "the edge") but I would still have taken more. Let me give you a snippet of a conversation that I had with Ruwaida around that time. "Ruwaida, you must call the gynae now because I want him out and I didn't want to push, I don't want to do this anymore (like I could come back and start again the next day!)" to which she sarcastically replied, "But you know that wasn't part of the plan. Come lie down and let me check you again. Oh my word, you are doing fantastic, you're nearly fully dilated, just a little while longer sweety."
A little while longer (could have been 2 minutes for all I know) I say: "Don't make me a fool hey! If you had called the gynae when I told you to, I wouldn't be in this pain." She then says something like: "You'll be fine" and the room goes silent. Later Lester told me that they looked at each other and smiled, the nerve, they were so lucky I didn't see that! Here's where I think I've earned the right to be slightly gory (to cut a long story short): with lots of pushing, heavy breathing, feeling my pelvis dislocate, enduring the ring of fire (there's a very good reason they call it that) and touching my baby's head as he crowned, I have never felt such joy and utter relief as when he was born.
Eight hours from the first contraction of active labor (which is considered normal) and we were holding our bundle of joy. Lester had a chance to bond with his son while I got into the shower and relished the fact that I could now touch my neglected feet. Failing to breast feed, we decided to call it a night at 2am and all three of us lay past out in the king size bed, we were now a family.
I was really proud of myself for going the whole hog and more grateful to the people who were by my side every step of the crazy way. I wouldn't change a thing that happened, God really took care of us. My husband was a team player and a star at that, he was there to hold my hand, wipe my sweaty brow and most importantly, encourage me when I felt I couldn't go on. Thanks babe, I'll do it again (once more only) as long as I have you by my side. Even Ruwaida said that he was brilliant. Having Lester stay over with us was a real bonus because truth be told, I was a little intimidated to be with Samuel all on my own.
By the way, all of the photos were taken by my husband and doula, the day was just as you see it. Perfection. To my right, Samuel was two days old and the following day we were home and joined by Hailey (bottom left) and Brenda (bottom right, the lactation consultant, God bless her).
Let me end with a fitting piece from a fellow blogger, and a man at that. When a mother hugs a child, energy is flowing. That energy is invisible — we have called it love, warmth. Something is jumping from the mother to the child, and not only from the mother to the child, from the child to the mother also. That’s why a woman is never so beautiful as when she becomes a mother. Before, something is lacking, she is not complete, the circle is broken. Whenever a woman becomes a mother, the circle is complete. A grace comes to her as if from some unknown source. So not only is she feeding the child, the child is also feeding the mother. They are happily ‘into’ each other. And there is no other relationship which is so close. Even lovers are not so close, because the child comes from the mother, from her very blood, her flesh and bones; the child is just an extension of her being. Never again will this happen, because nobody can be so close. A lover can be near your heart, but the child has lived inside the heart. The mother’s heart has been beating, and that was the heartbeat of the child, he had no other heart; the mother’s blood circulated in him, he had no independence, he was just part of her. For nine months he remained as part of the mother, organically joined, one. The mother’s life was his life, the mother’s death would have been his death. Even afterwards it goes on: a transfer of energy, a communication of energy exists. (the piece was taken from http://sureshg.wordpress.com/2006/11/23/whenever-a-woman-becomes-a-mother-the-circle-is-complete/)Dante’s Birth Story
(from the Doula’s perspective)
Rafael phoned in the late afternoon to tell me that Nadine had started labour. The contractions were about 5-6 minutes apart and Nadine was breathing through them and that the midwife, Marilyn had been notified.
A bed was already booked at Genesis Clinic, and I said I would meet them out there and would be ready to meet them when they arrived .
I went off to Genesis and started setting up ‘Calendula’, the room that Rafael & Nadine were going be staying in. Ylang Ylang oil was burnt, as it is used to create a calming, yet uplifting atmosphere. At about 18h30, Nadine walked in to Genesis, a big smile on her face and looking ever so chilled and relaxed. Pam & Rafael followed after. I led Nadine to Calendula & Rafael & I proceeded to collect the birthing pool and all the bags from the trailor. The birth pool was set up quite quickly and through us setting up everything, Nadine was breathing beautifully through each contraction and was put onto the CTG machine to check foetal heart rate, and all was perfect.
Nadine very focused during a contraction
Marilyn had also arrived and did an internal to assess as what stage Nadine’s cervix was at. At 1 cm dilated, but really well effaced, Marilyn said most of the hard work was done for the cervix and she said that Nadine must just relax and take each contraction as it comes. And that is exactly what Nadine did. Each contraction came steadily at about 4 minutes apart at that stage. Nadine gently ebbed in and out of each contraction and never once lost focus. I suggested some alone couple time for Rafael & Nadine, & to go outside and do some supported squats, which would really help to open the cervix as little Dante’s head would be pressing down onto the cervix. It seemed to have worked effectively as Nadine came inside and voiced it was quite tough to do the squats. At some point after that, Nadine went to the loo and stayed there for a while, again, following her gut instinct and sitting ‘squated’ on the loo, once again helping the cervix dilate effectively. Nadine was also feeling really nauseous, vomited twice, and remained on the loo, and I reminded her that this was very normal to vomit ( and its not such a bad thing as the pelvic pressure of vomiting will make a woman dilate)....... so it can be a welcome event...!!
