Birth Stories Sequel: Tara and Kyler and a Doula

You should remember reading about Tara and Kyler during last week’s birth story. If you have not, you can read her incredible journey to natural childbirth while battling pre-eclampsia here. Today, we have a special treat for you, a sequel to that story. Her doula’s version of how little Kyler came Earthside! Er, I guess that makes it a prequel? Maybe just a quel… Is quel even a word? Okay, okay. Soo off track! Without further ado, I bring you Kyler’s birth, again… From Rebecca’s side.   I am jumping in with Kyler’s birth story from the perspective of my AMAZING doula – Rebecca Overson of Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. It was so interesting to read her notes and point of view. I will have a post soon about why having a doula is SO SO SO important. Trust me I’ve done two births without a doula and one with – you NEED a doula. I’ll be including my mom’s and husband’s thoughts about the birth as well.

Tara Parker

9/22/11

Birth of baby Kyler at Orem Community Hospital

Orem, Utah

Doula: Rebecca Overson

LMT Apprentice Doula: Marianne Olson LMT

At about 11am I was in a meeting at my office when I received a phone call from Tara saying, “Today’s the day. My blood pressure is elevated and we are going to induce.” I told her I’d meet her at the hospital soon; that it would take me about an hour to an hour and a half to get to her. I let Marianne know and asked her if she could pick me up. I began packing all our things. I had a premonition that today would be the day, simply because two out of my three appointments for today cancelled the day before, and the universe has a way of clearing my schedule for me when a baby is coming. Tara had been having bouts of contractions for awhile now and we thought that on Monday she might be in labor. But alas, today was Thursday, and yes, today is the day, and my schedule magically cleared itself.

Marianne arrived at the clinic and we headed to Orem.

12:55pm Doulas arrived at the hospital. 1pm IV administered by nurse Jill. Rubbed Citrus Bliss on Tara’s chest, breathing deeply, eyes closed, relaxed, contracting.

1:05pm Nurse Jill had a hard time finding a good vein, Tara wanted distraction. Massaged legs, held her hand, stroked her cheek and forehead during blood draw.

1:20pm Nurse is finishing getting Tara hooked up and checked in – IV now IN, Pitocin and external fetal monitoring going. Tara indicated baby is posterior, talked about different positions for labor based on baby’s hear rate tolerance. Tara is now going over paperwork with the nurse.

1:35pm Cindy arrived (Tara’s mom). I introduced myself and Marianne.

1:55pm Nurse done with all paperwork and such, going to get apple juice for Tara and birth ball.

2:30pm. Dr checked cervix, 5cm. Dr. wanting to know if he should break water; we decided we’d discuss it and let him know in an hour at next exam.Things are moving steadily but slowly, Marianne and I decided to run and grab some snacks in case we were here for awhile.