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The Blessed
Birth of Elsa Pearl
Elsa is only
2 days old, but I have been dreaming of the chance to get to
write my birth story. I enjoyed reading and getting inspired
by reading other birth stories in the Family Nurse Midwives newsletters.
My first birth experience, in Denver, Colorado, was not a "dream
birth" because it was filled with interventions, beginning
with an epidural at 8cm which left me with no feelings for the
pushing stage. We were disappointed and knew the next time we
would surround ourselves with a better support team who would
want to help us achieve a natural childbirth. Even though the
first birth experience was not ideal, I knew I could not wait
to get pregnant again-to be a vessel of life for another gift
from God.
We moved
back to Pennsylvania in October to live closer to our families.
I was so excited to find Family Nurse Midwives. I met with Sandy
to see if they were a good fit, and right away I knew that this
was the place for us. Our prenatal care was phenomenal and so
personal. I felt like I could ask any question and could talk
about anything with Gretchen and Sandy. They really helped us
get through some major transitions not only with our pregnancy,
but also with moving. They spent so much time with us and we
never felt rushed. I loved checking out books in the office library.
Our two year old, Grace, loved hearing the heartbeat and especially
playing with all of the toys in the office.
Although
we had a slightly challenging first trimester, we were blessed
with a healthy pregnancy. Along the way, we took Jan Mallak's
Childbirth Crash Course, which was amazing. We had taken 8 weeks
of classes in Denver and we still learned so much just in the
two weeks with Jan. She is the "Mac Daddy of Childbirth!"
Jan set us up with a doula named Michelle who was another blessing
to have at our birth. Our big day came so quickly and the days
leading up to it were filled with anticipation, joy, and excitement.
On Wednesday,
September 08, I woke up feeling some pretty interesting things.
I had been dilated to 3cm and 80 percent effaced at my last appointment.
We had another appointment that morning at 11:30 AM. We decided
to bring everything with us in case this was the real thing.
I had been tricked a few times already into thinking it was the
big day, but this time it was! Gretchen checked me and I was
5cm and 100 percent effaced. We decided not to drive back to
Ligonier and just to spend some time around Jeannette to make
sure it was really happening. We went to Target!!! Grace played
with all the toys while I had consistent contractions seven minutes
apart. I cracked up thinking that people probably did not even
realize what a special day it was for us. I always used to say
the day of birth is so amazing. Everyone else is just at work
or home or shopping at Target while you are bringing life into
the world." How ironic that we shopped at Target on such
a special day!
My parents
and our doula, Michelle, met us at the midwives' office. Grace
went home to take a nap and wait to hear the news with Gram and
Pappy. We walked around the hospital area a bit more and then
things really got going. I was unable to walk through my contractions.
We headed over to the hospital around 3:30 PM and got settled
in. It was so nice to have Michele with me while Scott took care
of all the bags and such. I labored leaning over the birth ball
and leaning into Scott. Scott's smell was like aromatherapy,
and I just kept breathing in that little nook of his neck. I
did not feel comfortable sitting on the ball, but leaning over
it was great. It was so important to know what I was going to
do when the contractions came. Breathing through them was vital,
and at the end of each one it was a major rush to have made it
through. I also used a lot of vocalization and swaying which
felt good when it really hurt. Michelle really encouraged me
to keep moaning and that I should not be embarrassed... that
helped alot! We used the shower for about 45 minutes, but I got
a little overheated and came out. I actually laid down through
some contractions which I did not expect to do, but it was helpful
to get my energy back. I was tired. Gretchen checked me around
7 PM, and I was a bit discouraged to find I was only 6cm. I was
hoping to hear more. Everyone stayed positive and focused on
my progression. The news meant I should get up and try something
else. I was going to walk in the halls, but just never made it.
We did a few contractions with the ball again and decided to
get back into the shower. We were listening to a Christian CD
from our church in Denver and certain lyrics kept me going, such
as "You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure
that I seek. You are my All in All" I knew that God was
with us during that labor. I kept praying to Hail Mary during
each contraction, or I would think "God please let me give
to Your plan for labor to show that You designed it so perfectly
to allow us to bring forth a life from our bodies" It is
such a miracle now to think about how prayer helped me through
labor. Things picked up a lot when I went back in the shower
and Michelle and Scott were really encouraging me. Now that I
think about it, with each contraction, they would massage my
back and put pressure or just let me hold their hands. Michelle
would remind me that I was going to get to see my baby soon.
It was all so supportive. I knew that I could do it and that
helped me stay on top of each contraction. Then, I wanted to
get checked again because I felt some urges to push a little.