Rafael filling up the birth pool (Genesis has special water connections for this)
I suggested some changes in position, sitting on the birth ball , with pelvis open and then down, kneeling over the bed. This seemed to be the one position that Nadine wanted to stay in. She found that most comfortable. Pam was also in the room and made sure she kept track of the timing of the contractions and gave Nadine a chocolate to give her some energy. In a relatively short time I could see that Nadine was getting more and more into her body and wanting less distractions to allow her to focus on the now very intense contractions. Not long after, Pam left at about 21h00.
At 1cm dilated at aprox. 19h00, and now, at about 21h30, it seemed to me that Nadine had progressed really quickly, and that she seemed in transition. Nadine voiced she wanted Marilyn and drugs! (In no particular order). This is usually the time moms ask for pain relief, as this is a very intense time for moms. Rafael stayed next to Nadine the whole time encouraging and supporting.
I reminded Nadine that she did not want to make use of any pain medication and that pethidene and such would make her feel groggy and out of control.
Marilyn came in, and suggested to Nadine she gets an internal to see how she had progressed. Wow! 8-9cm dilated - Marilyn decided to rupture Nadine’s membranes and almost immediately contractions got more intense. Nadine was now allowed to get into the pool.
Nadine in the birth pool
Nadine entered the pool and was now calm and centred, Rafael by her side and Marilyn now at her tail-end Nadine was having contractions and with them started gradually feeling more pressure to push.
Nadine being guided by Private Midwife, Marilyn
Guided by Marilyn to give a push if she felt the need to, Nadine, completely followed her instincts and trusted her body to birth her baby. Nadine was told by Marilyn that when she ruptured membranes she saw slight meconium and wanted Nadine to birth on the bed, just in case Dante’ needed to be suctioned.
Nadine was still seemingly making little pushes, and was very quiet and calm, and Marilyn was very surprised when baby Dante’ suddenly shot out into the water!
What an amazing entrance to the world!
Nadine was still seemingly making little pushes, and was very quiet and calm, and Marilyn was very surprised when baby Dante’ suddenly shot out into the water!
What an amazing entrance to the world!
Dante' makes his entrance into the world
Nadine stood up and lifted Dante’ to her chest and he was perfectly healthy and needed no suctioning at allJ
The placenta was birthed and stemcells collected and Nadine had a shower, while Rafael held Dante’ skin to skin.
The placenta was birthed and stemcells collected and Nadine had a shower, while Rafael held Dante’ skin to skin.
Nadine & Rafael with their baby boy Dante'
Staff midwife Gail helps Nadine dress Dante'
The Birth Story of Julia Rose
as told by mom, Jennifer Taylor, here seen holding her baby girl,
Julia Rose, born on the 14thy of November, 2009, at Genesis Clinic
I was 41 years’ old and had been told I wouldn’t be able to conceive naturally. I decided against any interventions, so had been off the pill for about a year, when I found out I was pregnant. Unexpectedly. After a romantic weekend in the Magaliesburg with my hubby, Paul. We stayed in Rose Cottage, which explains our daughter’s middle name J I battled the medical community to be treated like any other mom-to-be, and not have them freak out, or be over-cautious, due to my “advanced age”. The first gynae I called asked my age, and then gasped audibly. I put the phone down. I found Dr Naghmana Yasmeen on the Genesis site, and met with her. She was open-minded, and understanding when I refused the “triple blood test”, amniocentesis, a planned caesarian, induced labour, and all the other nonsense that comes with being an older mom, and the increasing medicalisation of birth. What she did insist on was a foetal anomaly scan at 22 weeks’, which was 90 minutes of fascination with a wonderful woman, Dr Ayesha Patel, at Garden City Clinic. All my scan results were plugged into her PC, which produced graphs showing everything as “normal”. Cue a sigh of relief.
I believe childbirth is one of the most natural, primal, awe-inspiring life events available to us, and should be carefully and consciously prepared for, to ensure the best outcome for mother and child. So daily yoga, meditation and chanting was my regime, along with a lot of journaling and mental, emotional, spiritual and physical preparation. I had the “Calm birth” book and CD, a number of other books about natural pregnancy, labour and birth, yoga in pregnancy, and the “In the womb” DVD, which was wonderful input to what was going on in my belly. Paul even got onto the floor and did some of the meditations with me! What a wonderful guy.
