Hunter Grayce is here- she was born on June 7, 2008 at 4:40 pm. First DAY baby I had- I started early labor around 5 am, and contractions were so irregular and not really bad. Around 12 I called and the Dr on call told me to go to the hospital and they would check me and call my midwife, Becky. (that was 12:30 when he called.) I really didn't feel ready, as my contractions were more than 10 minutes apart and didn't feel strong so I relaxed, because I was tired. At 1:30 pm I started losing the "plug" and (my water didn't break)...and I told dh and he said- we should go to the hospital. I was a little reluctant... So I called my sister and told her to get here as fast as she could. My parents were already on their way (luckily I called in the morning to say I thought something was happening!). So they said they'd go right to the hospital first since it was on the way to our house. We got to the hospital and checked in around 3 pm and the nurse checked and said- and I am not kidding- "you have a beautiful squishy cervix...I would say 8 cm." (Just like 2nd and 3rd time! HAHA) So she said- I say we call the midwife and have her break your water and have a baby! So I did, after the monitor...I was in triage all of about 10 minutes before they checked me in. And mind you- I was in transition and was totally unaware. I was not in pain except for my back! So I got in the tub after she broke the water because the baby was still a little high. After 3 pushes, Hunter was born! I was in the tub probably about an hour or so- time had no meaning except that it felt like the longest 1.5 hours of my life. I was waiting and trying to bring her down gently and even though the back pressure was excruciatingly intense, I had another amazing water birth! At the very end I yelled that I couldn't do it and didn't want to push. I guess they knew it was coming because I heard the midwife say "just push and you'll meet Hunter". I caught my baby girl and when I saw her (didn't even look at first) I was totally amazed! She is so small! I didn't tear this time either! She was 7 lbs 6 oz on 6-7-08. When we came home yesterday she was 6 lbs 15 oz. She's nursing well and I can't believe that we have a DAUGHTER.
All in all, I think I figured out that the real labor part was about 2.5-3 hours so it's good I didn't wait till the contractions were 3-5 minutes apart like the last 2 times. I really didn't feel like I was so close! The contractions went from 10 min to about 3-5 really fast after I got in the tub. Sorry if that is all TMI but it was crazy how fast it all happened. If I had waited I might have had the baby in the car! All I can say is thank GOD for the tub because the back pressure was so intense I thought she was coming out the back! But being on my hands and knees with my hips spread apart and in the water was so helpful. If it weren't for the back issues- I am not sure it would have hurt very much. The front contractions were nothing! I let my body do what it needed and I breathed...a couple times I lost it and started tensing and dh and the mw said breathe slowwwwwwwww....and I did and it WORKED!
I had a quick moment to update while the boys are shopping with DAD so here you go. Pictures and real birth story coming soon!
Thanks Melissa for updating!
I am so in awe of her! We are over the moon right now.
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Francine mom to 3 awesome boys~Keiran 2/18/01 Aidan 11/14/02 (water birth)Breylan 5/02/05(water birth)
and and Hunter Grayce~born 6/7/2008 7 lbs 6 oz, a fabulous water birth
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Blinkie Maker
The day you deliver, outside will be warm. Your baby will arrive in the evening.After a labor lasting approximately 5 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and will be 17-1/2 inches long. This child will have blue eyes and dark hair.
Hey, SheKnows Guest - we need you! The SheKnows pregnancy boards aren't going anywhere - but perhaps you'd consider helping us grow our 
A fabulous water birth!
Kim 
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