It just felt good to push through a contraction. Gretchen gave
us the best news when she said I was 9CM!!! I knew I was going
to make it!!!! I thanked her a lot and we tried a new position
for the next few contractions. It felt great to have an arm on
the neck of both Scott and Michelle and my left foot on a stool.
I would lean on the bed in between and stand up again when the
contractions came.
After some
time, Gretchen worked her magic by helping me through the hurdle
of an anterior lip. During a contraction, she manipulated my
cervix to open up the last centimeter. It worked!!! My water
broke. It was warm and gushed onto the bed, and it felt good.
Gretchen was so calm and so great and so encouraging. I remember
one time not hearing Gretchen and asking frantically, "Where
is Gretchen?" I just needed to know that she was nearby.
I was unsure since I had never felt the pushing stage, and Gretchen
really helped me figure out exactly where to push by cheering
for me really hard when I hit the right spot. I also remember
my labor nurse, Sherry, coming right into my face and saying
"It is okay. Just push through the burn" WOW-helpful
advice!! Michelle helped to video the baby coming out since I
wanted Scott near me. I also remember Scott just quivering, almost
in tears, watching in amazement and saying, "Oh my goodness"
He was really moved by the whole experience and I could feel
his pride for me and the joy for the new life in his voice. Touching
the head was another great piece of encouragement and I knew
I was almost done. I will always remember the way it felt, so
warm and soft. Michelle also reminded everyone that I wanted
to use a mirror. The baby's head looked wrinkled and it was filled
with cute fuzzy black hair.
Gretchen
worked her magic again with the help of the nurses to "unstick
the shoulders."She moved me into a better position and promised
that if I gave our one last big push that we could see our baby
and find out whether it was a boy or girl. It worked !! Scott
announced the sex, but I did not actually hear him because I
was shouting out loud to everyone in the room "I love you
all! I could not believe I did it. Are you sure it is over?"
They put the baby on my chest immediately. Then, I felt the warm
umbilical cord and she was soooooooooo soft against my skin.
I looked down and said "It is a girl", not knowing
that it was old news. Our labor nurse, Sherry, was super supportive
and allowed us to bond for a long time. Elsa cried a lot, but
it was because she was so alert and healthy and happy!!! Sherry
helped us nurse together for the first time. We were hooked!
Our experience
at the Family Birth Place was amazing. We loved the small time
atmosphere and felt personally cared for by everyone. It was
fantastic compared to the feel of the "baby factory"
in Denver. Scott got breakfast in the morning and we loved our
candlelight dinner! All the nurses were so sweet and kind. They
let me nurse Elsa throughout the hearing test, and she passed
so much quicker that way. We were also blown away by the hand
knit hat that a generous volunteer makes for the newborns. I
can just see her knitting away and wondering who would be wearing
the next little cap. She has no idea how special her gift was
to our family. Family Birth Place just rocks!!! If God blesses
us with more children, we hope to have them there.
I came away
with a small tear on my old episiotomy which was just a reminder
about how much better my birth was this time. The recovery has
already been a hundred times easier than my first experience.
I owe all of this to my support team especially the midwives,
Gretchen and Sandy, and Scott. I also feel that having such a
positive birth experience is helping me through the post partum
phase. I just feel such a sense of accomplishment and renewed
self-confidence and peace with myself. I know I can tackle small
daily problems and I draw from my birth the ability to relax
and pray through my little dilemmas each day. We are overwhelmed
and humbled by God's greatness in blessing us with such an amazing
journey to meet Elsa Pearl. We praise Him for his amazing design
for women's bodies and thank Him for surrounding us with these
special angels (Gretchen, Sandy, Sue, Jan, Michelle, Sherri and
all the nurses, and especially little Elsa Pearl)!!
Becky, Scott,
Grace and Elsa Lieb
Ligonier, Penna.
Blankets
for Babies Campaign
We would like to Thank all of those who took the time to drop
off Blankets during Nurse Midwifery Week. All donations were
deeply appreciated. All donations were sent to the American Red
Cross to be forwarded to local flood victims. The next campaign
will be during Nurse Midwifery Week, first week in October of
2005. We will also be hosting another patient reunion get together
during that week so mark your calendats Details will be available
in our Fall 2005 Newsletter
Angel
in The Waters
Our office has recently made a great find with a book entitled
"Angel in the Waters" It is a simple, easy to read
book with beautiful illustrations which depicts life inside the
womb from the child's perspective. This book is very Pro- Life
and makes a wonderful shower gift. Our office currently has 2
copies which are available to read in our office. If you wish
to purchase your own copy of the book, simply call Toll Free
1-800-888-9344 or order online at www.sophiainstitute.com. The
entire book can be read online at www.angelinthewaters.com
Early
Pregnancy Classes
If you are an expectant mom between 8 and 28 weeks, you may want
to consider coming to one or both of the Early Pregnancy Classes
now being offered. Jan Mallak, certified childbirth educator
and doula with 25 years of experience, will be teaching the two
classes which will run from 7-9 PM and cost 20.00 each. Couples
are encouraged to come together. The dates scheduled for 2005
are February 02 & 09 and April 20th &27th and these topics
will be included.