At about 36 weeks’, I made the decision to use a midwife and doula for my birth at Genesis, instead of my gynaecologist. I wanted someone there for the entire birth. Dr Yasmeen was very understanding, having read the double-sided, single-spaced, extremely detailed birth plan Paul and I agreed on. She put me in touch with Ruwaida Moola, a midwife practicing at Genesis. I had 2 sessions with her before the birth.
By 14th November 2009 I was 38 weeks’ pregnant, and it had been a very hot week. I was feeling restless, and went to Cresta for some last-minute baby things. Part of my nesting phase, I think. I literally walked the mall flat, from one end to the other. When I got into my car it said 32-degrees. It was boiling hot! When I got home mid-afternoon I stripped off and got into the pool for a wallow. I wasn’t feeling great, so I went for a lie-down, but I couldn’t get comfortable. At about 4pm I thought I should get into the bath; I just couldn’t settle down. I was also feeling a lot of pressure “down there”. The bath felt really good, but it didn’t help. I called Ruwaida, my midwife, and when she answered the phone I burst into tears. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. She reassured me, said get back into the bath for half-an-hour, and then call her back. Which I did.
While I was in the bath my waters broke. Such a strange feeling. I knew something was happening. When I called Ruwaida back at about 5pm, she said I must walk up and down the passage for half-an-hour. I tried doing this, but I was feeling a bit wobbly and very uncomfortable. I told her it was time, and I needed to get to the clinic. Paul and I looked at each other – this was really happening! All the thinking and planning and preparation for this major life event, and it was finally happening. I called my doula, Laura, who said she’d meet me at Genesis. Paul grabbed the bag with all my goodies – TENS machine, calming CDs, drinks and snacks for labour, baby necessities - we got in the car, and off we went.
Paul was very calm and comforting, keeping me sane all the way there. Fortunately the clinic is only 15 minutes from home. When we got to Genesis, at 6pm, I was very wobbly on my feet, and had to hang onto Paul’s arm to get to the room. We were immediately shown into Lavender, and everyone had big smiles on their faces. Ruwaida and Laura were both there already, which was a big relief. The lights were dimmed down low, Laura lit some essential oils, and Ruwaida performed a quick check to see how I was doing. Paul helped to attached the TENS machine to my back, which sent little shivers down my spine. A lovely distraction from the pain. Then he put on one of my favourite CDs, quite loud – Deep Forest. It’s very primal, with lots of drumming and chanting. Perfect for labour!
Contractions were coming regularly now, and after a “test push” on the bed so I could see what it felt like to bear down, I was helped onto the floor to lean over a big exercise ball, with a pad beneath my knees. I was just wearing a little tank top – no dignity for a laboring mom-to-be. I felt very safe, though, so it didn’t bother me. Every time a contraction came, Laura would get right into my face and say “blow the pain away”, Ruwaida would say “It’s fantastic! It’s bringing you closer to your baby!”, and I would press the button to increase the TENS machine’s intensity. Paul was helping by rubbing my lower back and saying reassuring things. I can’t remember what they were, but they really helped. He also helped me drink cold juice and water, which was very refreshing. All three of them were like my own personal cheerleading team. It was like they’d done this together before – no one got in each other’s way. Ruwaida was very clear on when I needed to push, and when I needed to stop. I listened very carefully to her, and followed her lead. I’m not normally a good listener, but that night I excelled!
When the pain got a bit much, and the contractions closer together, it was about 9pm by then, we decided I should get into the big stone bath built-in to the floor. It was deep and very hot, and as soon as I got in, I felt my whole body relax and open, like a flower. Paul was sponging off my face with a cool washcloth, and all three of them were encouraging me all the time. Ruwaida brought out her strawberry Super C’s, which were wonderful – cool and very sweet. Just the energy boost I needed. I was moving around quite a lot in the bath, from my knees to my back, and over again. The water really helped support me. All of a sudden the contractions got really hectic, and I had this strong urge to just puuuuuush. I’m quite vocal, and not very inhibited, which really helped, because I started grunting and moaning loudly with each new contraction. It really helped. I felt like a hugely powerful earth mother, strong and capable and vast. Completely in tune with Mother Earth. I felt like I was doing what women through the ages had been doing – bringing my child into the world. Just me and my body. No medical intervention.
Ruwaida had put her surgical pack on the edge of the bath earlier, and she opened it now. I saw a gleam of silver in the dim light. I remember saying “No!”, very loudly, as I had been very clear about not wanting an epiosiotomy. She laughed and said she needed something to cut the umbilical cord. This was just the impetus I needed to give one last huge grunt and push, and out slipped my baby girl at 10.05pm. Just 4 hours after we’d arrived. She was immediately put onto my chest, crying lustily. She was covered in slimy goop, and her umbilical cord throbbed a little. I remember looking at Paul, and thinking WOW. We left her on my chest until the cord stopped throbbing, and then Paul cut the cord himself. I was so proud of what we’d accomplished! No medication, no intervention, no cutting, no tearing. Completely natural, as God intended. Things were a little hazy for me after that. I know I got a Pitocin injection to help deliver my placenta, and when it came out, it gleamed scarlet in the dim light. It was beautiful and gory at the same time. It was what had held and grown my baby for 38 long weeks, and I remember feeling grateful to it.
