26 Hours

Last Wednesday, a sweet girl named Brixtyn was born.

Get some tissues because this blog spot has 22 hours worth of the most delicate and intimate photos. Participating in this birth had me on my toes. Amber proved to be incredibly patient and strong during her birth. Her labor began the previous day.

– 5 AM –

Amber and Chaz notified everyone that it was time to head to Baylor for their scheduled induction. By 7 am, she was admitted into a generous room that accommodated everyone present. It was roomy but not so spacious that you felt disconnect from what was happening.

Amber was in early labor for a while before the doctor came to assess her progress. Chaz’s parents were in the sitting area being supportive and making sure that Chaz had everything he needed to comfort Amber. Amber’s mother was also there ready to aid when necessary.

Once Amber was settled, her nurses and doctor started her induction and we all began the waiting game for their daughter.

-10:30 AM –

After a few hours of laboring the doctor came in to check her progress. From her experience in delivering, she predicted that Brixtyn would not be arriving until 8pm to 12am that night.

The disappointment in Amber’s face was immediate. Although she did not waver in notion, it was easy to tell that her expectations were not what she had hoped for. Especially considering that a week prior, she was at a 3. Now, she was back at a 1 with no progress in the hours she spent laboring thus far. With Brixtyn being her first baby, everyone was encouraging her not to be dismayed. Babies run the show and can take as long or as short of a time that they want. Specifically first babies.

After another half hour, I could tell my presence was distracting her. She never said it but it is a natural response for women in labor. The last thing I wanted her to worry about was how long her birth would take to document. That should be the last of her concerns. Picking up on her body language, I offered to leave and return when she had progressed further along. I needed her to be as relaxed as possible for her and Brixtyn’s sake. If mom isn’t calm and relaxed, baby isn’t calm and relaxed.

I return around 630pm. Chaz informed me that Amber had asked for an epidural and was feeling great.

When I went to grab a cup of coffee, I came back to find their room full of excitement. Everyone stayed and shared their company for a couple of hours.

As 9pm was creeping up I had a suggestion for Amber & Chaz. I highly advised them to take the opportunity to be alone for a while. In a matter of hours, their lives would no longer be just them. Their time was precious and as excited as everyone was, I knew that having these moments would be their last until their sweet girl arrived. This stage of their lives was in transitory. All of us have a right to be selfish with that time.

After their time together, the nurse advised all of us to get as much rest as possible. We knew that things would pick up sooner than later and Amber needed her rest. I retired to the waiting area in the room and Chaz went out to the waiting area to update and spend time with the family while Amber slept.

We wake up to the neighbor patient screaming during her delivery. It wasn’t exactly the best situation for Amber to hear considering she was feeling pain despite her epidural. When she told me she was hurting, I retrieved the nurse. She checked her and alas we were only at a 7. Understandably frustrated, Amber tried to sleep a little longer after her medicine was increased.

– 3:50AM –

I pulled the curtain back to see that Amber had sat up to feel more comfortable. It wasn’t helping. She was in transition. Vomiting is a sure sign that delivery is near. She was still feeling a lot of pain. She was actually feeling the contractions without being able to move her lower half because of the epidural. She was miserable. Not being able