The Birth

As many of you know, we were hoping to have a very natural birth. We found a hospital in Netanya (about an hour away from us) which has a natural birthing center. The center is a section in the hospital which is adjacent to the regular birthing rooms, only that its meant for women who do not want to take any pain relieving medications. It’s designed like a ‘regular’ room – with a big bed, a ball, a beanbag, a couch, ropes and ladders for different positions, and a shower and a bath. It’s also equipped with its own fetal monitor and emergency intercom. Ania started having contractions at 4 am between Saturday and Sunday. By 7 I was up, but since they were very weak, I left for work. At 4 I came home and we started organizing for the trip to the hospital. We called our doula (birth assistant), and by 6 we were out to the hospital. It was raining very badly and we took an off road because there was a radio report of a traffic accident on the main road. As the drive was taking longer and longer, Ania’s contractions were getting worst, and eventually we just went on the shoulders and drove past a big traffic jam. We arrived at 7:30, only to discover that there isn’t a midwife which can take us into the birthing room, and that we have to wait till one will be made available. We had to spend an hour and a half in the hall waiting for the room, while Ania was 4-5 cm dilated. Eventually we made it in. We had a shower, and set up the room, while Ania’s contractions were getting stronger and more frequent. The room was very nice, and the ambiance magnificent, but that did not help the birth move faster, and 4 hours later we only progressed 3 cm, with the head at -2, reversed, and high. As the pain was getting intolerable, the monitor reported a suspicious drop in fetal heart rate, which sent us all packing across the hall for some nice soothing Epidural in a classic birth room. By the time it started flowing, Ania was already fully dilated. Still, we reached a road block. The contractions were not getting stronger or more frequent, and 3 hours later we were not much better than we were coming into the room, with the big difference that now Ania could relax and even dose off through her contractions.We eventually got some inducer, which helped a bit, but not enough. It was only when the words ‘vacuum’ were uttered that we all really got engaged, and with the help of the wonderful staff there and our doula, we started getting the birthing business on. By 4:30 am I could tell my daughters hair color. By 5:10 in a gush of agony and delight, we invited her out of her womb and into our chests and arms. She was born a sweet 3.150 kg bundle of joy, after 25 hours of contractions, 10 of which in the hospital. We were so amazed. She has straight black hair, and large dark eyes. Personally, I was hoping she would take on Ania’s looks more, but she still has much growing to do, and in spite it seeming impossible now – getting to be even more beautiful than she already is. Tomorrow or the day after she will be introduced to her new home, bed, and dog. By then I hope to post some photos. We are anticipating your comments bellow – whether they be wows, dropped jaws, congrats, pointing out my spelling mistakes, or just questions. (מצטער אם חלק מהמילים לא מוכרות, אני אשמח לפרשן ולתרגם מה שנדרש). Wish us luck on this great adventure, Amir on behalf of the expanded Taller family.