I was helped out the bath and into a lovely warm shower, and I remember being surprised at how much blood there was. All pretty and red and flowing out of me. Nothing to worry about, just my body getting rid of the last of the childbirth experience. I then got into the bed, and was handed my baby girl, who immediately started rooting for my breast. We were told her AGPAR scores were 9 and 10, which was wonderfully reassuring. I have a photo taken of me just as we lay in the bed together, and I’m grinning widely from ear to ear. Happy mommy.
I believe childbirth is one of the most natural, primal, awe-inspiring life events available to us, and should be carefully and consciously prepared for, to ensure the best outcome for mother and child. So daily yoga, meditation and chanting was my regime, along with a lot of journaling and mental, emotional, spiritual and physical preparation. I had the “Calm birth” book and CD, a number of other books about natural pregnancy, labour and birth, yoga in pregnancy, and the “In the womb” DVD, which was wonderful input to what was going on in my belly. Paul even got onto the floor and did some of the meditations with me! What a wonderful guy.
At about 36 weeks’, I made the decision to use a midwife and doula for my birth at Genesis, instead of my gynaecologist. I wanted someone there for the entire birth. Dr Yasmeen was very understanding, having read the double-sided, single-spaced, extremely detailed birth plan Paul and I agreed on. She put me in touch with Ruwaida Moola, a midwife practicing at Genesis. I had 2 sessions with her before the birth.
By 14th November 2009 I was 38 weeks’ pregnant, and it had been a very hot week. I was feeling restless, and went to Cresta for some last-minute baby things. Part of my nesting phase, I think. I literally walked the mall flat, from one end to the other. When I got into my car it said 32-degrees. It was boiling hot! When I got home mid-afternoon I stripped off and got into the pool for a wallow. I wasn’t feeling great, so I went for a lie-down, but I couldn’t get comfortable. At about 4pm I thought I should get into the bath; I just couldn’t settle down. I was also feeling a lot of pressure “down there”. The bath felt really good, but it didn’t help. I called Ruwaida, my midwife, and when she answered the phone I burst into tears. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. She reassured me, said get back into the bath for half-an-hour, and then call her back. Which I did.
While I was in the bath my waters broke. Such a strange feeling. I knew something was happening. When I called Ruwaida back at about 5pm, she said I must walk up and down the passage for half-an-hour. I tried doing this, but I was feeling a bit wobbly and very uncomfortable. I told her it was time, and I needed to get to the clinic. Paul and I looked at each other – this was really happening! All the thinking and planning and preparation for this major life event, and it was finally happening. I called my doula, Laura, who said she’d meet me at Genesis. Paul grabbed the bag with all my goodies – TENS machine, calming CDs, drinks and snacks for labour, baby necessities - we got in the car, and off we went.
Paul was very calm and comforting, keeping me sane all the way there. Fortunately the clinic is only 15 minutes from home. When we got to Genesis, at 6pm, I was very wobbly on my feet, and had to hang onto Paul’s arm to get to the room. We were immediately shown into Lavender, and everyone had big smiles on their faces. Ruwaida and Laura were both there already, which was a big relief. The lights were dimmed down low, Laura lit some essential oils, and Ruwaida performed a quick check to see how I was doing. Paul helped to attached the TENS machine to my back, which sent little shivers down my spine. A lovely distraction from the pain. Then he put on one of my favourite CDs, quite loud – Deep Forest. It’s very primal, with lots of drumming and chanting. Perfect for labour!
Contractions were coming regularly now, and after a “test push” on the bed so I could see what it felt like to bear down, I was helped onto the floor to lean over a big exercise ball, with a pad beneath my knees. I was just wearing a little tank top – no dignity for a laboring mom-to-be. I felt very safe, though, so it didn’t bother me. Every time a contraction came, Laura would get right into my face and say “blow the pain away”, Ruwaida would say “It’s fantastic! It’s bringing you closer to your baby!”, and I would press the button to increase the TENS machine’s intensity. Paul was helping by rubbing my lower back and saying reassuring things. I can’t remember what they were, but they really helped. He also helped me drink cold juice and water, which was very refreshing. All three of them were like my own personal cheerleading team. It was like they’d done this together before – no one got in each other’s way. Ruwaida was very clear on when I needed to push, and when I needed to stop. I listened very carefully to her, and followed her lead. I’m not normally a good listener, but that night I excelled!