Class One-Group
introductions, discomforts, fetal development, warning signs,
nutrition, weight gain, activity, exercise and sexuality
Class Two-Including
the family, choices for childbirth, relaxation activity, value
of education and other health partner options
The value
in attending these types of classes begins with basic information.
Pregnancy should be a time of fact-finding and decision-making.
Having a baby will be one of the most significant events in a
woman's life. The better prepared she is to handle it, the more
confident and comfortable she will be with her new role. By educating
herself, the mom will develop into a good consumer which continues
to benefit her and the family. Developing a positive attitude
about the birth and life after also influences how she will deal
with postpartum and early parenting. Remembering that this is
what her body was intended to do helps her to develop a sense
of mastery when it comes to the challenges of birth and beyond.
The combination of proper attitude, preparation and skills results
in more successful mothering and parenting.
Nutritious
snacks will be served each night and a packet of related handouts
will be provided. A catalog for ordering reasonably priced childbirth
related books and products will be provided. Come join in the
learning and sharing with other women during the earlier months
of your pregnancy. Call Jan at 724-327-6063 or Sue at 724-527-9159
for more info or to register. This class is open to the public,
so pass the word !!!!
The Birth
of Deianarra Louise
Our beautiful
miracle made her way into the world, not exactly in the way we
had planned, but Deianarra Louise Swearman is all the more precious
to us. She was worth every last effort and I find myself staring
at her with a love that I have never known before for another
being and undoubtedly will never feel again. I never believed
parents when they said that there is an instant love, unlike
any other when one becomes a parent. Now my husband Chris and
I both know....there is.
Our daughter
was conceived about three days after my husband and I moved back
from South Carolina. My pregnancy was pretty uneventful, I enjoyed
daily walks with Chris and our boxer Noodles until the last few
weeks before my due date. Unexpectantly my blood pressure began
to creep up about my 37th week of pregnancy. From there I was
in every few days to Mercy Jeannette for fetal Non Stress Tests.
Gretchen and Sandy wanted to make sure that Deianarra was doing
just what she has supposed to. Each and every time her heart
beat was beautiful and we were sent home relieved.
By the week
of October 18, 2004, my blood pressure was still high. We then
tallked with Gretchen who let us know that since my blood pressure
was higher that induction may be the best way to go. So after
talking it over extensively with Gretchen and with Chris, I decided
to be induced.
On October
22, 2004, we arrived at 7:30 At Mercy Jeannette, and I was started
on Pitocin. At 12:30 PM Gretchen said that I was progressing
nicely, effacing a bit more and dilating to two centimeters,
we decided to break my water. It was odd; after it was done I
felt this immense responsibility come over me, as if this was
really going to happen. I was going to be responsible for this
little person and I suppose it began to sink in finally.
I have to
admit the contractions grew in intensity. I felt that I would
not be able to handle them. My family began to arrive, and I
could not have gotten through the evening without my Dad, who
offered his hand that I could squeeze as they built. My husband
was afraid of me breaking his hand and I think I would have!!
My progress was slow, and at 10:30 PM, Gretchen came in and asked
me how I wanted to proceed. I was at a standstill, and had been
for about two hours. We decided to stop the Pitocin and get some
rest. In the middle of the night, however I started to have contractions
on my own, but they were irregular. By morning, she called Dr.
Khalil to assess my situation, but by that time, I was so exhausted.
Chris and I discussed the situation and decided to have a C-Section.
I got a shower as the O.R. was being readied and I was taken
in. At 9:10 AM, our baby girl was born. I do not remember much
about everything going on, just a pure giddiness when I heard
that lusty cry from behind the sheet.
Even though
we had not planned on our birth the way it happened. Looking
back all that really mattered was having a healthy baby. We thank
from the bottom of our hearts, Sandy, Gretchen, Sue and Dr. Khalil
and all of the wonderful nurses at Mercy Jeannette. Also my wonderful
husband, Chris, he made laps with me along the hall, and was
with me throughout the whole labor. Without everyone, I would
not have had the nurturing care that I desired when looking for
someone to deliver our baby. We owe our family to all of you!!
