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September 16, 2000
Czarina's Birthstory
Czarina was born on September 16, 2000. She is my oldest child, and I enjoyed my pregnancy very much with her. We lived in Savannah, Georgia at the time, so my mother came in about a week before to be sure she was there when I went into labor. I had gotten pretty miserable, as I was ten days past my due date and it was HOT HOT HOT! Family and friends were calling every day to see how things were going, and I was always disheartened to report nothing at all.
We went walking on the beach on Friday, Sept. 15, eating watermelon and just trying to get things going. I was very tired, and that night mom made red beans and rice for supper. I had been doing stretches and other little tricks I'd heard to start labor but nothing was happening, so I finally gave up and went to bed.
Luckily though, I couldn't sleep, because I started having contractions! King Pen timed them for me and they were very regular and consistent. We decided to call the Birth Center, and they told us to meet them there. We got there at 4 am, and I had dilated 4 centimeters. I labored there using aromatherapy, the whirlpool, and basically just standing and walking around. At about 6:30, everyone else decided they needed some breakfast, so Mom ran out to McDonalds. They got to stop and eat while I had to keep working!! That was the only point I remember being a little cranky about the whole thing.
The midwife decided to check me at about 7ish, and my water broke when she did. I entered transition, and that was rough. I was still unmedicated, and this was the hardest part to me. I was sick to my stomach, and labored in front of the sink with the water running. It seemed to soothe me. At 7:30, the midwife told me I should probably get in the bed, and she was right, it was time to start pushing. I pushed on my hands and knees, letting gravity do all the hardwork. Since mom is a labor and delivery nurse, we decided to let her "catch" the baby...
Czarina was born at 8:21, and she was the most beautiful baby ever... all pink and sweet, so clean... When King Pen said, "It's a GIRL!!", it was like I had known all along, of course it's a girl. What else would it be? I never felt such a rush of love and devotion so fast in my life. I would've died for her right there on the spot if I'd had to.
She barely fussed, just looked all around. We got to do all the newborn procedures right there, and the midwife stitched me up (I'd had a small tear unfortunately) We stayed and snuggled with her and slept for a few hours. We were up and ready to go by lunch though, and we went home to recuperate and enjoy our new baby. I stayed in bed like a queen, and had all my friends and family "attending" me... that was pretty nice! Ha.
It was a very special and unique experience- I am so glad I had the opportunity to do it my own way. I learned alot about myself and what I am capable of, plus I became a mother of a wonderful baby daughter. I couldn't have asked for a better day.
Babylicious , Before the Blog , Child of Mine | By WonderGirl | 1:00 AM