When the pain got a bit much, and the contractions closer together, it was about 9pm by then, we decided I should get into the big stone bath built-in to the floor. It was deep and very hot, and as soon as I got in, I felt my whole body relax and open, like a flower. Paul was sponging off my face with a cool washcloth, and all three of them were encouraging me all the time. Ruwaida brought out her strawberry Super C’s, which were wonderful – cool and very sweet. Just the energy boost I needed. I was moving around quite a lot in the bath, from my knees to my back, and over again. The water really helped support me. All of a sudden the contractions got really hectic, and I had this strong urge to just puuuuuush. I’m quite vocal, and not very inhibited, which really helped, because I started grunting and moaning loudly with each new contraction. It really helped. I felt like a hugely powerful earth mother, strong and capable and vast. Completely in tune with Mother Earth. I felt like I was doing what women through the ages had been doing – bringing my child into the world. Just me and my body. No medical intervention.
Ruwaida had put her surgical pack on the edge of the bath earlier, and she opened it now. I saw a gleam of silver in the dim light. I remember saying “No!”, very loudly, as I had been very clear about not wanting an epiosiotomy. She laughed and said she needed something to cut the umbilical cord. This was just the impetus I needed to give one last huge grunt and push, and out slipped my baby girl at 10.05pm. Just 4 hours after we’d arrived. She was immediately put onto my chest, crying lustily. She was covered in slimy goop, and her umbilical cord throbbed a little. I remember looking at Paul, and thinking WOW. We left her on my chest until the cord stopped throbbing, and then Paul cut the cord himself. I was so proud of what we’d accomplished! No medication, no intervention, no cutting, no tearing. Completely natural, as God intended. Things were a little hazy for me after that. I know I got a Pitocin injection to help deliver my placenta, and when it came out, it gleamed scarlet in the dim light. It was beautiful and gory at the same time. It was what had held and grown my baby for 38 long weeks, and I remember feeling grateful to it.
I was helped out the bath and into a lovely warm shower, and I remember being surprised at how much blood there was. All pretty and red and flowing out of me. Nothing to worry about, just my body getting rid of the last of the childbirth experience. I then got into the bed, and was handed my baby girl, who immediately started rooting for my breast. We were told her AGPAR scores were 9 and 10, which was wonderfully reassuring. I have a photo taken of me just as we lay in the bed together, and I’m grinning widely from ear to ear. Happy mommy.
proud Dad, Paul, holding his baby girl, Julia
I stayed in Genesis for 2 nights, with Paul making frequent trips home to look after our dog and cat menagerie. We took a week to bathe our baby, as we wanted her to get the full benefit of the “baby butter” (as Laura called it) on her skin. And we took another few weeks to name her. We eventually decided on Julia Rose, which is a perfect fit for our little darling. She’s a very calm, content and happy little soul, which we attribute to the calm pregnancy I had, as well as to the wonderfully positive birth experience we had at Genesis.
We’ve been going to Claire Bracher at the Genesis Baby Clinic since Julia was 5 days old, and every time we go there, I’m reminded of the fact that we had the perfect birth experience there. Every chance I get, I recommend Genesis, Ruwaida and Laura to pregnant women I meet. My wish is that every expectant mom can such a wonderful, positive and affirming birth experience. And such a perfect start to parenthood.
We’ve been going to Claire Bracher at the Genesis Baby Clinic since Julia was 5 days old, and every time we go there, I’m reminded of the fact that we had the perfect birth experience there. Every chance I get, I recommend Genesis, Ruwaida and Laura to pregnant women I meet. My wish is that every expectant mom can such a wonderful, positive and affirming birth experience. And such a perfect start to parenthood.
Roald’s Birth Story
as told by Genesis Staff (& Private) Midwife, Juriet Nieuwoudt, who was
the first staff midwife to birth her baby at Genesis Clinic !
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| little baby boy, Roald, born on the 3rd of August 2010 |
I wasn’t particularly looking to fall pregnant again as I already had 3 kids ( more than enough according to me) as well as that I had recently started my own midwifery practice. So juggling the practice, being a full time staff midwife at Genesis as well as being a mom was more than enough for me. But as luck would have it something else was written in my stars than what I had intended.
Initially , I was quite embarrassed about being pregnant yet again and only told my husband. What I found though was the longer I kept quiet about it , the more difficult it got to “disclose my status”. Every time I thought it was a good time to announce my pregnancy somebody else would spill their beans before me. First it was our unit manager Tamzin and then my business partner and colleague Nicolette. When I got to my 12th week of pregnancy I had no choice but to tell the hospital manager. When I told her that I had some news, the first thing she said was:” Please don’t tell me you are also pregnant”. The news didn’t go down too badly and life went on from there.
