Throughout most of her pregnancy, my sister experienced strong Braxton Hicks contractions. Her and her husband made many trips to the hospitals, which would always end in a “false alarm.” The night before she delivered, she was already a week over due, she was huge because her placenta was growing on the outside of the womb which caused her belly to poke out further than normal, she was miserable, and still running around after a one year old! She began feeling contractions but we all decided they were probably Braxton Hicks contractions once again. Early Friday morning (the 18th), she awoke to find her water had broken throughout the night. This was the real deal. It was time for us to make our way to the hospital because after 9 months, Landon was ready to come.
This was my sister and brother-in-laws second child. He was very unplanned and unexpected, coming only 15 months after the birth of his big sister. However, they showed as much enthusiasm and love for him as they showed for their oldest child, Mia. Even though I had given birth myself 4 years prior, it was a new and exciting opportunity to be in the room while someone else gave birth. It was my turn to become a participant observer instead of being the one observed!
After getting to the hospital and once her pain level began to increase, they were ready to give her an epidural. It was surreal to see the length of the needle they put in her spine! When I went through the same procedure, I did not think much of it since I did not see it actually going in my spine. I only felt a small pinch and before the needle was pulled out, my legs were already tingly and my pain disappearing. This was not the case for my sister. She started shaking violently, which they said could be a side effect from the epidural, but then her right side went numb, while her left side was still feeling maximum pain. We had to get the anesthesiologist back in there very quickly so he could fix whatever was going on. He took the epidural out, let her rest a minute and tried again. By this time, the contractions were coming so close together and they were so severe she could not sit still long enough for them to insert the needle in her back. If they attempted it, they could cause permanent damage to her spinal chord. They decided they would put some local anesthesia to her groin area so she would at least have some type of pain control when she gave birth. When they were beginning the injections, the baby was crowning. They did not have time to give her anything, not even Tylenol! I experienced some strong cultural shock because even though I had been through the same process myself and even though I work as a nurse aide and have medical experience, I had no idea what to do in this situation. All I knew was that my sister was in agonizing pain, she was having this baby natural and he was coming now. I quickly jumped beside her and helped her hold her legs up. She was getting so weak and tired from pushing for so long. After a little while they told her they needed to speed up the process because my nephew had his umbilical chord wrapped around his neck so many times, if they didn’t hurry up he would lose too much oxygen and he could become unconscious. There were also, so many people in the room (it is a teaching hospital) and I felt my sister was feeling frustrated at so many people gawking at her completely exposed and in pain. I finally took control and told them the only people that needed to be directly in front of her were the doctor and her nurse. I told the rest of them to step aside and give her some space. I also remembered using the birthing mirror during my daughter’s birth and it was completely essential in knowing what I was doing. I quickly got it for my sister and put it in front of her. She could not talk much because she was so exhausted but I know she was smiling at me with her eyes and that was exactly what she needed. Out of nowhere, she got a second wind and an energy and drive that had me in complete disbelief. She was so brave and strong and even though she was shaking from fatigue, she knew she could not give up, the life of her unborn son depended on it. With a newly found drive, she continued pushing and delivered Landon within 5 minutes. She was relieved it was over, but the concern was still not over. The doctors worked quickly to cut the umbilical chord off his neck. When he came out, Landon was blue and not crying. My heart was breaking, however, I had a feeling he would be ok. After what seemed forever, we heard the most beautiful cry I had ever heard. They wrapped him up and immediately brought him over to Leslie (my sister). I began crying tears of joy and happiness.
This event was of epic proportions and importance to my sister and her husband. They just brought a life into this world and for the rest of their lives they would spend nurturing and raising him to be the best person he can be.When they finally brought him over and handed him to my sister she immediately began crying and could not stop kissing him. They began to instantly form a special type of kinship system, known as the mother-infant bond. They began developing an intimate, intense and long-lasting relationship. Through this kinship, the new parents will instill strong bonds of security, love and moral obligation to what they, the parents, believe to be the socail norms. I know from experience, giving birth is one of the most amazing experiences in the world. However, watching a birth is something truly miraculous and beautiful. This is and experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life.
Leslie and Mark about to leave for the hospital!
Mia was getting impatient and she wanted Mommy :)
Mark and Leslie ready to see their little boy!
I couldn't believe how beautiful he was!
The proud aunt!!!!!!!!!
Garieth Landon Etherton
The proud cousin, Jazzlyn and proud big sister, Mia keeping each other enertained :)
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