Lucille's Birth Story

Written by Lucy's mommy and daddy

My second VBAC and the pending arrival of my 3rd child began on the 20th of April 2007 at 8am. The labor began like menstrual cramps, which were 10 minutes apart at the beginning. I decided at that time to call my husband, who had likely just started work. I was still wondering if this was the real thing until the cramping was constant at 10 minutes apart at regular intervals.

My husband arrived home close to 11am, and quickly realized that labor this time was quicker than he had thought. By lunchtime, contractions were 5 minutes apart. I was unable to concentrate on anything at this point during the half hour drive to my cousin's in Howell which we had planned on to drop off our children Anthony, 4 and Jennifer, 2, before heading to the GBC.

During the drive from Howell to the GBC in Okemos, I was well on my way to delivery as it took all my effort to focus on myself and getting through each contraction. Having the window down a little ways and using visualization of water and "riding a wave" helped me tremendously.

The entire birth was a fast paced labor, from the start of contractions at 8 am to the final delivery at 2:28 pm. Lucille was an even 8 lbs and 20 inches long. The birth was just over an hour after our arrival at the Greenhouse birthing center.

The birth took place in the water and was very intense as the labor progressed quickly after getting to the birth center. There was overwhelming mixed feelings in me immediately after the birth. I did not want to look at or hold my baby. With reminders from Kip and Clarice that any feelings, all kinds, are normal helped me to focus. This made it where I could touch my new baby and begin to get to know each other.

Afterwards I had two Steak and Shake cookies and cream milk shakes. YES, it was one of the highlights of the birth. The first I started during the last bit of labor, and had some left that wasn't melted to enjoy after the labor. Then of course I asked my husband Dan to go get me another one!

The same evening Dan and I took our little bundle home and had some time alone with Lucy before the other siblings were brought home to us. I know this created a special bond between her and her mommy and daddy and am happy we were able to do this.

I now have been empowered twice with both of my girls being born VBAC's and I have Kip, Clarice and the GBC staff to thank for all their encouragement and love. I did it! What a marvelous feeling of accomplishment! Now the really hard part to face...raising my children to be the best they can be.