When I became pregnant with our first baby in July, I knew that I wanted to go with the midwives in Jeannette. They had been highly recommended by friends and co workers. At first I was very nervous about being pregnant. After speaking with Sue to schedule my first appointment, I knew I had made the right decision. We received lots of information at the first appointment. At every appointment thereafter, each of the midwives calmly answered any questions we had. They never rushed us. We were encouraged to create a birth plan and in January we participated in prepared childbirth classed offered at the office.

At 35 weeks we discovered that I was dilated 2cm and 60% effaced. Sandy instructed me to drink plenty of water and to not do too much until I reached 37 weeks. If I went into labor too early, the baby's lungs wouldn't be developed enough for me to deliver at Jeannette. We made it to 37 weeks without any problems and I was still dilated at 2cm but 80% effaced. I had a false alarm at 39 weeks but everything remained the same. Sandy patiently checked me and told me to keep myself hydrated.

Three days before I went into labor, and two days past my due date, I began to experience sever back pain. Not wanting to over react again, I dismissed this as a pulled muscle. Friday, April 20, 2001 I went into labor around 3AM with my contractions coming about every 5 minutes. Around 5am my contractions were still about 5 minutes apart when we left our home in Derry to go to the hospital. By 6am my contractions were 3 - 3 1/2 minutes apart and I was dilated 3 1/2 - 4 cm. I experienced intense back labor and was thrilled when Gretchen asked if I'd like to be the first to try out the hot tub. Without hesitation I seized the opportunity. What a relief to be submerged in warm water! I leaned against the birthing ball for awhile and alternately squeezed the hands of my husband and mother who stood beside the tub. Before entering the tub around 9AM I was dilated to 5cm and my contractions were still coming about three minutes apart. Within 5 minutes of being in the tub, may labor increased and my contractions were only a minute apart. Halfway through my time in the tub, I was at 8cm. Around 10AM when I stepped out of the tub, I was fully dilated. My membranes were very tough, so I agreed to have Gretchen break my water. Several nurse checked me and it was suspected that the baby was not head down. The sonogram equipment was brought in verifying that the baby was breach. Gretchen thought it would be best for me to have a caesarian. Everyone went into action immediately and Dr. Khalil was called in. Gretchen stayed with me during the entire procedure and I remember holding onto her arm until my husband was brought in. The nurse above me explained what was happening and within a few minutes I heard my baby crying. I started to cry as Emma Paige entered the world at 11:14am, weighing 8lbs, 3oz and measuring 21in. long. Emma was brought over to me so I could kiss her, then her daddy stayed with her while I was in recovery for 2 hours.

Although the birth of our daughter didn't go exactly as planned, it was a positive experience. I feel fortunate to have been able to use the hot tub for my labor. Without it I may have labored many more hours before realizing that Emma was breach. Because I didn't use any medication during labor, Emma latched onto the breast without any trouble. I was worried that she might not, since we hadn't had the chance to bond immediately. Everyone at the Family Birth Place made us feel welcome and offered their help. We feel fortunate that Emma was in our room surrounded by her family until I could join her.

Jennifer Worley

Derry, Pa