Every Salisbaby has to have a story…
First contraction to birth … 45 minutes….. in a driveway…. in a van …..
Last night, I clicked “publish” for my post “fully-cooked, fully encouraged” at 11:29pm.
I instantly had one of my first contractions of the day…. I had eaten pizza at 9:45pm, and thought “oh, that didn’t agree with me”…. and I went to the bathroom and had a BM (don’t you love details?)
It took about 4 contractions to make it to the other side of the house to Irv. I tried to lay down.
Irv woke up to my noises, and I said “I don’t want to go to the hospital and have them send me home.”
Then a contraction started, I said … “I am going to the hospital now and I don’t care if they have to send me home.”
I couldn’t lay down. I stood up, and my entire body was shaking….
All I could think of was… “transition? already?” I knew we had to get to the van.
As I worked my way out of the bedroom – Irv called Nancy the neighbor to come over to stay with the kids… she was fast!
At 12:02 we had made it back to the kitchen, attempting to make it to the van, at that’s when we placed the call to the doula (registered as 12:02). I was afraid to be alone in the van, so Irv called Julie McO and told her we would come pick her up (she lives down the road) so she could drive us to the hospital.
Before we made it to the end of our road, I started having the need to have another BM … and I did! But I also recognized this sensation, and told Irv to call the Mco’s, have Tammy come out of the house, and call 911 for an ambulance to meet us at her house.
I got out of the van in their driveway so Irv could take the seats out of the second row. I could barely move to go anywhere. I had one long contraction against the van in their driveway.
Everything was burning …. I somehow got my underwear off (in their driveway!), put my had down “there”, and was able to completely cup the baby’s head in my hand…
I laid back into the van…. and did the panting thing I just read in the book 2 nights ago…. don’t push, pant. don’t push pant … ( in the “What to do in case of an emergency birth” chapter!)
Irv and Tammy delivered the baby.
About 10 years ago in my PA training, I delivered about 30 babies. Tonight, despite the pain I was experiencing, I felt like I was instructing someone on how to birth a baby. From preparing the van to lay down, the pillows, having Irv check for a neck cord, not pushing, panting, declining the shoe lace, checking for meconium (there was a bunch), guarding my cord, delievering my own placenta, etc…. it is surreal ….
Eden came out completely encoumpased in the amniotic sac…. still intact. I guess that’s being born “in the call” or something. I’ll have to read up on that (julia???)….
THe cord was around her neck, so Irv had to take it off. When he tried, the bag of water broke easily….
We got her to cry, they gave her to me…. it was awesome.
911 was on the phone — they report that time of birth was 00:14 , June 3rd.
The ambulance man said his pager came through at 12:13, and then they headed towards the Mco house. I think we had 10 -15 minutes after her birth before they arrived.
911 had Irv take his shoe lace off his shoe… I didn’t want to use it… stubborn as I am! When the ambulance came, we clamped it and I stopped the paramedic and asked for Irv to cut it. Irv got to cut the cord with a scapel. Too cool.
Honest, it was scary as I worried about her. It was cold outsdie. Her color was very pale in the ambulance as she was choking on mucous and queit. I just kept asking Irv to make her cry, he did a great job! I was the patient, not her – Irv got to hold her the whole way to the hospital.
I’m so proud of him. He was such a great protector, encourager, and listener. I love him so much! I am thankful he listened to my interpretations of what my body was doing – even when I couldn’t believe it! What an awesome privilege to deliver your own baby… and I was told he will have to be the one to sign the birth certificate? Cool.
The Lord knew it all, and I am so thankful for all the details….
Nobody cared about the baby for 3 hours when we got in the ambulance and to the Hospital. Irv carried the baby in, expecting someone to take her, and there was nobody! He kept her, carried her up to the labor floor, and sat in a chair…. No Vitamin K, oxygen, blood sugars, eye ointment – nothing! Wierd, huh? It took about that long to get wrist bands. I just learned that her blood sugar was supposed to be checked every 30 minutes after birth- so we are praising the Lord that she was fine for 3 hours! It has been 6+ hours and nobody has examined my bottom to see I even have a tear or anything… whatever.