Jennifer
Swearman, Greensburg, Pa
New Books
Donated to Our Library
We been very
fortunate to have had several great books donated to our library
during the last few months and we would like to thank those who
were very generous to do so. Our library is a very important
element of our practice and all our patients enjoy borrowing
books. The following books have been donated:
Mayo Clinic
Complete Book of Pregnancy and Baby's First Year
The Mother of all Baby Books by Ann Douglas
What to Expect the First Year by Arlene Eisenberg
What To Expect When You are Expecting by Arlene Eisenberg
Donated
by Suzanne Taleff
Working Woman's Lamaze Handbook by O Robinsweet
The New Parent by Dr. Mirian Stoppard
Eating Right for Two by Diane Klein
Conception, Pregnancy and Birth by Dr. Miriam Stoppard
Donated
by Rebecca Florey
The Realistic Resolution
New Year
Thoughts
With each
new year, how many of us make zealous resolutions only to abandon
it a few hours, days or weeks later? Here are some ideas to make
that resolution realistic, whether you are focusing on diet and
exercise or simply trying to change your ways in another area.
So many of
us jump into a New Year's Resolution because we are excited.
The fresh beginning of the New Year gives us the opportunity
to reflect and realize different areas that need improvement
in our lives (Not to mention we think about all that holiday
food we ate and want to get rid of those extra pounds we gained).
The key to
success is planning and goal setting. This may sound a little
boring, but it is vital for focus. Write down your goal. It becomes
a promise to yourself. If you are motivated, a contract with
yourself is enough. For others, it is a little more difficult
to stay the course. If this sounds like you, recruit a group
of family and friends to hold you accountable. Start with a small
goal and move ahead once you have achieved this step. Plan how
you will get from step one to step two. For example, if you begin
a new diet, it is a good idea to decide what you want to eat
in advance and have those foods available. Otherwise, when you
find yourself rushed, you are more likely to grab for the quick
and easy bag of chips or cookies instead of a healthier alternative.
To build
upon this concept, if you are proactive, you can set yourself
up for success. Try setting aside a day to gather what you need
to make that goal a reality. For example, spend a Sunday afternoon
to cook different meals and utilize the "stash" for
the rest of the week. Merely prepare your meals in advance!!
The freezer and microwave are great tools to save you time.
Keep a journal
to log your progress. Journaling can pinpoint areas of weakness
that you do not even realize. This can also be a useful tool
to track progress.
A personality
or physical overhaul is far too much to ask of anyone. Whether
you are working on removing a word or phrase in your vocabulary,
taming a bad habit, or making a healthy change, focus on one
thing at a time. If your desire is to lose that holiday weight,
remember that a guide to follow is 1 1/2-2 pounds per week for
women and 2-3 pounds per week for men. You can not expect to
lose 30 pounds in two weeks or even a month. This is both unhealthy
and unrealistic. Gradual weight loss offers greater long-term
success.
Weight loss,
nutrition, and performing exercise correctly and efficiently
can be overwhelming. There is so much information out there that
a simple concept can become quite complex. Educate yourself.
If your budget will allow, hire a professional to help you meet
your goals.
It can be
difficult to adhere to a regimen if your heart is not in it.
During that planning phase, be certain to consider your personality
and schedule. Remember to focus on progress, NOT perfection.
We will all have set-backs on "the journey". Take a
moment to learn from your mistakes. Stay the course.
Sometimes
we need to promise a reward to ourselves to see the journey to
the end. When you meet the goal, honor that promise to yourself.
If you encounter adversity, transform it into energy that will
fuel you. Keep those who encourage you close by. Just by asking
you how you are doing or what progress you have made, these people
will be holding you accountable. Sometimes we are more prone
to adhere and improve when someone is watching.
The resolution,
like the New Year, is only the beginning. The journey itself
is up to you. You may at some point question why you are working
so hard because you do not notice any change. But someone else
will notice, and that person will most likely say something to
you about it. Imagine the elation when you feel when others see
that you are different!! (Keep in mind that a change should be
made for yourself and not for others.) Use this energy to keep
you going or to start the cycle all over again. This journey
never really ends because there is always a way that we can grow
and improve ourselves.
This January,
keep these tips in mind when you say to yourself. "This
year I am going to __________________.:" Believe in yourself,
set yourself up for success, and make the change. You CAN do
this!!
Article written
by Dawn Waltman, who is a certified A.F.A.A. Personal Trainer
and Group Fitness Instructor. She is a mother of three small
children and has had personal experience with tremendous weight
loss. Dawn offers one-on-one or small group training in the weight
room or aerobics studio. She teaches aerobics, yoga, pilates,
kickboxing ect. To get in touch with Dawn or to learn more about
the services she provides, contact her at 724-515-4998 or at
dawnwaltman@comcast.net
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