I had my first 3 children with Growth Spurt (Sandi delivered all of them) and I really needed my trusted midwife, colleague and friend to deliver this baby as well. But Sandi had given up private practice when Growth Spurt moved their practice to Genesis and this was a huge problem for me. I phoned my friend and told her that number 4 was on the way and I really wanted her to birth this little Nieuwoudt as well. Sandi agreed to come “out of retirement” for the delivery of my little one. But seeing as she was working full time at Linkwood, we had to work out a plan B for in case she could not come out for the delivery. So I kept on seeing Growth Spurt for my ante natal check – ups and I had arranged that if I could not get hold of Sandi I would phone Henny directly and we would work out an alternative. So with all my ducks in a row , I continued my pregnancy without much problems (Except for the ever present heartburn).
I was due to start my maternity leave on the 1st of August, but as it was a Sunday and I was working the Saturday, Tamzin could not find anyone to work in my place on the Sunday. So she asked me to postpone my maternity leave to the 2nd and I obliged.
I finished my shift on the first and was grateful that my maternity leave had finally begun as I was quite exhausted. On Sunday night at midnight I started having contractions about every five minutes and I decided to just keep an eye on them for a while as I wasn’t going to wake every one up for a false alarm. About two hours later the contractions tapered down and I finally managed to fall asleep again. The whole of Monday though I was not feeling myself. Just utterly exhausted and listless. I slept till about 11h00 and then went about my daily routine with much effort. Finally it was time to go to sleep for the night and I was relieved. I had slept for about an hour when I woke up at 23h00 with contractions and I thought, “oh here we go again. Another night without rest.” I timed the contractions for about an hour until 00h00 and then decided that this was not another false alarm, but the real deal. So I woke my husband up, phoned my parents to tell them that we were bringing the kids over and got all our bags together and in the car. As Murphy would have it I tried getting hold of Sandi and her phone just rang and eventually went to voice mail. When I could not get hold of Sandi I phoned Genesis and booked a bed and I thought that if worst comes to worst one of my colleagues would be the lucky one to deliver my baby. Then I phoned Henny as arranged and she told me that Linda (her partner) was already at Genesis with another client so I could just go through.
While dropping off the kids at my parents house Linda phoned me and asked how I was feeling. I was coping pretty well at this stage. She said that I should just let them know if anything changes in the car so they can run the bath for me before I arrive. Half way to the clinic my contractions started getting quite intense and I was sure that I was going into active labour, so I phoned Genesis and told them to run the bath so long. We finally arrived at Genesis at about 01h00 and I was still able to crack jokes (So I think my colleagues Tegan and Nicola were not convinced that I was actually in labour). Nicola told me after the fact that I would just get this far off look on my face when having a contraction and when it was gone I would say “oh that was a tuff one” and just go on as normal. I had prayed very hard for a quick labour this time around as my third child’s labour was a long and dragged out event and I knew I would not be able to cope with that again. So I was quite relieved when Linda checked me and I was 5 to 6 cm dilated. We did a short CTG tracing of baby’s heart and I promptly got in the bath that was ready and waiting. What a relief to get in the water. It just feels like you are on another planet when you get into the water. It is so soothing, but at the same time my contractions now really started getting quite intense. So being the sissy that I am, I told Linda that I needed Pethidine and Aterax. I think she thought I was kidding and for about 10minutes she just bluntly ignored me. So I said to her “ Linda, I was not joking. I really need something for the pain” She eventually obliged and I had my pain meds.
Approximately 10 minutes after she gave me the pain relief, I had the urge to bear down. When Linda checked I was only 7cm dilated, but as I gave a push my cervix just disappeared and I knew that I could now give it my all. What a nice feeling to be able to push and bring my baby out into this world.
Listening and doing what Linda coached me to do with the crowning of the baby’s head took a lot of effort as the desire to push was so intense. But I knew that I had to listen carefully to her instructions if I wanted to avoid any tears.
At 01h48, my precious baby boy Roald Nieuwoudt (Meaning: famous ruler) slipped into the world and into his mommy’s heart. He weighed in at 3,35kg and was perfect in every way and I was so happy that my wish for a short labour had been granted. Unfortunately I sustained a skin snick and Linda had to give me one stitch as I was bleeding (quite disappointing as I had been intact with my last two babies, but at the same time not the end of the world).
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| and Roald is welcomed into the world! |
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| proud mommy, Juriet holds her baby boy in her arms |
At 05h00 my phone rang and it was Sandi. She had forgotten her phone in her handbag in the lounge and never heard it ring. When she woke up to go to the loo, she realised she didn’t set her alarm on her phone and went looking for it. That is when she got my message that I was in labour. But in the end all’s well that end well.
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| Look at me, all of 3370grams! |
After being back at work I needed to do combined statistics for Genesis for the whole of 2010 and when going back into the maternity register I found it quite amusing that the first entry in the register for August I was present at the birth and the entry after that was my birth.
