Birth Story: Silas Michael by Tanya

Silas Michael - born March 3, 2022.

Prior to jumping into it I have to explain my first 3 babes were all with an OBGYN, full term plus or minus a couple of days, uncomplicated, vaginal, epidural births. They were all wonderful births in their own ways. As with your second births - my second birth was truly magical and everything I could have wished for.

However, I have ALWAYS wanted to experience an unmedicated birth. I had put this idea in my head that I would for my third birth and it didn't work out and I was truly devastated and disappointed in myself. I had these feelings of failure that I would never accomplish this dream of mine - because why would one have another child just to experience labour?!

The universe had very special plans and I became pregnant with my fourth. This was during the end of the pandemic/covid and things were slightly more normal, but it was still expected to be wearing masks in the hospital including birthing mamas.

My husband and I chatted and I was very clear that if we were to have another baby I wanted a midwife. My OBGYN was incredible - he was everything I needed and always made me feel cared for and safe, but he never really understood how much I wanted to have a natural labour. As it turns out he retired so even if I wanted him he wasn't available! So, I truly felt I made the right choice with getting a midwife.

This time around I also enrolled in a birthing online class led by a Doula. I also started following a hypnobirthing app that I would listen to every night. I finally felt like I was taking control and without a doubt I had the tools required to have an unmedicated birth.

Big day comes, 4 days overdue. I had 1 stretch and sweep, which did nothing. I had prodromal labour for 2-3 days. I was already exhausted and no baby. Doing everything possible. Eating dates, drinking raspberry tea, sex, walking. Hip sways were very helpful. And finally Wednesday morning contractions seemed to be steady and picking up. Shipped all my kiddos off to Mom's house. And then they stopped! I was heartbroken. I waited all day for them to kick start, but they didn't. I called my mom said we would come and pick up the kiddos. She didn't think this was a good idea (Mom's are so smart). Sure enough before we left I went pee for the 1000th time and there was my mucus plug. We immediately changed plans and stayed home and left the kids at my moms. This was around 5pm. I took a peaceful bath in the dusk light. Tried to sleep. Contractions still didn't fully start until 10pm. I had planned to have a home birth, but at this point with the on and off contractions both my husband and I agreed we felt more safe at the hospital. I also have had an episiotomy with each of my 3 births, so given my high likelihood of tearing, it made logical sense to go.

I rang up my midwife told her we were going to the hospital. I'm in Canada and this was a frosty and icy March drive. We got into triage at 12:40am (now Thursday). I was 4-5 cm, they wouldn't admit me into a room yet as my contractions weren't consistent enough. I was told to go walk for an hour or longer and come back. I made it as far as the stairwell outside of the L&D ward. I stood there for about 20 min roaring through the now very intense contractions. I will pause to say I did an amazing job of coping up until this point with contractions. Hypnobirthing music, movement and squeezing my comb all helped! After this I said screw that and stomped back to the triage and demanded to see my midwife.

I was getting back to back contractions and they admitted me on sight. I grabbed all of my things and walked to my room. They brought in my husband from the waiting area, due to covid he wasn't allowed in triage, but he was allowed to come into my room. I don't fully remember but I did get my clothes off and had a delivery gown on. Midwife checked me and I was 9 cm! When I first got into triage I mentioned that I wanted an epidural. In my heart I didn't, but I was just so exhausted and honestly I had done this 3 other times, it was just second nature to ask. Quick back story -- With my third birth it was very similar I dilated extremely fast and I was admitted at 8 cm dilation, but I WAS able to get an epidural, which thank GOD because I was in no way prepared to have a natural labour. --- so back to my fourth.

Once I heard I was 9 cm, I knew there wasn't time for an epidural. Basically the midwife said, they can break my water and have a baby in 10 min or we can keep doing what I was doing. So I said let's break the water. I immediately felt my body push the baby out. I couldn't even control it. I had to lay on my side as being on all 4's wasn't working. I felt the ring of fire and about 15 min later (2:15am) I pushed out my little boy. 8 lbs 5 oz. It was insane. Wild. Inspiring. Magical. I did have a 3-4 degree tear. Little boy came out with his hand up by his chin. But, I know I had such a high chance of tearing, it was inevitable. I had to wait for an OB to complete the stitches, which is why in my heart my husband and I were so elated we came to the hospital.

Silas was the cherry on our cake and we are so happy and in love with our complete family. Our little Wolfpack.

Hi, I'm Tanya a wife and mother to four beautiful children. I've held many roles in my life including personal training and medical insurance, but parenthood has been the most fulfilling. I'm currently focused on raising happy, kind and encouraging kiddos to better our world.