Jessica's Birth Story

On the morning of my due date, April 16th, 2009, I was having a little pain but quickly dismissed it. It was nothing like the "labor pain" they teach you in birth classes. My husband, a police officer in a city 45 minutes away, went on to work as usual. I told him I'd call if it was something more.

I did not have a clue it was labor until I was in the Transition Stage, that is the hardest part of labor. I called my midwife in Chapel Hill and informed her I was having contractions that were 2 minutes apart. Because I was so calm and in control, she told me to continue timing!!!!!!! I said ok.

Less than 15 minutes later I had the urge to push. I have now entered Stage 2.

There are only 2 stages...this is it! I called the midwife again and explained to her what was going on. She asked how long it would take me to get to the office (an hour and a half by the time my mom got to my house. My husband was still 30 minutes out.) and told me to come on. Again, I said ok. (This was my first baby so I didn't have a clue how this really worked!) After I ended the call I had the urge to push again. It was then that my water broke. I was not thrilled. As I made my way to the bathroom something felt weird. I decided to put my hand "down there" and was able to feel my baby's head!!!! Still in control, I laid down on my bathroom floor, remembered my Bradley class instructions, and pushed 3 times. Next thing I know I am sitting on my bathroom floor, holding my screaming baby girl, all alone, wondering what do I do next?!

I stood up, baby still attached, walked to my bed to grab my phone and called 911.

While on the phone my mother arrived and directed the EMS into the bathroom. The proud daddy arrived a few minutes later with a huge smile on his face and told me he was so proud of me!

God protected both baby Madilynn and myself that day. Neither one of us had any complications.