The awesome waterbirth of River!

**Freya** · March 31st, 2009, 10:53 PM

I was aiming for a spontaneous waterbirth and physiological 3rd stage after 2 early induction due to medical issues.......

I let Dh get some last night not thinking it would do anything but I had a few random cramps during the night. Ds2 woke me up at 6:30am and I started having contractions anywhere between 7-15min apart, not to ouchy though. Still didnt think anything of it. Went to my acupuncture appt with Dh in toe JIC and afterwards the cx's ramped right up coming around 7min apart. Went and strolled the shopping centre for awhile to walk and pick up some milk/bread, got nearly all the way home and then they ramped up again and got to about 3min apart. Rang midwife and we turned straight around. At the birth centre I had a spew (ew so not fun when your in labour, kudos to women who have it happen from word go to birth moment!) and the midwife examined me. My cervix was about half a cm long and I was only 1cm dialated if that. I nearly cried

So off we went walking Townsville Hospital til about 12:35pm but I got sick of people staring at me so I went back to pace the BC. She examined me at 1pm and the cx's were about 3min apart and I was finally 4cm dialated. After prob another hour or so of pacing the floor and bouncing on the fitball my cx's were strong and regular enough to hop in the birthing tub. OMGoodness, what bliss! It still hurt but I could relax between contractions better. Around 2:50pm my waters broke and it was time to push and after 11min River arrived all on his own to float in the tub! My midwife picked him up and placed him on my chest and Dh and I got cuddles. Cord was cut once it stopped pulsing and then we got out of the tub. Placenta must have detached during pushing because it practically fell out when I sat on the bean bags so I got my physiological 3rd stage in 5min! He breast crawled and latched on for a feed within 15min of birth and is a fabulous sucker!
My midwife is a legend, what an amazing woman and midwife, I couldnt have done it without her!

It was everything I thought it would be and a fitting end to my personal birthing journeys, Ive truly been blessed with 3 beautiful birth's worth of memories to compliment 3 beautiful boys

River Stellan James
31st March 2009
Born @ 3:01pm after a 2hr1min spontaneous labour
7lb 2oz (3230g)
51cm long

Photos in the BB gallery

**maz** · March 31st, 2009, 11:06 PM

Beautiful Anna. I am so glad that you didnt have to be induced this time round and your were at one with your body.

Perfect birth hon....

well done!!!!!!

oh and he is just gorgeous!!!!

**Muffy** · March 31st, 2009, 11:11 PM

wow that is amazing!!!
congrats xx

eta he shares the same birthday as me

**Arimeh** · March 31st, 2009, 11:12 PM

what a wonder woman!!!

I am in awe of you - birthing goddess!!! *bows head*

good job love!!

**~clover~** · March 31st, 2009, 11:16 PM

Wow, beautiful

Congrats again!

BTW - love the pics on FB. He's gorgeous!

**suse** · March 31st, 2009, 11:25 PM

You rock Anna! Well done hon, I'm glad you got your waterbirth!

**Maruschke** · March 31st, 2009, 11:26 PM

Wow what an amazing birth! Glad you had the experience you wanted. And how fast did you put the birth story up! You are a champion!!! Well done Anna!

**Alan** · March 31st, 2009, 11:34 PM

Congrats Anna. Im glad you got the birth you wanted

**alioops** · March 31st, 2009, 11:45 PM

Well Done hun!!! He is an absolute stunner!!! Was the Earth room your choice? So glad he came on a day the normal MW was on call!!

**kristi14** · April 1st, 2009, 12:56 AM

I did a double take on his birth date when i read you let DH "get some last night". Im stunned you got your birth story up so quick.

Sounds like it was awesome. Well done and Congratulations

**LimeSlice** · April 1st, 2009, 01:01 AM

Wow! How fabulous for all f you! Well done huni...

Welcome River....enjoy all the newborn fluff your mama has been hoarding for you!!

Rest up hun and enjoy your babymoon

**Livinthedream** · April 1st, 2009, 04:23 AM

Congrats Anna, glad it worked out perfectly for you.xx

**Amity** · April 1st, 2009, 06:03 AM

Congratulations on the birth of River! What a fabulous event!

**Willow** · April 1st, 2009, 07:02 AM

Wow, Anna that sounds like the most awesome birth, I hope mine is half as good!!

Congratulations again babe! Off to check out your spunky boy...

**Michelle71** · April 1st, 2009, 07:08 AM

Anna - that was just amazing. The difference in a natural birth is just incredible and you did a wonderful job. Congratulations on achieving the birth you wanted and into water as well

You should be so very proud