The Blissful Wizard
After 9 months of a wondrous vibrant and fit pregnancy, and now weeks after the incredulous birthing event, I share with you our story of welcome:
Friday 21st, The winter solstice saw the start of minor 'expansions' (contractions) that evening. The movements of preparation gently prepared me for the days to follow...
Saturday 22nd
Birthing expansions were regular and continuous. There was no doubt that action had started, and that it was time to seriously pack my bags. I had my father arrive early in the morning and share with me a Bowen's and Myofacial adjustment. My mother arrived from Cooma NSW, later in the afternoon (inspired to come via her intuition), and concluded the day with sharing a Reiki treatment. The expansions were continuous through-out the day, 5 - 10 minutes apart.
Sunday 23rd, (my sister Lillian's birthday)
I experienced the mucus plug coming away as I was making a big batch of veggie juice. Oh well, no floatation tank today after all! It was definitely all happening. My brother Pat came down to see me for the last time with my wonderful big belly baby bump! He gave me a lovely back wash as I luxuriated in the bathtub. That afternoon, we had a rehearsal trip to Leongatha hospital (20 mins away) on the midwives request as I had had some bleeding which they wanted to check. A good friend Paul was our driver. After being monitored at the hospital, we were assured all was well and were sent home. That evening the expansions stepped up a notch or 2 at about 11pm. Determined to get some sleep prior to the 'big event' and not wanting to create disturbance at the hospital, I attached my TENS machine (sends electrical impulses into muscles and nerves; natural pain management method), took Herron (paracetamol), and retreated to bed and listened to my birthing hypnotherapy CD - which I listened to 3 times during the next number of hours. At 3am I woke Rob to wake our dear friend Wendy, requesting more Herron and bananas! After a quick trip around the corner, Rob returned with the supplies, and rest continued in preparation. Expansions continued, but I managed to tune into stillness, peace and breathing.
June 24 (Birthday of my brother Milton's first born, Jaimi Lear) Our baby's actual due date....
6am There was no holding back any more. Expansions were now about a minute apart. I woke Robin, saying, ‘it's time to go now!’ The drive to the hospital went by very quickly as I straddled the chair breathing through the regular expansions. By 7am, we were at the hospital ready for the full birthing experience!
What a magnificent day! Such strong connected energy. I felt mentally, physically and spiritually prepared and ready. We phoned my mum, and Wendy who were invited to attend. Rob was magnificent. We set the room up with the crock pot with essential oils, my herbal mix, homeopathics, flower essences, got the chanting and toning CD's playing, and enjoyed expansions as they came and went, whilst controlling the intensity of the TENS machine. So much humor and joy accompanied each one. An amazing experience to surrender to the passage, knowing that ultimately my body was a birthing apparatus and it knew what to do. I allowed my voice to travel with each expansion, voicing ancient, tribal, primitive, wacky, whistling, tones - whatever seemed to come though. Rob massaged me vigorously, playing my body as drums when inspired, making the tones vibrate within me. I felt so connected with his touch, feeling his strength and love strengthen my connection with my journey. I visualized the lotus flower opening, spirals, and felt the presence of so many blessed ones. The energy and power was a complete experience. Sunlight streamed through the windows filling me with fire and light and radiance. I felt so conscious and clear through the whole process, delighting in welcoming each wave as it washed through me, humor and laughter accompanying each stage. There was such a sense of harmony and joy throughout, with everyone who was present, contributing perfectly and sensitively, honoring and witnessing the blessed event.
The only time I swore!: Between a contraction, Rob decided to replace the weak battery in the TENS machine, with a new one. But he didn't turn the machine off as he made the replacement - and it was turned to maximum 10! As I was jerked around the room as intense electrical currents passed through me, I managed to exclaim my single swear word with unexpected vigor!
By 3pm, the doctor decided he'd better check my dilation for the first time, as he thought that perhaps I wasn't progressing - each time he came in, I was having such a good time! Much to his surprise, I was fully dilated and ready to give birth! How long had I already been at this stage? But the waters hadn't broken, and I had no urge to push. I was encouraged to push, and push and push and push! 4 and a half hours later after an incredible effort and connection with everyone in the room pushing with me, it was established that the baby's head was presenting side on and needed some help. The 'French vontouse suction Cap' was attached to the baby's head, and we were on our way!
7.43 pm Full Moon evening!
As I discovered my primal scream, I discovered that I had given birth to a miracle of Love. What an amazing experience. A eight and a half pound baby was nestled into my arms, and directed to my breasts where it suckled contently. A doctor asks 'Does anyone know what sex this baby is?' So we look - and to our enormous surprise - identify a penis! It's a boy! This brought much exclamation and laughter as we all thought it was definitely a girl throughout the pregnancy. The ultrasound also confirmed these instincts saying 79% certain a girl. Well - wrong! It's a boy! 'What will you call him?' the doctor asks...Rob reply's 'Well if it was a girl she was to be Ella - so perhaps we should put an 'f' in front and call him 'Fella'. His humor continued even in the most intense of moments! 'You name your son', I say to Robin, and he replies in all seriousness 'Lachlan'. We quietly baptized Lachlan with the Australian bush flower essences - Fringed Violet and She Oak. And so, Lachy is Lucky! and what a lucky fella! My moment of bliss was watching Robin holding his son, gazing endlessly and completely with absolute joy and amazement honoring and welcoming this beautiful pure being of Love into our lives.
What a strong and magnificent experience and initiation of transition, woman, mother, and Life! Rob began working on a song that came through, a couple of weeks prior to the birthing and it's name was 'Strident'. After the birthing, it all made sense - definitely a strident experience, and infant. A friend phoned with the details of numerology and birth date details. Apparently the day of June 24 is 'The Day of the Blissful Wizard'. An appropriate summation of the energy of this child. Such a powerful peaceful delight.
So, I share with you this magnificent experience. The joy continues. Breast feeding is flowing smoothly now, after the enormity of the huge watermelons as the milk came in. Wonderful to be home after 6 days in hospital - the luxury of a country hospital. A routine of sorts now established in our cozy home. Loving the winter time as it is so nesty and appropriate for the reclusiveness of the adjustment and changes. We embrace the next stage of our lives together, as a family, in love, content, complete.
Blessings and Joy,
The Sloan Family
