In my family, home births are the norm! Katarra knows that since she has been a part of 7 births in my family! My first birth provider ended up not working according to plan and resulted in my husband and mother delivering my 9.5lb daughter (she was a biggie! D:) When I found I was pregnant with my son, I knew I wanted Katarra to be there throughout the pregnancy and birth after all the positive stories and experiences with my family.
My birth came a few days later than the projected due date and was right in the middle of winter holidays. The contractions started in a crisp and early December 27th morning. The contractions began mildly in my mother's living room with her medical bed as the centerpiece and I was the stuffed turkey on top! I laid there bracing for each contraction while my husband slept comfortably down the hall. But as time progressed, I knew that today was the day! I began to prepare with a piping hot shower and pacing the hallway to get my steps in, (daily 2 miles!). During the day I arranged to have my brother and sister-in-law take our daughter for the remaining day and night and my husband began slaving away in the kitchen to make my special meal of chicken and dumplings. My partner and I walked around the block to help progress the birth. As the night approached the contractions got stronger and closer in time. We let Katarra know and she began to prepare to come for the birth. When she arrived with Breann, they went to work checking on me and seeing where I was and how I was. After getting their work done, they got work on that soup! Boy was that yummy! :P With my special meal almost gone, I knew I had to get my baby out so I could eat my share before it was finished! Katarra helped guide us with thinning the cervix through movements she recommended, while knitting a hat to keep my head warm. When the time came to push she was right there encouraging me and guiding my husband to catch the baby. She made sure I didn’t rush and tear despite the pain and suffering. When I finally popped out that log, the relief! He weighed a whopping 8.5lbs, I think from my daily walks and strict pregnancy diet helped with that, but it felt just as tough as my 9.5lb daughter. However, I was ready to binge on those chicken and dumplings now that I had an empty stomach! In the end, with a beautiful baby boy, a full stomach, and the comfort and joy from my company, Katarra stated that next time I wouldn’t need her there! But I wouldn’t want to experience pregnancy and birth without her! Next time I know Katarra will be there since I’m requesting tamales!
-Homebirth Mama
My birth came a few days later than the projected due date and was right in the middle of winter holidays. The contractions started in a crisp and early December 27th morning. The contractions began mildly in my mother's living room with her medical bed as the centerpiece and I was the stuffed turkey on top! I laid there bracing for each contraction while my husband slept comfortably down the hall. But as time progressed, I knew that today was the day! I began to prepare with a piping hot shower and pacing the hallway to get my steps in, (daily 2 miles!). During the day I arranged to have my brother and sister-in-law take our daughter for the remaining day and night and my husband began slaving away in the kitchen to make my special meal of chicken and dumplings. My partner and I walked around the block to help progress the birth. As the night approached the contractions got stronger and closer in time. We let Katarra know and she began to prepare to come for the birth. When she arrived with Breann, they went to work checking on me and seeing where I was and how I was. After getting their work done, they got work on that soup! Boy was that yummy! :P With my special meal almost gone, I knew I had to get my baby out so I could eat my share before it was finished! Katarra helped guide us with thinning the cervix through movements she recommended, while knitting a hat to keep my head warm. When the time came to push she was right there encouraging me and guiding my husband to catch the baby. She made sure I didn’t rush and tear despite the pain and suffering. When I finally popped out that log, the relief! He weighed a whopping 8.5lbs, I think from my daily walks and strict pregnancy diet helped with that, but it felt just as tough as my 9.5lb daughter. However, I was ready to binge on those chicken and dumplings now that I had an empty stomach! In the end, with a beautiful baby boy, a full stomach, and the comfort and joy from my company, Katarra stated that next time I wouldn’t need her there! But I wouldn’t want to experience pregnancy and birth without her! Next time I know Katarra will be there since I’m requesting tamales!
-Homebirth Mama