Unmedicated Vaginal Birth of Leona and Dax
Every year, I’m asked to attend births that change me. Births that move me with their beauty, their rawness, their power, and their strength.
Sarah reached out to me to document the birth of her twins. Her 4th and 5th babies. I couldn’t have been more excited when I got her email because I could sense just how OPEN she was to this experience…how ready she was to meet her babies and celebrate their arrival.
Sarah and I had actually met years previous, when we were both pregnant and receiving care at Baby + Co (a free-standing birth center). I was expecting my second, and she was expecting her third. I don’t think either of us could have imagined then where we would end up seeing each other again - at Swedish Hospital on the day Sarah and Joe were going to meet their twins.
Sarah wanted (if possible) to labor and birth her babies vaginally and without an epidural. This is relatively uncommon here in Colorado, and yet Sarah was determined and had found the right care team to support her. She was FULL term when she walked over to Swedish after an appointment with her midwife found her to already by 5cm dilated.
Her labor was beautiful. Soaked in love and prayers and praise. I think you can see how powerful it was by looking through these images. I remember swaying in the corner, goosebumps on my skin, as I watched Sarah and Joe work so beautifully together.
I could say so much more about this birth, but I think Sarah’s words are the most powerful. The following is from her IG account (which you should totally go and follow) @sarahbrooks7
It was 5:20 and I began to push. I didn’t anticipate the pain of the hard metal table beneath me.
This was different than my last birth—on my hands and knees on a soft king size bed. Low lights. One midwife. One nurse. And my hubby.
But I had prepared for this. For delivering two babies—vaginally and unmedicated with bright lights and an army of incredible medical staff. It was HAPPENING.
I knew it would overwhelm me if I allowed it. And looking back at the video it certainly had its very chaotic moments as I was surrounded but I was surrounded by support. I shut my eyes to close it all out, in the excitement and the want to get it over with, to get my babies safely in my arms. I felt hurried.
Joe whispered and coached me—I was letting out too much air.
Mary stroked my face and began to whisper in my ear. I don’t remember the words she said but she empowered me—gave me divine strength in her gentle whispers —she was made for this.
I realized my midwife, Shawna, had entered into the OR. My eyes had been closed through it all. Dr. R had gladly stepped aside and allowed Shawna to do the honors. I love the pictures of my doctor standing next to her, excited and smiling. #team
I took a real breath, one of courage and readiness and all my moments of pushing my babies came back. I began to push the way I needed. I was ready to meet my daughter. And at 5:21, Leona Helen entered into this world.
A breath of relief. I held my daughter. Surrounded by cheering voices and encouragement. It didn’t even feel real. I felt joy. And worry. The first time I can recall experiencing the tension of two babies.
I held my DAUGHTER while longing for my son and an end to this journey.
A few moments passed when Shawna got my attention and said, “mama are you ready for number 2?” And I lifted my finger — “just a moment” but she shook her head. He’s ready.
Joe gently took his daughter and held her close while I grabbed onto Kelsey, my doula and my dearest friend’s hand, and I began the work again...
It was just 2-3 pushes, with some quick breaths in between. I just wanted him in my arms. I don’t ever remember feeling anything. I just wanted him out. My eyes were shut tight and I could feel his head out. My doctor and midwives coached me along—“There he goes! awesome!” Dr. R exclaimed. “OPEN YOUR EYES!” Mary encouraged me. And my eyes lit up and my smile took over my face as I looked up with the greatest relief I’ve ever felt, and at 5:26, 5 minutes after sis, Dax Joseph entered into this world.
I love the pictures and videos because of the relief and joy in our faces and Joe whispering into my ear and kissing my face with tears in his eyes, “you did this. YOU did this.” And there is no greater feeling.
Dax had to have a few minutes of help about 1-2 minutes after his birth with some oxygen but he returned just minutes later. Two babies in my arms. An incredible labor and delivery behind us and a great wild and full adventure head. The Lord is so sweet and kind. “You have filled my heart with greatest joy.” Psalm4:7