The birth story of Micah's birth
as told by his mommy, Linda Viljoen, Genesis staff Midwife
I am in the unique position of being a midwife and a mother to three precious children. This is the story of Micah, my last born's birth. My first daughter, Rebecca was born at 38 weeks after my waters broke and I had to be induced by my then midwife and partner in practice, Marinda Taha.
It was a straightforward 8 hour labour and waterbirth, although Rebecca was lying posterior androtated only just before she was born. My second daughter, Isabella was born at 39 weeks after I went into labour spontaneously, but I needed to have a stretch and sweep and my waters broken artificially to augment labour by my then midwife and partner in practice, Tamzin Ingram. Once again, Isabella lay posterior until just before she was born and the back labour was really tough.
It was a straightforward 8 hour labour and waterbirth, although Rebecca was lying posterior androtated only just before she was born. My second daughter, Isabella was born at 39 weeks after I went into labour spontaneously, but I needed to have a stretch and sweep and my waters broken artificially to augment labour by my then midwife and partner in practice, Tamzin Ingram. Once again, Isabella lay posterior until just before she was born and the back labour was really tough.
So, with my history, I was expecting labour this third time before my due date and was almost sure Micah would also lie posterior in labour. I really should have known better than to try and predict these things – as midwives we know that the one rule is you can predict nothing about labour and birth!
I ended up going 6 days overdue and found it very emotionally challenging – I started thinking there was something wrong and that my body didn't know what to do. Again, silly thoughts for a midwife, but they are very real concerns by any woman who is pregnant and overdue. I had a check up with Henny (my midwives were Henny and Jeanell of Growth Spurt) on the Friday, the day I was 4 days overdue and she did a non stress test and a stretch and sweep. The stretch and sweep definitely caused some contractions and as I went home and had a midday nap with my two daughters, I still felt quite a few “twinges”. But as the afternoon and evening progressed, all the contractions disappeared.
On Saturday morning, I sent Henny an sms to ask when she would suggest another stretch and sweep and we arranged to meet at 16h30 that afternoon. I had some light contractions during the day and took my girls to Cresta for lunch and did quite a bit of walking. Henny repeated the stretch and sweep and said she was surprised I wasn't in labour yet cos my cervix was 4-5cm dilated – encouraging news! So she gave me some caulophyllum drops to take orally, some clary sage to sniff and a burner, a bean bag and a TENS machine and sent me home. We left each other with a big hug and a hope to see each other later that night or on Sunday.
I went home and my husband, Sven, Rebecca, Isabella and I went for a brisk walk (with my clarysage-infused cotton wool in my bra). I started timing the contractions from 19h30 when we were getting the girls bathed and ready for bed, and smsed Henny and Ingeborg (my doula) to tell them something was starting. I suggested Sven go to bed early cos I'd need him later and I had a shower and checked the bags. I had a cup of Raspberry Leaf tea and set myself up for labouring in our very quiet lounge on my birthing ball with clary sage on the burner and caulophyllum to take every half hour.
The contractions were stronger from 21h30 and definitely taking my breath away but still manageable. I smsed my family in Australia and Howick to let them know our baby was on his way. At about 22h30, I was starting to wonder why the contractions weren't intensifying, when I heard a “crack” sound – it was as if my pubic bone or my coccyx had been twanged. I didn't thinkanything of it, but the contractions were definitely much stronger after that. It was only when I got up to go to the toilet just before midnight that I realised that my waters had broken with that “crack” sound! I woke Sven to update him but then left him to sleep some more.
This time of labouring alone, sitting on my birthing ball, praying and enjoying the silence was an awesome special time for me – and I think helped prepare me for what was still to come. I tried to lie down at some point cos my eyelids were getting very heavy, but it was way too uncomfortable, so I jumped up very quickly and back to the safety of the ball! I had a very intense contraction just before 01h00 that stopped me in my tracks. I smsed Henny and Ingeborg to let them know that contractions were still 10 mins apart but very strong and that my waters had broken, and I said I'd monitor for another hour. Henny replied that she would go through to Genesis so long and nap until I got there, but that I should feel free to go through at any time.
I think I got up off the ball sometime between 01h20 and 01h30 and the next contraction suddenly told me we should get going! I woke up Sven and he woke up his mom to come and look after the girls. Miraculously Rebecca and Isabella slept through everything – one of their most peaceful nights' sleep ever. I smsed Henny and Ingeborg to tell them we were on our way and I stopped timing the contractions, but they seemed to be 3-5 minutes apart. The short car trip to Genesis was very uncomfortable – Sven tried to drive as gently as he could over the bumpy Melville roads. He was suddenly so in tune with me – he didn't say much, but I could sense his oneness with me in this birthing process.
