Guest Post from Briggs' Birth Team

When Kellie asked me to write something about her birth this time my response was that it will be short and sweet. That was because she didn’t do much labor time and I wasn’t there but about 26 minutes before Mr. Briggs made his grand appearance. So I thought since Kellie has done such a great job educating you folks about pregnancy, labor and birth I should take some time to go back and make a little history leading up to Briggs birth.

Gina, Midwife in training
Toni, Midwife
Callan & Briggs

For Kellie’s first pregnancy, she decided to use me as her midwife and have a homebirth. She had a healthy good pregnancy, took classes and did everything right. She carried the baby to 41 weeks and 6 days. Then the great day came with a SROM, spontaneous rupture of membranes at 12:30 AM. Contractions started soon after. She labored at home with just Beau for about seven hours and then called me to come. Amazingly this awesome first time mom was 8 cm at 8:00 AM! Whoohoo! We should be having a baby soon! Right! Well from there it was a slow go. Five hours later, she was still at 9 cm and was starting to tire out and contractions were spacing and loosing there ump. We tried, honey, labor tinctures, resting, position changes. Finally got complete about 4:30 PM and started pushing. Tried all positions, toilet, stool, bed, toilet, stool, more tincture ....... About 8:00 PM after 3 1⁄2 hours of pushing and not a real sign that we would be pushing the baby out soon we decided a hospital transport was the best decision. After we transferred to the hospital, took a little rest, got some pitocin, got some good contractions going again and with a little help with the vacuum extraction, the cutest little chunky baby made his appearance and we were all so happy to see this cute little man. Mr. Callan weighed in at 9 lb 8 oz. and was a handsome baby boy! Kellie was so totally amazing to go through this long drawn out end of labor phase that just seem to last forever! But she was brave and strong and hung in there and pushed out her big boy!

I always like to tell my first time mommas that “you never have to have a first baby but once!” So, nine months later ..... next pregnancy. Kellie was so strong and brave again to decide that she was  up to the challenge to do this again. She rocked this pregnancy, being so much wiser and ahead of the game this time around. She gained less weight, had little swelling this time and made great plans for the coming birth! She planned for a photographer, massage therapist, her mother, midwife and birth assistant to all be there for her beautiful water birth! Then as nature would have it she went into labor at 40 weeks and 6 days. She started labor at 7:00 AM with the SROM again, but this time without contractions so she took some castor oil about 8:00 AM. Kellie took a nap and woke to contractions about 10:20 AM. Her text was funny, 10:40 AM – “Getting stronger contractions. Seem to be 5 min apart.”
I replied, “ Are you ready for me to come?”
Kellie, “Not yet”.
Me, “ Ok, I just need to change”.
Kellie, “ Maybe u should come and see”.

 I arrived at 11:17 AM and no one was coming to the door. I decided I better let myself in and as I opened the door, Beau was coming. He was busy with setting up the pool. I went to check on Kellie. She was having a really hard contraction. Once it was over I got vital signs and listened to the baby. Then another strong contraction and as I listened I said, “are you pushing with those?” I don’t think she had realized that yes, she was pushing.

At that point I had to move quickly to get things brought in and set up for the birth. No, I didn’t get things set up. I was looking for pads, gloves, etc..... the plastic wasn’t on the bed. I called to Beau to ditch the pool idea; there would be no time for a water birth. Cheryl the birth assistant walked in as Kellie was pushing again. Baby was coming. No time for set up. No time for a water birth. I think at some point, I don’t remember if it was before Briggs made his grand appearance or just after that I noticed Kellie’s mom and the massage therapist had gotten there.

After arriving at 11:17 baby was born at 11:43 AM! 26 minutes and he was born. Kellie was so amazing and strong to be so far into her labor and just an hour before be telling me she wasn’t ready for me to come! She was amazing!

Briggs came in weighing 10 pounds even! My first look at him I saw Callan’s same little face! These boys could be twins! I know they will change and take on their own looks but no denying they are brothers!It was a great honor to help Kellie and Beau bring these precious boys into the world! I love this work and seeing families grow!

~Toni Kimpel, Midwife

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Dear Briggs,

Your birth was incredible. Your mama is amazing. I was so excited when your mom announced her pregnancy and home birth plans with you. You see, your mom and dad were in my Bradley classes when they were pregnant with your big brother and I got to know them pretty well. I was at your house for a long time when she was in labor with Callan. I was so proud of her strength and determination during his birth. I knew she had big plans with you and was proud again of her determination and further educating herself on birth and her options. She started a blog to help other moms learn more about birth and share stories and experiences. She wrote a lot about you. She was pretty smitten by you from the very beginning. Then after much anticipation and excitement, the day that we all were waiting for (mostly your mommy!) finally arrived...

I woke up Saturday morning, June 28^th, to a text message from Mrs. Kimpel and your mom telling me that her water had broken and you were going to make your appearance! So I got ready, set up my babysitting and waited around for updates. Your mom text me and said she was going to take a nap. I thought that was a great idea! Laboring is hard work so a nap would give her lots of energy to be able to bring you into the world. An hour and a half later Mrs. Kimpel sends me another text telling me to head to your house. I got all my kiddos all packed up and just about ready to send to the babysitters when I get another message telling me she's pushing! You are headed out! So I very quickly scoot my people out the door (luckily they were just going across the street!) and hop in the car. I didn't even have my shoes on and forgot my watch that I bought just to wear for your birth! I high-tail it to your house. It is about a 10 minute drive for me. I park, and run into the house. I make it to your room just in time to see your mom in the middle of pushing. I quickly gathered up your blankets, try to get your heart beat but you were already on your way out! You were born about 5 minutes after I walked in the door. You guys work fast! You and your mama made a perfect team. Once you were up on her chest, you cried right away and I cried, too! I had no doubts your mom would have a beautiful home birth. She totally rocked it! You looked just like your brother and quite a chunky little monkey, too!

We took some time to let you nurse and take care of your mom, you met your daddy, and your grandma came to meet you, too. We weighed you and couldn't believe you were a whopping 10 pounds of sweet perfection! When she was ready, we got a bath ready for her and the two of you took an herbal bath, complete with flowers. You mom's friend, Whitney, was there photographing all of the special moments. It was beautiful! You got to meet your brother and take more pictures with your grandparents. You were passed around and loved on by everyone!

You are part of such a sweet family. You will forever have a special place in my heart, little man. Your mom and dad are just so in love with you. You had a gentle, sweet start in life and I wish you many blessings and a long and happy life.

Much, much love,

Cheryl