Birth Story: Violet Annette

Violet Annette

Violet Annette was welcomed into this world on April 26, 2020.  Her mother and father eagerly awaited her arrival after more than a day of labor and delivery.   Violet’s mother agreed to an induction because it was advised by her OB/GYN.  The doctor was concerned about the mother and baby because the mother has diabetes.  The mother also has a history of keloids so she wanted to avoid a Cesarean Section at all costs. 

The mother, Keesha, told me early on that she had many fears about labor and delivery.  She did not feel like she had a high threshold for pain and she was worried about how supportive her partner would be during such a stressful time.  To help prepare them for the birth, we had virtual meetings about comfort measures.  I also shared YouTube videos with them with emphasis for Will to go back and watch multiple times.  We decided that Will would use coconut oil and lavender essential oils to help her with painful contractions.  We also practiced breathing techniques for early and active labor.  Will would frequently text me questions about articles and videos to help him work on his massage skills.  It was very endearing and I knew Keesha was not going to have to worry during labor.  Every now and then, he would call me to check in and make sure that he understood what would be best for her.   

At 38 weeks, the induction began.  Keesha and Will checked into the hospital early in the morning.  Will called and let me know when they arrived and started completing paperwork.  I told him to Facetime me once Keesha was settled into her room.  When she called, I reminded her that I would only be a phone call away.  Her and Will could call anytime that they felt anxious, worried, or needed support. 

When the nurses came in to explain the induction process, Will called and had me on the phone.  The induction started with Cervidil.  Before getting off the phone, I reminded Will that this would be a long journey.  I reminded him to make sure they both stayed hydrated, for Keesha to eat to keep up her energy, and for them to enjoy this last little bit of time together.  He told me that he brought some board games for them to play. 

We text back and forth with each other.  After about 8 hours, Keesha called me to let me know she was starting to feel something.  She described menstrual cramps.  I told her that Cervidil was starting to work.  After about 3 or 4 additional hours, Will called to have me on FaceTime.  Keesha was using her birthing ball; she was working through early contractions.  I told Will to prepare to see some changes in her within the next couple of hours and to keep me informed.  After another 4 hours, Will called and said that her water had broken.  I talked to Keesha for a little while.  She was definitely having contractions and needed to get some rest.  She said she would ask the doctor if they could give her something to help her rest.  Will called me back after an hour and said the doctors gave her something and she was falling asleep.  I told him to get a nap because she would need him in a few hours. 

When Will called me about 6 hours later, I could hear the nervousness in his voice.  I reassured him that he had prepared for this.  He was worried that Keesha was in too much pain and he wanted her to go ahead and get the epidural.  I stayed on video chat with them while he massaged her and helped her through a few contractions.  He was doing everything he could and Keesha was getting worn out.  When the nurse asked if she wanted more pain relief, an epidural, Keesha agreed.  Will said she was 5 cm dilated and I told her she was doing a great job.  Enjoy the rest that is coming. 

When they called me back in a few hours, Keesha looked rested and happy.  She was so glad that she had a break from the pain.  Will sounded relieved to not see her in such pain.  I told him that she would need his support again when she reached 10 cm and she would start pushing.  Hours later, he called to let me know that she would start pushing and he had everything in control.  Almost 2 hours later, I received a beautiful picture of mom and daughter. 

Providing support during COVID-19 was a different experience for me, but it was still invigorating.  I felt like I was able to guide the partner to be stronger for the mother because I was not physically there.  My proudest moment was when Will told me “I got it”.  I felt like mother and father would both be supported and ready.  I learned that if I guide the partner then the couple would feel empowered and rely on each other.