Just then my phone started singing Rachel's ringtone. "Guess what babe!" That was the beginning of a really long night. Rachel was having strong contractions about 15-20 minutes apart, and although this had happened before, she knew instinctively that this was the real deal. I came home a few minutes later to go on a walk and think though our plans. I have to admit that I was pretty skeptical- I didn't want to get my hopes up and be let down yet again. After a while, though, it was clear that this was it. Since she was still so early in labor, we thought it would be best that Rachel's mom and sister continue to take care of her while I go back to the church for another hour or so.
By 9pm there was no doubt! My mind was all mixed up and foggy, so I called a quick meeting with Rachel's mom and sister to make sure we had everything set. We decided to try and get Aisha and her cousin Lyla to bed before we took off to the birthing center. Rachel was having contractions about every 5 minutes, and they were stong enough that she was starting to groan through them.
We left for the birth center at about 11pm. When we arrived we learned that Rachel was at 3 cm and 80% effaced. The midwife got us right into our room. Rach labored like a pro. As each contraction came and went she would moan with a deep "ooooooooooh", like we learned in our childbirth classes. Feeling a little odd making bovine sound effects, Rach asked us to moan with her - then quickly shushed me because my voice was too low and annoying. Melissa moaned with her through every contraction - she was a huge encouragement to Rachel.
At 2:45 am Rachel was at a 5+ and it was time to get into the tub. Contractions were coming fast and furious, and the tub provided huge relief! Rach was still having contractions, but she almost fell asleep! No wonder they call water the midwife's epidural! Just two hours later she was at 10cm and pushing. I can't tell you how proud I was of Rachel. So much pain but such a sweet spirit! Our midwife Nivia was a pro - a short, 60 year old Jewish fireball from New York who has delivered nearly 5,000 babies. When Rachel was about to push she put her hands over her belly and prayed the most beautiful prayer of blessing in Hebrew- calling Gabriel to come out!
At 5:12 am the midwives let me help catch Gabe and bring him up to Rachels chest. He was breathing perfectly and enjoying the comfort of his mommy's arms. It took a little rub on his back to coax out a squak, then a good cry. He took to the breast instantly, then after about 30 minutes I cut the cord and the ladies began to attend to Rachel while Gabriel was cleaned up, weighed, and wrapped in blankets. Official stats: 9lbs. 2.5oz, 21 in.
We are amazed. Thank you, Faithful Father for giving us such a precious gift. Thanks for Rachel's strength, her incredible endurance, and for keeping both her and Gabriel completely healthy.
PS - Turns out the Jewish midwife's husband is a pediatrician - Gabe has a certain special appointment with him on the 8th day...
