The plan was to have an out of hospital birth in February of 2020. But just a few weeks before her due date, Alli developed Polyhydramnios (extra fluid around baby) and was encouraged by her midwives to be induced on February 14th. Alli had such a beautiful attitude around the change, knowing that we must hold our birth plans with open hands. She felt encouraged that she had a team around her that made her feel empowered to still have the birth she was hoping for.
When the day came, Alli prepared herself for a long induction. This was her second baby and her first was a very long induction process. But with only one Cytotec to ripen the cervix, her body took off into full blown labor without much encouragement! After laboring for a few hours Alli had her doula Kristin, her friend Amanda, and myself join her because labor was starting to get more intense. I came around 1pm and Kristin and Amanda followed soon thereafter.
Alli did HypnoBirthing leading up to birth and throughout her labor. She flowed through each pressure wave (what they call contractions in HypnoBirthing) with so much peace. As the intensity grew we went into the tub to try and find some greater comfort. Throughout each wave Alli began to speak the word “peace” over her body and then the word “open.” After being in the tub for an hour or so Alli wasn’t finding much relief. The waves were coming rapidly and not allowing for much of a break to rest. We went into the room to be checked in hopes that we were getting close to meeting their sweet baby girl, but we were still at 4cm with about 15% of the cervix left. At this point Alli began to think an epidural may be needed because they were becoming so intense and she still had some time before baby came. Alli went forward with an epidural asking for a super light dose just to take the edge off. Once she got it, Alli was able to rest and preserve some energy for pushing. Alli began pushing a little bit before 10:30 and then all of the sudden with one big push, baby was here at 10:52pm - just in time to be a Valentine’s Day baby!
After sweet Hayden was born Alli talked about how happy she was with her birth and how she felt like she was just where she needed to be. Alli had an amazing birth team! Her husband, Drew, was with her every step of the way speaking peace over Alli and Hayden and reminding her how beautiful and strong she was. Amanda, Kristin, amazing nurses, and super supportive midwives listened to Alli as she listened to her body and let her and Hayden lead the way.
The hardest part about birthing in the hospital for Alli and Drew was that they weren’t going to be allowed to have their daughter come in to meet her sister due to cold and flu season. However, while in labor Alli got a huge gift: the news that they would allow Avery to come meet Hayden in the hospital! It made for the sweetest little fresh 48 session. Avery is such a great big sister already! My favorite part was when Avery tried to feed Hayden cookies :)
Alli and Drew - it was such an amazing honor to be invited into your birth room to capture these moments of peace, love, and life for your family. Thank you for entrusting me with such a beautiful task. Peace and blessings to your family of four as you parent your strong amazing girls to become strong amazing women!
