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Welcome Norah
Emmaline
- In the beginning of our pregnancy, Dave and I decided we wanted to take childbirth classes together in order to best experience the pregnancy and our growing little girl. I loved the idea of a natural and drug-free childbirth but was deep down a bit nervous, wondering if it was only for those truly hearty women. But as our classes progressed, we both became more and more excited about the benefits of this type of birth. So we were so excited to discover Boulder Nurse Midwives. We were immediately at ease with Merrilynn and all of the prenatal support she gave us, including informative visits and even calls on the weekend.
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We went in for our last checkup, intending that day to finish packing our bags and preparing our ipod playlist. But, alas, due to some issues of preeclampsia, Merrilynn determined that we needed to be monitored more closely, sending us to 'the other side'.
Much to my dismay, induction was eminent. I was scared and disappointed and nervous. Things were not happening as I had hoped. (We weren't even packed and were now stuck in the hospital!!) But throughout this difficult decision-making process, we appreciated Merrilynn's willingness to give us plenty of time and space to think through and discuss our options.
And thus began a long process of induction using a handful of methods. A day and a half went by before I began feeling any contractions. And suddenly....they were strong and I was in full on labor. 
- I appreciated laboring in the tub, my husband by my side. The contractions were immediately fierce like a freight train, seemingly unrelenting. I remember wondering for a moment whether other women were hearing me labor the same way I had heard them the last day and a half. Before long, I remember thinking that the contractions were virtually unbearable and mentioning to my doula that I didn't think I'd be able to do it without some sort of pain relief. I remember her saying, "Ally, these are the contractions that bring the baby." And I wondered what that meant....was it THESE contractions that were bringing MY baby or was it that contractions bring babies. Within minutes, Merrilynn asked me if I was feeling the urge to push. Yes, but I had tried to ignore it, thinking it was impossible, since I'd only been at it for about half an hour.
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Before long, I was pushing and utterly exhausted. I pushed for an hour and a half and I remember a friend, who is a nurse who happened to be on shift, leaned over and said, "Ally, I'm going to clean your baby when she comes." That meant Norah was close!! The next thing I remember, my tiny, warm and wet little baby was placed on my belly. She nursed immediately and was so alert, even making eye contact!
Though our birth started out differently than we had hoped, it finished so beautifully. And we were thankful for a natural birth, despite the need to be induced. It was ALL worth it!
Thank you, Merrilynn, for enabling us to have such a perfect birth experience. We are totally enjoying our giggling 4 month old!
