And his name shall be called…

Jeremiah James Plattner

Born at 7:15 Pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

He weighed 11lb 4 oz and is 22 inches long.

I am amazed at how it all went, if you would like spared of details, you may stop reading now.

 

I lost my mucous plug in the AM of May 1 and even though many Moms still go weeks before they give birth, that has never been the case for me, so I was hopeful that delivery would be within a few days.  I went to see Dr Camden (my chiropractor) in the AM to get what I hoped was a final adjustment.  My hips were out for several days last week and so I thought an adjustment would be in good order.

I didn’t have much for contractions in the AM, just the here and there Braxton Hicks type I had been having for weeks.  At 2:30 PM I sat and read a few chapters to the children; it was then that I observed what might be some regular contractions.  From 3 to 4 I attempted a nap but was having some good contractions somewhat regularly so I never was able to get to sleep.  I got up at 4 and decided to get busy to see if the contractions would quit.  Chad called at 4:15 to say he was heading home and to have Jesse ready for their date night.  I told him what was happening but intended to have them go anyway because I was figuring it would be a long time yet!  By the time he got home I was doubting the wisdom in that decision as my contractions were stronger and 2 to 3 minutes apart.

I called Bernice (my midwife) at that point to let her know what was going on.  We decided to wait awhile and see if it continued to progress or if changing activity would fizzle them out.  Around 5:00 we decided to have her come.

In the meantime I was ready for a quiet house and was thinking this might go quick so I made a couple calls to local friends to see who was available to pick up the children for the evening.  It would have been an hour to have Chad’s Mom come and get them and I wanted them to come back that night (if things went as quickly as they seemed) so it would have been a lot of driving for her.  The children enjoyed their evening with John Sauder’s family.

Chad set up and filled the birthing pool for me, with the children’s help of course, and I was trying to gather things for Bernice that I had not yet done – I was earlier than anticipated!

I got in the pool about 6:30.  It was IMMEDIATE relief!  So much so that I was concerned that my labor was going to stall.  It took away the in between discomfort and lessened the intensity of the contractions.  I highly recommend a birthing pool!  This was definitely the easiest labor I’ve had.

Bernice got here at 6:40 and Kim (her birth assistant) arrived shortly after that.

Delivery was, on the other hand, the most difficult I have ever had.  It was only 7 minutes of pushing, but it was one continuous contraction that didn’t let up and Jeremiah had shoulder dystocia so Bernice had to assist with the delivery.  It wasn’t all that long but when you are in the middle of it it seems like forever!  Jeremiah was born at 7:15.

I am thankful that God directed our decisions.  1. Chad was not in Peoria with Jesse!  2.  Bernice and her assistant were both here in time for delivery though only by 30 minutes.  3.  We didn’t have Mom P come.  They wouldn’t have even made it back to Princeville before the baby was born and I would not have wanted them around when things were intense which they were getting to when Misty got here to pick up the children.

Jeremiah was born at 41 weeks and 5 days.  A delightful surprise since the last 3 were at least 2 1/2 weeks past 40.

I am thankful that Kim was available to assist at the delivery as she is a doula and also a lactation consultant.  I think having her here to help with initial latching on was influential in getting a good start nursing, Jeremiah is latching on pretty well and that is hard to accomplish with a newborn.

I am only posting one picture because the children want to blog the others.  You can click on the links below if you would like to see the newborn pics of all the children.

http://plattnerranch.blogspot.com/2009/07/ive-got-baby-on-brain-and-i-need-your.html 

http://plattnerranch.blogspot.com/2009/09/johanna-ruth-in-pictures.html

Praise the Lord!!!!