Our Newest Edition! Zoe's birth story

Hello Friend! 

 I cannot believe it has been almost five months since I have posted here!!! Time is flying right past me. So much is going on in the world that I may have withdrawn into my little bubble for sanctuary. In order to keep in a good frame of mind, and a (somewhat) joyful spirit; I have scaled my "extra" activities back. SO...what brings me out of my cave for today? The news of our most recent arrival. 

 

Introducing Miss Zoe Rae Shanice Beckles

For some reason I feel compelled to start with a bit about Brayden's story. (you can read more about this here).  In March of 2018, our son Brayden was born. Unfortunately, Trisomy 18 caused many issues for Brayden's little body.  He survived to week 36 of the pregnancy, which was a miracle in and of itself, but this very serious illness caused him to be stillborn.  

In July of 2019, I became pregnant again, only to miscarry at week 13 - September 2019.

Fast-forward to January 2020.  I began to feel a little fatigued. In February, with much trepidation, I took a pregnancy test. It was positive.  I have to honestly say that I had mixed emotions.  Physically, I was just getting my body back.  Emotionally and spiritually, I wasn't sure what to feel or expect.  I had to choose to be happy everyday.  I scheduled our appointment at week 12 and everything looked good.  Because of our history, I had to go see a specialist at week 21(ish).  I chose to take all the tests for genetics and disorders and such. The tests and the ultrasounds all showed that our baby girl was as healthy as a baby could possibly be.  I'd like to say that I knew by faith that everything was going to go perfectly; but that would be a lie.  Some days were great days, others...not so much.  One day that was special for me was the day that I walked into Walmart and they had a brand new stroller/car seat combo on clearance for $100 dollars off of the original price. Somehow, I knew it was for us. For one, I LOVE a good bargain.  One problem...at this time we didn't know if baby would be a boy or a girl.  Everyone in the house was praying for a baby boy.  I just wanted a healthy baby. I called by husband to get his thoughts and he just kept saying over and over again, "but it's pink".  I bought it anyway. 😁 We could always return it; but an opportunity to save $100 on something you need does not happen daily. Why was this so special to me?  Because I believed it was the Lord saying to us that he was providing for a need.  If there was going to be a problem with this pregnancy, I wouldn't need a car seat or stroller. With the previous pregnancy and Brayden, I never purchased anything. With Brayden, I would see cute little things for baby boys; but never felt comfortable buying anything.

I am able to honestly say that this has been my easiest pregnancy. I did have some fatigue in the very beginning; but that's about it.  In about week 35, I  don't know what was going on; but I slowed my activity WAY down because my hips and back were hurting so badly that I could barely walk.  I even went to the emergency room once to make sure everything was okay.  

 

Baby was in great position; but I wasn't dilated, or anything at the time.  I continued to take it easy until week 37. Baby was still in position and I was dilated at 1.  At this point, I began to prepare for labor.

I walked about five days a week for half an hour.  At week 38 I added Evening Primrose to my vitamin intake ( I had forgotten about EP and red raspberry leaf tea until then).  I listended to positive podcasts about birth, and I began to watch about 2 birth information videos on YouTube.  At week 40 I added midwifes brew and eating pineapples to my daily routine.  (Thanks for the tips, YouTube Mamas) Both of those things are supposed to soften the cervix.  I also  spent a little more time in "fellowship" with hubby than usual.

FINALLY, at 41 weeks and a day, Zoe decided it was time to make her appearance. I had my first contraction at about 3 in the morning; but I was able to go back to sleep until time to get up for church.

I did my normal Sunday morning routine, all the while having sporadic contractions.  I began to have really painful contractions at about 10:30...during our second hymn in church.  After the music and announcements I went home and I continued to labor at home until my contractions were about 3 minutes apart and I could no longer count to  60 intelligently. (Part of a future post about laboring tips.)

My husband drove me to the hospital, I was checked in and then the nurse checked to see how far dilated I was.  An 8!!! They called the doctor and about 15 minutes later he arrived. He checked me, said I was ready and asked if he could break my water.  He broke it and told me to push with the next contraction.  

I was not expecting to hear push!!! It actually took me a couple of contractions to compose myself and prepare to push.  Once I got it together, I pushed for about 20 minutes and out she came.

Once I arrived home my daughter Aaliyah asked if I was excited when Zoe finally was born; to which I responded..." I think I was more relieved, than excited in that moment."

Now I feel a little more excited, than relieved.

Until next Time,