September 22nd, 2017 around 5 am I woke up feeling like it would be the day. For some reason I had the urge to use the restroom very frequently and then suddenly I felt a contraction. I got in the shower, did my make up and went downstairs to get myself a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with banana. I woke up Dennis at 7:30am and told him it was “baby time.” His first reaction was “do I need to wake up now?” haha I replied no, my contractions are still not constant or have a pattern. I put a load of clothes in the washing machine and went downstairs to make sure everything was ready in the birthing room.
I tried to set up the room with things that brought me peace, positivity and happiness. I chose two of my favorite bible verses, my friends made me a garland with beautiful birthing affirmations, I had a picture of Cataleya’s 3D ultrasound, picture of my Grandma, Mom and Sofia, an orchid and my favorite candles. For the scents I chose eucalyptus, lavender and rose water & ivy. As I looked around I started to feel an overwhelming feeling of happiness. I got on my knees and prayed. I asked God for a smooth and fast birth and for a healthy baby, I put myself in his hands and told him how much I trusted in him. I spoke to my Grandma too, I asked to intervene for me and be with me every step of the way. I told her I knew she sent me this baby and just like everything had been so beautiful so far, she had to make sure the birth was just as special.
At around 9:30 am I woke Dennis up and told him my contractions were pretty consistent although not quite 1 minute long yet. The first thing he asked me was “you had energy to do your make up?” haha. All I could think was I’m going all “hippie” on you with the whole home birth but don’t expect me not to do my make up. I gotta look good for the video and pictures (flips her hair back). I’m in communication with my midwife since 7 am and I finally called her around 10 since my contractions were exactly 5 minutes apart.
Meanwhile Dennis started filling up the birthing pool and he turned on our favorite worship station.
We were goofing around and even went live on Facebook while I was wearing a hippo mask. I thought it was funny since there was so much hype about the giraffe.
I must confess I was so hot wearing that mask!
Kimberly showed up around 11, my mom, sister and nephew came a little after. My nephew brought all his gear to record the birth and even skipped school.
It was such a relaxed ambiance.
My beautiful Sofia saw me in the tub and took all her clothes off. I knew she would do that, she loves the water. It was one of the most beautiful moments, having her there comforting me. I’m in no pain although the contractions are closer and closer together. I read the hypnobabies book (10 pages of it) and watched and listened to a lot of guided and self meditation videos. I had been visualizing my birth experience for months, I watched a ton of water births, I kept every single positive wish with me and released any type of negative comment I ever received. I was ready, I had no fear. I reminded myself that many many women before me, including my mother, had done this. I was built for this, and the Lord made no mistake.
I had the most amazing birthing partner. He said “babe just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it.” I simply replied, “If I forget, just remind me to breathe.” Holding on to him and using gravity was the most comforting position. I held his hand through most of the contractions and he just let me do my thing. I didn’t want to de touched or be talked to. I was in some sort of trance and I wanted to stay focused and in control. The only thing I was reminded of by midwife Jenny was to drink water.
I was in total control of my body and mind. All I kept remembering was “breathe this baby out.” I also talked to my belly and baby, I asked Cataleya to be good to me, to help mommy, to come fast and safe and told her that I could not wait to meet her.
At around 1:10 I asked Kimberly which stage of labor I was in, she said “you are in transition Karla.” I could not believe what I was hearing! Like what? Transition? This is supposed to be the point where women give up, when they start cussing, screaming and crying. She said yes, your contractions are pretty close together and she asked if wanted her to check me. Up until this point, I had never been checked for dilation my whole pregnancy. So she did. I was 9 cm already! And the only thing keeping the baby from descending was the bag of water. She asked if I wanted her to break it but I wanted to wait. I mean, I still wasn’t in pain so I was in no hurry. We tried a few things to help her come down but I decided to go ahead and break the water.
Right after that I felt more pressure and she definitely started to crown. But I was still in no pain. Kimberly went outside to get some more hot water and told my mom that in another 30 minutes she might need another pan full of water. As I’m laying on Dennis inside of the pool I asked my midwife “when am I supposed to push?” she said me my body would tell me. 
Two contractions later I felt the need to change positions, like my body told me to get up! So I did! I pushed Dennis’ hand, got on my knees and pushed. I felt my insides open, touched down there and felt hair and het tiny head so I yelled HEAD!! NO ONE WAS READY, not even me. She yelled what do you mean? you feel the head coming?? I said no! I feel the head! Both Kimberly and Jenny jumped out of the floor and Kimberly was barely able to put one glove on. Second push, her whole head was out and the third push was the longest since her shoulders wouldn’t come out, so she yanked her head and maneuvered to get her out. I’m not sure if it was 3 or 4 pushes but she was out FAST so fast that I couldn’t call my mother in the room or even my nephew who was supposed to film the whole thing.
Catalaleya Maria Gile was born at 1:40 pm. It was fast, it was raw, it was beautiful! I prayed and visualized it happening fast that God, Grandma and the universe delivered. But when I said fast I didn’t mean this fast lol. Her poor little face was bruised for 3 days because of how fast she came.
I was always skeptical about the stories of women who said they didn’t experience pain during labor (I really don’t like that word). How could it be? But it’s true. Your mind and body are capable of unimaginable things. We have the power of controlling fear and pain. Birth CAN be like this.
There was something so intimate and wonderful about giving birth at home. The smells, warmth, freedom and easiness were important factors that helped me relax. I was singing and praising God between contractions. I could feel and hear my mother and sister outside the room. It was simply perfect.
I had an awesome support system all around Dennis, my family and my midwifes. I could have not asked for a better team and experience.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for part two. What happens after baby comes out!
Love,
KM.