What can I tell you about your birth except that it was EXACTLY as nature intended it to be-no drugs, short labor, three pushes and there you were! I was determined to have a natural vaginal birth after having the 30-hour labor extravaganza with Rosie, assisted by forceps. I availed myself of EVERY resource so as not to repeat that scenario, and it worked. I know now that God intervened.
Having thought myself infertile, I certainly was surprised when Dr. Burdick confirmed that I was pregnant AGAIN, just nine months after Rosie was born. I met dad, Rosie in tow in her portable car seat, at the now defunct Poor Italian Café on 3rd and Virginia, near dad’s office at Physician’s Insurance in the United Airlines building nearby, to tell him the news. He was elated; I was scared. Was it too soon? What about my job? What about dad’s dream of going to law school soon, how would we manage with more children? He encouraged me to let go of my fear and give thanks for our blessing. Dad, the eternal optimist, forever carefree and irresponsible, caution to the wind attitude, and me the committed and dutiful young wife, I embraced your life growing within me and carried on.
We happily announced your impending birth to our family and friends. Grandma Patty was giddy, fingers crossed for another granddaughter. Turns out, four of us were pregnant in 1990, adding to grandma’s delight. Your other grandma was also thrilled, and since she and Heather had moved to Seattle the year before, she’d be able to be with me at your birth. I was delighted. I missed sharing Rosie’s birth with her.
Having learned that my hereditarily low hematocrit was normal for me and didn’t pose a problem during childbirth, Dr. Burdick conceded to let me BE this pregnancy, no constipating iron supplements and no weekly iron shots into my buttocks at 30 weeks, but she encouraged me to include an iron rich diet, and advised me to eat red meat, spinach, almonds, and mushrooms often. I so enjoyed having the same doctor for this pregnancy, someone who knew me and my history, fears, and anxieties. I felt a kinship with her. I could talk to her, about anything!
You were an easy pregnancy, just like Rosie, and truthfully, since I was busy with your sister, the pregnancy just sailed along without incident. I felt wonderfully comfortable being pregnant, and anticipated an uneventful natural birth with you, having been tested with your sister.
As predicted, dad proceeded with his plans for law school during my pregnancy, and I agreed to support us for those 3 years, assuming I could return to work as a claims representative with my former boss, at dad’s workplace. I interviewed at 7 months VERY pregnant, and since he knew me from my previous job, hired me on the spot. What a relief that was! But at the same time, I started to ponder the reality of working full time, two children in day care and dad in law school, anticipating no help from him. Well, let go and let God, I was in this marriage for life and relished another child to love.
Labor started the afternoon of May 10. Loretta and I went for a walk around Green Lake with your sister. I knew from all my reading that the force of gravity works wonders in labor, and I was determined to stay home until labor was consistently underway this time around. Jim and Karen had agreed to look after Rosie, so I called them to get her when we got home. I called dad, who was at a round table dinner meeting with doctors and lawyers and told him that Mom would drive me to the hospital, and he could meet me there.
Dr. Burdick was with another patient in labor, so I was relieved to have mom there with me as the nurse settled me in. Heather, who was fifteen and very shy, huddled in a corner by the window looking out over downtown Seattle. To say that she was visibly uncomfortable is an understatement. Funny, because she came into her own in her thirties and became a nurse, confident and poised.
Dr. Burdick and dad both arrived when I was completely dilated. Mom held my hand throughout, a great comfort to me as I endured intensity of natural labor. With dad on one side, mom on the other, Dr. Burdick positioned between my legs and Heather squinting between peek-a-boo fingers, PUSH was commanded, as dad and mom pulled me to sit upwards, to increase the force of gravity on you as you moved quickly through me. REST, BREATHE AND AGAIN.
A third time and you emerged, delicate, pink, and perfect, a full head of black hair and blue eyes, which turned bright sea blue over time. You were a dark Irish baby and I couldn’t wait to get you home.
Loretta brought you white lilacs; Jim and Karen brought your adoring sister and happiness abounded. I felt success and relief! No intervention, nothing untoward. A textbook natural birth and a perfect baby girl.