Waits was born at 39 weeks on the nose, and I still can’t believe he managed to cook for so long. I’d had signs of preterm labor at 28 weeks and a minor placental abruption at 31.5 weeks. I really didn’t think we’d make it full term! And I worried I wouldn’t get to have a natural birth.

My consulting OB had recommended a medical induction at 38 weeks due to the risk of another abruption. After lots of thought, and under the care and consult of our exquisitely qualified midwife, Linda, we opted to let things progress naturally. Making it to 37 weeks was glorious, but suddenly all our attention switched from trying to keep him in, to trying to help him come out! We knew that another abruption could be very dangerous, and we were not opposed to trying to coax him out.

I ate enough pineapple to fell a yak. I did twice-daily nipple stimulation. I drank more red raspberry leaf tea than I thought possible. Damian and I were allowed (and encouraged) to make love again! This may sound like some hippy shit, but there is evidence to support each of these techniques.

I also began having regular conversations with Waits. I told him that it was safe for him to come out now. That when he did he would get to meet his mommy and daddy, and he would finally get to nurse, and that I loved him and couldn’t wait to hold him. We also talked a lot about labor, me and him. I explained that it would be in both of our best interests if things went quickly. If he would just do his best to get into the right position, I would do my best to relax and breath and then push my hardest. I told him that our labor was teamwork – the first great thing that he and I would do together. We had this conversation almost every day.

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