Birth Story

The anticipation of this birth brought both fear and excitement. I knew a little bit of what to expect, since I had laboured before, but this time I wanted to do things differently. I wanted to have more control over my body without the use of an epidural, and I wanted to experience being more in tune with my body in getting him here safely. The day prior to the birth was a long day of pre-labor. I went about as normally as possible. 2 weeks previously I had a whole day of false labor, which was emotionally and physically exhausting. I didn’t want to get my hopes up that he would be coming a few days early, but I gave the necessary people the heads up, just in case. I took E to the park in the morning, and went on a very slow walk. I tried to nap and rest in-between contractions, and watched shows and played with E to pass the time. My Mom and sisters came into the city around dinnertime in case we headed to the hospital. My contractions began getting stronger around this time, but would vary in how close together they were. As the evening progressed, so did the intensity of the contractions. We decided to head to the hospital and around 11:30pm when we got there I was 6 cm dilated. Shani, my wonderful cousin and doula-in-training, met us at the hospital. She was a huge comfort and help throughout the whole process. She rubbed my back, showed Jordan how to help me, gave suggestions, reminded me to breath and relax, and helped me understand what my body was doing. It was hard to not feel confident and strong when I had people there telling me how amazing I am, that my body is strong, and that they love me. I spent most of my time in the shower, allowing the hot water to relax my body as I got through each contraction. I have to admit I did some strange things to cope and relax. Deep low moaning, and buzzing my lips to name a few. When I started to feel more pressure and got the urge to start pushing, I made my way back to the bed. 8 cm. I could feel myself moving into the transition phase (which is not any fun). I started shivering and the contractions were longer and closer together. I asked for laughing gas, which I inhaled deeply through each contraction, and then tried to sleep in-between. It made me feel both loopy, and more in control; a weird sensation. I could feel him coming down. I had to push. The Doctor came and checked me, said that there was still a bit of rim but I could push if I felt like it. So I did. It felt good and terrible at the same time. It took me a few contractions to get the hang of the pushing and breathing, but I had people there counting and telling me I could do it. After what seemed like an eternity, but wasn’t that long at all, I looked up at Jordan and said, “I can’t do this!” “Yes you can, your body is strong.” And I believed them- mostly. I have always heard about the ‘ring of fire’, I felt it, but was more focused on the pressure, such a surge of strong, painful pressure. The nurse told me to stop and breath through the next contraction- He was almost here. Then they told me to push. One, maybe two contractions later- Pop. I was done. 3:05 am. 15 minutes of pushing. I looked down to see the most amazing, puffy, goopy little baby boy. They put him right on my chest. Such joy. “I did it! He’s here! My baby!” Jordan was able to cut the cord after they clamped it. We were such proud parents. 

I had no idea my heart could grow so much again. I remembered this feeling from before when I first met E. It is an amazing experience welcoming a spirit, fresh from God. My baby.

Torrin Richard Anderson 
8lbs
20 inch

E sure loved to give him kisses. She loves her baby brother.

-Diana