Julia, the doula helped me get all showered, cleaned, and was wonderful!
They just weighed Eden Grace:
8# 1.5 oz
21 1/2 inches long…
Total labor from first contraction … 45 minutes (I delievered the placenta as we were pulling into SMH).
I praise the Lord for His provisions and answers to the many prayers….
She is nursing strong and so very beautiful. It IS a girl – and I love the pink hat!
Her temperatures are not stable, so we are waiting and then will get a bath later today.
She has nice, darker hair. Not sure if I can fit a bow in there yet 
But it looks promising!
Sorry if this is choppy – no time to edit. I got a baby to love on….. Will post some pictures soon…
Oh, and this was a success. I feel like a HUGE not-failure at labor! Thank you Jesus!
Note – I’m glad I was wearing a skirt!
When I published my last post at 11:29pm - I ended with: “For now, I am sticking to my Au-naturale plan. No lovey-dovey. No “recipes”. No castor oil. No stimulations. Goodnight sweet friends…”
Thank you LORD!
Sweet Friends, Happy Wednesday Morning!
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Comments
So- I told you to prepare for “drama” with a little girl- and I wasn’t KIDDING!!
Oh my word- I am so glad both of you are OK- what a story to tell her and everyone- born in a van in the driveway!!!
I’m sorry to hear they weren’t faster at attending to her in the hospital though- that’s a little scary- but she sounds like she’s a strong little trooper- and my admiration for YOU has just reached peak levels. Y-O-U
T-O-T-A-L-L-Y R-O-C-K! God knew He could trust you with this, and He did.
Amazing example of faith and His provision.
I Love you- will be over soon with a meal and smooches for you, the baby, the boys (if they’ll let me)- and many prayers and love coming your way!
Posted by: wendy | June 3rd, 2009 11:00
WOW WOW WOW!
Perfect, Perfect, Perfect!
Darci – I am so happy for you and for Irv and for the McOs and for me and for everyone else who has been praying for Eden’s birth!!
YAYE YAYE YAYE!
I was praying for you before I went to bed last night and I was praying for you when I woke up this morning and I have just been so hopefilled and trusting that this delivery would be a joyful one – a special one. And yes, I hoped for a natural one.
This is 100000 times better than I would have even dared to hope for.
That totally rocks! On every conceivable level. Not just no interventions… but on your own with your husband.
Okay – my comment is growing enormous!
I will pray about E’s lack of attention after birth, but I am really not concerned about it at all. God was and is totally looking out for her. She was with her Daddy… bonding. That’s a good thing.
Hey – next one… home birth??
You’ve got an awesome team on your side.
MANY SWEET BLESSINGS!
TOTALLY wonderful.
Big hugs!
Posted by: stacy | June 3rd, 2009 11:10
Darci – Amazing and awesome!!! So glad to be a part of Eden’s story through prayer support! Thankful that everyone is doing well and your prayers were answered in a way even more outstanding that anyone could have imagined. I’ll keep praying – but this time for easy recovery, health for both of you and lots of time to enjoy and bond with mama and daddy and big brothers!!! God is good!!!
Posted by: kiley | June 3rd, 2009 12:21
Darci – You are so awesome, I am so amazed! Congratulations. The story is unbelievable, only you could do it! Lots of love to your family!
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie Campanelli | June 3rd, 2009 12:55
WOW! Darci, congratulations! What an exciting night! So happy for you. And glad to have found your blog today just in time for the excitement. Blessings on you and your sweet family. Sarah Ovaska
Posted by: sarah o. | June 3rd, 2009 12:55
Darci,
You and Irv like to live to the hilt, and here God’s given you another story to add to your many that reveal his faithfulness! Wow. You might want to think about homebirths in the future!!! Congratulations on your first precious baby girl.
Posted by: Carole | June 3rd, 2009 13:22
Praise God! What an incredible experience for you guys and what a welcome to Eden! Wait – Are guys aloud to post comments here?
