Baby Nico's Birth!

On Sunday 25th March, I was blessed to deliver my third baby, a beautiful boy, into this world. I'm delighted to let you know that I had, once again, an active, short and kick a*s rockstar birth! It was fast and intense at times...so let me share my experience with you:)

On the days leading up to Nico's labour, I had been keeping myself really calm, happy and active. On the Saturday, I went for a lovely long walk, getting myself up a few gentle hills! That night, I went to bed after my nightly bath, super relaxed, and at 2am I woke up with a start! I jumped out of bed as my waters had started to release...but only a little bit. After a quick trip to the loo, pretty much immediately, some very mild contractions started, along with a bit of a 'show'. 

Excitedly, I knew that the journey was starting, so I popped back into bed to get as much rest as I could. The surges were there, but were really mild and I nodded off every now and then. I downloaded an app to time them, and at this stage, they were still sporadic, but mostly about 5-7 minutes apart. I was trying to keep everyone in bed for as long as possible, as typically my parents were away at a wedding, so my fabulous neighbour was on standby. About 5am, my husband made me some tea and toast and we gave word to Linda, my neighbour. At this stage, I got out of bed and started to pack the last bits - phone charger, my tea, water, hot water bottle, my essential oil blend, yoga mat, and ball. I popped on my tens machine for the short car journey in. The surges were getting stronger, but still totally manageable. 

When we got into the car, I turned on the radio, and we burst out laughing as the song that was playing was "I feel it coming babe"! About a mile before the hospital, we were stopped by the cops for a routine check which made us laugh! He looked in - me with my hot water bottle, breathing through my contractions, smiling at him...he smiled back and waved us on!

As it was a Sunday morning, about 6.30am, it was blissfully silent in the Rotunda hospital, which was amazing! We were met by a lovely midwife there who checked Nico's heart rate, and I had a short and fairly comfortable examination. It was in my birth plan (and I was quick to tell her) that I hate having internals, so she was really gentle and thankfully all was well. At this stage, I knew I was early on...just starting to dilate, soft and open up...getting ready for my beautiful little guy!

As my history is fairly quick deliveries, we were brought up to the labour room, just a few metres away from the delivery suites. I stayed relaxed, upright and mobile on my ball, and ate a little breakkie. My husband and I were very chilled out and the surges were still groovy at this point. At about 830am, the gorgeous midwife Ciara ran me a bath. I have to say I had the most peaceful hour and a half after this! I listened to my relaxations from both the Online Summit, and from my 'Own Your Birth' course. I also had my essential oils on the go. The midwives checked Nico's heartbeat sporadically and kept saying it smelled like a spa! I actually fell asleep at one stage! Hot water is just such a gorgeous natural pain relief...it was heavenly!

I thought I should get out soon, so at 10.10am, I stepped out of the bath and holy moly things changed instantly! I couldn't move as all of a sudden my contractions came super fast - every minute and lasted 40 seconds! My husband popped my tens machine back on straight away and eventually, after about 10 mins, I managed to get into my nightie! As soon as I came out, Ciara could instantly see things had changed. In order for me to get onto the delivery suite (about 80 metres away!) she needed to examine me. At 1025am I was 4-5cm, which for me, I knew meant I would deliver soon.

We got my stuff together and I walked down to delivery room 6. I got there at 1042am and was examined again (!). I was now 8cm so they called for my gorgeous consultant. My body immediately started pushing by itself - I got all primal and grunty! The waters went at 1049am and baby Nico arrived 10 minutes later :)

Not without drama it has to be said! Baby didn't respond well to the speed and ferocity of the madness...his heart rate wouldn't recover so my consultant was pretty amazing..he knew I really didn't want an episiotomy, but baby had to be delivered asap as his heart rate had stayed decelerated for 2minutes. So he used a small suction cap called the kiwi and I pushed as if my life was on the line. Nico came flying out with his hand and head presenting, with the cord wrapped around his neck twice. Thankfully, after a little oxygen he pinked up quickly and he was perfect. So it was a hairy 6 minutes and a 50 minute established labour and birth! He weighed 9lb 2oz or 4.16kg...so was a big fella! Thankfully, again I had no tearing or lacerations so I was quick to heal.

It was an extremely emotional birth, as all births are! but particularly having had 2 previous miscarriages before my little angel's arrival. I can't really put into words the joy, gratitude, awe, love...and relief that I felt! I actually made a video a couple of days after the birth, which you can see in the Private Members Facebook Group - please join us there to share stories and tips and to support one another :) 

Having now had 3 empowering births, and helping over 1,000 women in their pregnancy & birth journey, I want to help you! If you'd like help getting baby into a good birthing position, feeling comfortable and strong during your pregnancy, and having an active, short labour, check out The Empowered Birth, the 5-month complete pregnancy and antenatal preparation program. Our weekly check-ins, LIVE Yoga & Fitness classes, and Pre-Recorded education bundles will give you everything you need for the pregnancy and birth you desire.

_{Helen Plass is a Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist, and Yoga Instructor, working with women and their birthing partners to achieve a comfortable, healthy & happy journey into Pregnancy, birth and Motherhood. She is known for her very practical & non-judgmental approach to pregnancy and the crazy times of motherhood. Check out all her communication at NurtureMamas.com, and if you are in Ireland, her local business MumandBaby.ie}