We must have got to Genesis just after 02h00 and Ingeborg met us at the car at the door to the clinic and gave me a big welcoming hug. I had a big contraction just as we drove up to park. Henny came with a warm beanbag in hand and gave me another welcoming hug. I had another contraction half way down the passage to Geranium, my favourite room – they were coming fast and furious now. Henny decided to do the monitoring of baby's heartbeat and my contractions while I was standing up since she could see that I was way too uncomfortable to be able to lie down on the bed.
Henny “sensed” what I needed at any one time throughout the labour and birth, we didn't use many words at all. Sven started running the bath and got some music ready. The contractions were not far apart and from this time onward, I laboured with my eyes closed – it helped me to stay focused. I heard people when they spoke and I sensed where they were in the room, but I really didn't see much.
When Henny did the internal exam, she gave me the wonderful news that I was 7cm dilated. I then climbed into the warm water of the birthing bath which was so, so soothing. When the next contraction came, I realised that the water wasn't going to help much with the actual contractions, but it felt really good to be submerged in between. The weightlessness of the water definitely made a difference – I could let my body float between contractions and Henny and Ingeborg were able to massage my lower back even when I was in a semi-reclining position. Although Micah was lying “the right way around” (anterior), I still had a lot of contraction pain in my lower back, so this
massage and counterpressure which Henny and Ingeborg did was essential to my coping and I didn't go through a single contraction without it.
massage and counterpressure which Henny and Ingeborg did was essential to my coping and I didn't go through a single contraction without it.
There was no talking in the birthing room (something I'd asked for in my birthplan) – Henny and Ingeborg could hear by the change in my breathing when a contraction was building up. I was so grateful for this because I couldn't talk and I couldn't open my eyes. We were listening to a worship CD by Michael W. Smith and the magnificent words of those songs helped to keep me focused.
There were three “focal points” for me:
There were three “focal points” for me:
1) God is in control and I can do this because He will enable me;
2) Breathing properly. Henny always says “push your tummy out while you breath out” and I concentrated on getting that right;
3) And unclenching my jaw, because if your jaw is relaxed, your cervix will dilate better.
2) Breathing properly. Henny always says “push your tummy out while you breath out” and I concentrated on getting that right;
3) And unclenching my jaw, because if your jaw is relaxed, your cervix will dilate better.
The contractions were very intense but I just took one at a time. At 03h20, Henny did another internal and I was 9cm dilated. I think it was about 04h00 when I started giving some involuntary short pushes, but I never felt a strong urge to push as I was expecting. What I felt was kind of like an “open feeling”, as if I was aware that my cervix was no longer in the way and I could push if I wanted to. With a few contractions, I gave one push and then just breathed through the rest of the contraction cos it didn't feel right yet. After a while of pushing, Henny suggested that I try a squatting position, but I didn't have the strength and asked if I could rather try kneeling. My legs had been in one position for a while and my hips were really quite sore. At this stage, Ingeborg moved to the other side of the bath to take photos and Henny asked Sven to come and kneel in front of me and hold my hand. This was perfect and squeezing his hand while I pushed helped me to know that we were bringing this baby into the world together.
I was so aware of the sensations I felt as Micah moved down the birth canal while I was pushing and this was just incredible. Henny guided me perfectly when to push slower and when to push harder. I could feel when his head descended onto my perineum at the height of a push and then receded again when the contraction waned. And then I just knew that he was coming with the next push. I could feel the ultimate stretching and knew that the biggest part of his head was crowning. I could visualise his head moving smoothly through and out. I stopped leaning forward on the bath's edge and reached down to touch his head. Henny guided his shoulders out and I reached down and lifted my son out of the water and onto my chest. What an indescribable feeling! Time stood still as I held Micah skin to skin. I will never be able to put into words how I felt at that moment. I love the photos Ingeborg took of our first moments with our son – I will treasure them forever.
After the longest time, Micah was handed to Sven so that he could hold him skin to skin. The placenta had been birthed, I was helped out of the bath and I felt so strong. I didn't need any stitches (I thank God that I have had three natural births and no stitches!) and Micah breastfed immediately.
After he had finished feeding, Ntombi, the wonderful Genesis midwife, weighed and measured him – I was so surprised that he weighed 3,57kg (much bigger than his sisters who weighed 2,87kg and 3,05kg respectively). I then had a shower and Sven went home to fetch our precious daughters.
Ingeborg also managed to capture on camera their first reactions to their brother and it was such a great moment to be able to introduce them just two and a half hours after his birth.
Ingeborg also managed to capture on camera their first reactions to their brother and it was such a great moment to be able to introduce them just two and a half hours after his birth.
I cannot say Micah's birth was “easy”, but it was wonderful. The love and support which surrounded me in that birthing room helped me to cope better than I have before. It helped that I was so in tune with my body and with the birth process. And it helped that I was in a beautiful birthing environment like Genesis with a precious midwife like Henny and an amazing doula like Ingeborg and a beloved husband like Sven.
Micah 6 v 8: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