We are so incredibly happy for your family. I was in shock when I received the email from Irv. There were already pictures attached too! I quickly wondered how long I had been sleeping since it didn’t seem like all this could happen in just a few hours over night. Then I read Darci’s email. It had a link to her latest posting about the birth. Are you serious? I mean at this point, I’m disappointed that the blank picture of Eden in the header isn’t updated yet. I mean come on – what have you guys been doing?
Seriously – We couldn’t be happier for you guys as you will and already are being blessed by a wonderful little girl. And we couldn’t be happier for Eden as she has been blessed by being a part of such an incredible family. Our prayers will continue to be with you all. Congratulations Salisbury’s!!
Posted by: Brad | June 3rd, 2009 13:28
DARCI!!!!! I just replied to your email a few minutes ago before checking this and said a sweet “Congrats on that little girl..” Little did I know what an amazing and incredible story went along with her. As someone said above, the drama has arrived!!!
I’m at work and as I read I kept saying “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh..” In no time I had a crowd around my computer. We were glued to your story!!!!
I’m praising God that Eden Grace and her beautiful Mommy are all okay.
I love you and I’m praying for all of you.
Love,
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Taylor | June 3rd, 2009 13:31
one more thing…this will make a great speaking story or chapter in your book that you are going to write! wink wink, right?
Posted by: Melissa Taylor | June 3rd, 2009 13:32
So excited for a safe and exciting birth story!!! Congratulations on baby Eden. You guys sure do know how to have babies! We have been praying for you and God was so faithful to answer all our prayers. Thank you Jesus!! Love the blog and all the details, I laughed and cried all at the same time. Can’t wait to see more pictures of Eden and so looking forward to August when I can see your family!!! We love and miss you, Jules
Posted by: Julie | June 3rd, 2009 15:30
Oh my goodness, Darci, what a wild ride! I’m so happy to hear you’re all doing well. Can’t wait to see little Eden…I know she’s just perfect. Congrats!
Posted by: wendy Woerner | June 3rd, 2009 16:16
Hey, followed a link from Stacy B’s blog. Realized that I recognized you through a homeschool group. I’m so happy for you and your family. Congratulations!
Posted by: Reba | June 3rd, 2009 20:12
Amazing!!! Congrats on the amazing delivery and your beautiful baby girl!
Posted by: Arlene Pellicane | June 3rd, 2009 23:59
Congratulations on the beautiful little girl! (Thank you, Stacy!)
I heard about the delivery this morning (Donna’s Facebook) and also connected with Amy (Facebook). Hey, you wanna be friends?
Posted by: Martha Teal | June 4th, 2009 01:18
Wonderful, wonderful! I love this story. My first little lady after 5 boys, Lauren was born in 20 minutes. It’s almost like these girls with many brothers come out saying, “Ok, boys, time to whip you in shape, little sis has arrived!” Congratulations to you-no better place to birth than at the McOrmonds (except maybe in your own bed! next time
Barb Tomlinson
Posted by: barb tomlinson | June 4th, 2009 03:41
What an amazing story! Your family is beautiful and I enjoyed reading all the details of her birth. wow.
Posted by: Amy Jo | June 5th, 2009 17:24
So little Eden share her birthday with our first son and my nephew born June 3,2009! and Mark and I’s anniversary. Congratulations!
You just experienced my dream birth, well, except for the car part, but a birth before anyone can get there.
Congratulations!
Blessings,
Kimberly
Posted by: Raising Olives | June 5th, 2009 17:43
Darci!! I can’t believe it!! What a story!! I’m so glad that everyone is okay and I think it’s the coolest thing ever that Irv signed the birth certificate! Welcome Eden Grace!! I can’t wait to meet the first Salisbury girl!!
Posted by: Stacy | June 5th, 2009 18:00
[...] evening on the way to meet a friend’s newborn baby (incidently, one that she delivered in a van, in a driveway and essentially directed her husband in h…), I recalled the moment from that morning. I asked my first and third grade children what [...]
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[...] call center. The act of signing up reminded me of my desire to acquire a copy of Eden’s 911 mini-van-birth call. Since the field trip was today, and I work best under pressure, I finally called the center [...]
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