Welcome Adelaide Ann Schmidt!

Birth Story

Due on October 13, our little Adelaide was worth the wait. As I suspected, when she got ready to come, she came pretty quickly. (I had already dilated to a 4 out of 10 CM previously, so I was part-way there). I had hired Karen – a doula (a professional “assistant coach” for the labor), and had been trained in the Bradley method of natural childbirth.

I woke up at 3:30 AM with labor contractions five minutes apart. I woke Matt up at 4:30 or so, and we verified how you time contractions (the beginning of one to the beginning of the next!) He snoozed and I took a shower, and then I rested in bed. A little before 6 am, I called my doula Karen to let her know I would need her soon. By 7, the contractions were only 3 minutes apart – and they lasted a minute or so, so there was little time between them. At around 7, I called and asked her to come immediately. I felt like things were moving fast, and I was afraid I wasn’t going to make it until she got there! I kept myself calm, tried different positions, and practiced relaxed breathing through the contractions, as I learned in my Bradley classes. She arrived around 8 AM, and when she arrived, I felt like I had to push.

Karen and Matt thought I was only at about 7 centimeters, but didn’t resist when I demanded we go to the hospital immediately. They didn’t see the signs of transition, and I was calm and doing well, so I didn’t seem that far along. The drive over was hard, as I really wanted to push, but didn’t want to do so in the car. When we got to the hospital triage, I couldn’t stop myself from pushing anymore. The nurse examined me, and I was complete – 10 cm, ready to go! (I wasn’t really surprised but Karen and Matt were). If I had changed my mind about natural birth, it would have been too late!

I had them wheel me to the birth room, and I settled into position. I was in the “old-school” semi-reclining position. I never thought I’d birth in that position, but I couldn’t conceive of changing. Karen and Matt were great as birth coach and doula! By this time it was 9 AM. I began pushing – not too hard at first, and then more in earnest. We could see the bag of waters bulging out, and her head was still inside – being born in the bag is good luck (and destines you to be a midwife!) I watched in the mirror. Matt and Karen helped me stay calm and positive. At 10:45, she was born! We were ecstatic! She was alert, and latched on right away! The natural birth was challenging, but not as hard as I thought it would be! It took awhile for them to get my placenta and to stitch me up. Adelaide and daddy got acquainted (he was so cute with her!) We had a great birth experience, and walked out of the hospital early, (Thursday afternoon) with a beautiful baby Adelaide!

Still waiting (Week 41 tomorrow)

Week 41 starts tomorrow. We're still waiting. Going on long walks to and around the lake (I'm lucky I can still do it). But starting to go stir crazy! Hopefully today! The midwife thought she'd see me this weekend (she's on call) but things will have to start soon for that to happen. I keep telling her that it is a beautiful day and things are nice out here in the world. We'll see!

Week 40 - Waiting

My due date is tomorrow (Oct. 13) even though my extended family is all counting on the 15th (my dad's 60th birthday). I am getting a uncomfortable. It is hard preparing to be gone from work, and still trying to keep working. I felt under the weather last week, so I slept a ton, and I'm hoping I fought off whatever that was. I am still walking my nearly-3 mile walk to/around the lake, some days. Not bad for 40 wks, pregnant. They say that walking can get things moving, I'm using the birth ball, and we plan on eggplant for supper. We have all the important things ready, the rest can wait if necessary. Waiting, waiting.

Can't wait to post a couple of baby pictures on here, hope it's soon!

Week 36 - finally big

Here is a photo, I think I'm finally looking big! Also a photo of Matt and I awaiting our little one! I feel silly with all these tons of pictures of me, but a few far away people apparently like seeing the belly. Plus, no one is forcing you to look! I can't wait until the pictures are of the baby and not me, though! Wish us luck figuring out the car seat tomorrow!

Week 36

My long-time family friend Patty (with the help of other good friends) threw a shower in my hometown for family and Iowa friends. Everyone was so generous, including the out of town folks! I have a lot to be thankful for (and hopefully will finish the thank you cards soon). I will have to post another belly picture, I am looking bigger all of the sudden. Still feeling good, but the first day of school (with kids) was bad. It was so hot in school that day, I couldn't stand it (95 degrees or so inside). Luckily the rest of the fall has been cooler, so I have been feeling good!

We had our last meeting with our doula last night to go over our labor game plan. We will have our last Bradley (natural childbirth) class Tuesday! We are going to try to get the rest of the baby stuff organized and the bag packed today. I'm hoping I don't go early, but you never know. I'm guessing I go on Oct. 15, which is my dad's birthday, two days after my due date, and right after the full moon - but I could be wrong! If I'm right, I have proof right here.

33 Weeks

Hi! I am still doing well! I made it through my first day at school (teacher week). I had a little hip pain for awhile, but a little chiropractic help, and I'm doing great again. Back to my long walks.

Also, a couple of friends (Suzanne, Kristin, and Tara) threw me a shower on Sunday. I feel so loved!!!!!