Kristy’s Story
[Note: One question a lot of people have about the birth center is, "What if I have to transfer to the hospital?" Kristy's story involves a transfer.]
I have always known that I wanted to have an intervention free/birth center birth with all of my children. I never knew until I moved to North Carolina that it wasn’t always a possibility. After I became pregnant I received prenatal care from a traditional OBGYN. It wasn’t until I was in my third trimester that I became aware of the possibility of having a birth center birth, as CCMC was just opening. My husband and I drove out to a midwife’s house and met with her about the possibility of becoming clients. We were thrilled when she explained how everything works and we were able to transfer our care to the midwife model. It is important to note that I am a Registered Nurse who works in an OBGYN clinic. I was very concerned that my baby would be separated from me and interventions done to him that I didn’t want, without my knowledge. All of these fears went away after we started being seen at the birth center.
After many weeks of waiting to go into labor, my water finally broke at 41 weeks and 5 days. I was so worried that I would have to go to the hospital to have pitocin if I didn’t go into labor by 42 weeks. This is where the fun part of my story begins! I labored at the birth center with two midwives and an apprentice. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences ever. I couldn’t believe how at ease I was being surrounded by other women who wanted me to have the most amazing birth experience and who have been through this experience themselves. It was a very comforting and nurturing environment. My husband was amazing as well. I had no idea how hard it was going to be but with the help of these women I was able to push through the pain and meet each contraction head on. Just when I thought I was really making progress, at 7 cm, my labor slowed down drastically. At first we thought my body just needed a rest but my contractions never sped back up. I stayed at 7 cm for about 17 hours and the midwives did everything they could to encourage my labor (all the while the baby was just fine). I even made it through a “shift change” of the backup midwife. After 30 hours of laboring at the birth center, the midwives and I made the decision to transfer to a local hospital. This was one of my worst nightmares coming true; I had worked so hard to avoid a hospital and interventions, now I was walking willingly into one. The one saving grace was that my midwife was by my side the whole time. This baby was not coming without some pitocin. At this point I decided to get the epidural so that I could rest; I didn’t think I would be able to push out my baby if I didn’t get some rest, plus I knew the pitocin-induced contractions would be much more intense, and I was really tired. Eight hours after being admitted I was still only 9 3/4 cm dilated. The doctor on call came in and told me that I would not be able to push out my baby, he was just too big, I needed a C-section. I said “No way, I’ve come too far to end up with major surgery”. I knew that shift change was soon and I requested more time. When the next doctor came in she agreed to let me try to push past the last 1/4 cm of cervix, we turned down the epidural and I did. After two and a half hours of pushing, my 9 lb 20 inch baby boy was born, my husband and midwife by my side and taking pictures.
As for my biggest fear, the wonderful nurses at the hospital made sure that I got everything I wanted for my son. They did not try to push any medications on him, he never left my room, and they were respectful of all my wishes. In fact, they asked me if I wanted the Vit. K and eye ointment, I didn’t have to request not to have it.
Yes, I’m a little sad that I didn’t get the birth that I dreamed of, but I got something more important, a beautiful, healthy baby of my dreams. The ultimate prize! I am grateful to the midwives of the birth center for all they did for us and their wisdom to know when it was time to try something else. I continue to see my midwife for my post-natal care and she is always available for any new mom questions that I have. I’m hoping that next time, I’ll be able to deliver at the birth center, but I know that whatever is necessary and in my best interest will occur.
