Everett Gardner's Birth Story

JUNE 12, 2011

The Birth of Everett Gardner

By Everett’s Mom and The Birth Center Client

I started seeing Ruth at the Birth Center for care during the 20th week of my 2nd pregnancy. I was excited to be preparing for an out of hospital birth, but I had concerns as well. Ruth put my fears at ease right away, and through all my prenatal appointments helped me to mentally prepare for a great birth experience.

I had been having Braxton-hicks contractions off and on for weeks. A few days after my due date on the evening of June 11th, I began having noticeable contractions. A couple hours in I started timing them and realized they were consistently 8 minutes apart. I had a snack and watched TV on the birth ball for a few hours then went to bed. I was able to sleep, but awoke at 5 AM to a popping noise. I had a good suspicion that my water had broke. Almost immediately my contractions got stronger, and I knew then that “this was it”. I sat on the birth ball for an hour then called my parents to come stay with our son. At 7 AM contractions were about 3.5 minutes apart. I called Ruth and she said to come right away. When we checked in at The Birth Center I was 4cm.

I spent the next few hours in and out of the birthing tub. Ruth and her staff were fantastic. They were always right there to answer any questions, provide suggestions for position changes or help with anything I needed, but also gave my husband and I privacy. It was nice to feel supported and cared for but there was also a sense that the privacy of my labor was being respected. My husband sat with me the entire time, just holding my head or hands. At 10 AM Ruth checked me and I was dilated to 6cm. The labor contractions were very intense and I was feeling a bit discouraged. Ruth and Janet (the nurse) gave me so much encouragement. Ruth also recognized that I was trying to control the labor and she encouraged me to let go of the control and become more internal. I did and while using various hypnobirthing techniques I relaxed into the contractions as much as I could. An hour later I was fully dilated.

I pushed for about an hour in several positions. In the tub, on the birth stool, on the bed. My son Everett was born at 12:13 PM on June 12th. The pushing phase had been long and hard for both me and Everett. Ruth did a quick exam before putting him on my chest, while his cord continued to pulse away.

The few hours after the birth were wonderful. I rested, ate, and nursed my sweet little boy. Going home with Everett that day was amazing, I felt so fantastic and really enjoyed being home with my whole family.

My experience at The Birth Center was fantastic. I can't say enough how much I appreciate the amazing care I received there. During all of the office visits and throughout the birth, Ruth and her staff were wonderful. They provided completely personalized and professional care. If we ever have another baby I will definitely be birthing with Ruth at The Birth Center.