Monday, August 22, 2011

Griffin's Story

Griffin Beau: Photo by Ryan Gledhill

A friend of mine once told me that my blog was becoming too motherly.

"You would never see Sting or Coldplay write about their kids, or share recipes on a blog," my friend advised.

I do understand their point. But, for one, I am not Sting nor am I Coldplay. And two, I just want to be real. If Griffin ever learns anything from his momma, it's to just. be. real. People can take it or leave it. So, pardon me while I get all motherly on you and share the story of Griffin's birth.

Over the first weekend of August, I went to my annual family reunion. I could tell that my baby's arrival was nigh. My body was preparing itself and I knew it. I told my husband, "I think we'll have a baby by tonight or tomorrow." But Baby did not come. Hence, I dismissed my intuition as wishful thinking. However, on Monday morning, as soon as I got out of bed, my contractions began. I went about my day like I normally would. I took one of my sons to a summer camp. Contraction. I came home. Contraction. I did the dishes. Contraction. Then, I packed my bags for the hospital. Contraction. I called Aunt Lindsey to see if she could take my two other boys. Contraction. I cleaned out the carport. Several contractions. And called my husband for help.

We met our midwife at the hospital by 4:30 that afternoon. I was dilated to an 8. Shortly after the midwife hooked me up to the monitor, she noticed that the baby's heart rate would drastically decrease through my contractions. Not a good sign. She explained that this is often a sign that the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck. She said that if the heart rate didn't go back up by the next contraction, she would need to break my water to speed things up and call in a doctor for backup. NO!!! This was exactly what I did not want. I had a specific vision for this birth, and those things were not in my plans. I prayed. What else was there to do? I felt the impression to change positions. So, I knelt on the ground and leaned forward onto the bed with my elbows.

Boom.

The baby's heart rate went back up. I stayed there on my knees until my son was born an hour later. No drugs, no nothing. Just my body doing what it was made to do. I told the midwife that I wanted my husband to deliver the baby, which she agreed to. That was such a gift. The cord was indeed wrapped around his little neck when he came out, but my husband unwrapped it and there were no further complications. He handed the baby to me right away and I held him close to my pounding heart, the both of us struggling for a steady breath.

I won't lie. The last ten minutes of the birth were incredibly intense. But, I've never experienced anything quite so romantic and empowering in all my life.

Sending out my love and appreciation for all of you who have left me kind notes, phone calls and food delivered to my door.

Now, I just need to get to work making a lullaby album . . .





40 comments:

  1. Yes, yes, a lullaby album would be so welcome. Thank-you for being REAL.

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  2. Congratulations, it sounds like it was a beautiful and powerful welcome to the world for your gorgeous little fellow.

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  3. Love love love this. I don't care if this is motherly...you are a Mother :)
    Sweet Griffin was welcomed into the world so peacefully, that is just beautiful. I have loved all 4 of my natural births.
    Rest up, enjoy that little one, and then make a lullabye album :) My kids (and I) would LOVE that.

    xoxo

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  4. Cold Play and Sting can stick it...none of them are mothers!

    Your story sounds remarkably similar to mine...only it never occurred to me to use the word "romantic" to describe the experience. It totally works. I was amazed and felt inducted into the oldest, completely exclusive (no males) society on earth: women who've given birth without external intervention. I am woman, hear me roar.

    My baby turned 12 last week. His childhood flies as if on eagle's wings. The first thing I did after the hullabaloo had died down and we had a quiet moment, was to sing "Angel Lullaby" to him. You should include that sweet little song on your album. I'd love to hear your twist on it.

    So happy for you. Like I tweeted, he has one of the sweetest little baby faces I have ever seen. That's sayin' something. Congratulations ♥

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  5. Bring on the lullaby album (even if my youngest is now 4). My favorite part about the story? When you referred to birthing Griffin as "romantic." Simply beautiful.

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  6. Love this! It is so amazing to birth your baby and follow your body through it all. I am so happy for you and I love that you share things like this on your blog. Also, I found out who you were because of some of your sweet lullaby's and would love to hear more. Let those motherly hormones write some more songs for you. :-)

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  7. I'm glad everything went well with your baby. He's such a cutie. A lullaby album sounds great, especially with your voice. Keep up with the great work!

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  8. I wish the lullaby album was already out... my baby is coming soon! :)

    I am so glad both you and Griffin made it through the experience~

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  9. Beautiful, Mindy. You did it. I knew you would. Fantastic! And he's beautiful!

    xoxo

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  10. What a beautiful birth story! I'm hoping for a similar non-medicated natural experience in October when my #3 is due. I love that you prayed and followed the spirit. The angels really were with you and your family. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. You go girl and be as real as you want that is one of the things I really like about you! I had my last baby the same way and it was great. Only and hour and a half of contractions and all natural and she was born! It was the best and worst all at the same time but was over fast and so glad I did it in the end! Congratulations on the new little man he is beautiful!

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  12. Thank you for being real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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  13. A lullaby album would be so amazing from you! Congrats on your sweet baby!

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  14. Oh yes Mindy, remain REAL please, you share with us all your feelings, and this is absolutely fantastic, you write so well, you enlighten my dull days as a house-bound disabled person unable to walk, and it's a real pleasure to read you and visit your blog, with Tiff's of course, what a moving event this birth story is! Prayer is so powerful! Lots of love from Aix en Provence. And, of course, congratulations on your beautiful baby and bisous to all your lovely family.

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  15. Well I don't understand why my name doesn't appear on my comment... It's Danielle Casale.

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  16. Being real is exactly why I have followed your blog and your career for--let's see...8 years now. If I could have babies, you might have convinced me to try giving birth without meds. That detail included, you continue to inspire me with your originality, bravery, artistry, and gumption. Thank you!

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  17. Thanks SO much for sharing... what a beautiful birth story! Wishing all the best.

    -Jana

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  18. What a beautiful story about a beautiful birth! I love hearing about women who trust in their bodies. Congratulations to you on a job well done!!!

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  19. Your natural birth story is awesome. What a beautiful, life-changing experience! So glad that you and the little one are doing well. Savor each of those new-born moments!

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  20. Real is good so just keep on sharing those super cute baby pictures and stories with us :-)
    He's lovely - congrats to the entire Family.

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  21. Thank you for sharing the spiritual side of Griffin's birth with us. There are so many miracles that come from listening to the whisperings of the spirit.

    And my gosh! What a beautiful baby. Seriously. Delicious looking little boy!

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  22. Congratulations to you and yours! What a beautiful birth story!

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  23. Congratulations Mindy!!! I have to say I was in awe when I read about you praying and your sweet baby's heart rate went up. I wish you all the best and many blessings for Griffin and your family <3

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  24. you are so cute!! being motherly is awesome and I consider it a gift. So many "moms" out there really dont appreciate this blessing..Your Lil dude is super cute..enjoy him and blog you mommies heart out...

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  25. Just stumbled onto your blog! I love that you are real. What a beautiful way to welcome your new son. Congrats!!! Wish my little girl would have come so well. So excited to hear the lullaby album.

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  26. "God answers knee mail!"

    I always said that it would be easier to give birth if we were not flat on our backs in stirrups. After being in labor for 22 1/2 hours, I wish I would've just (crude as it sounds) squatted. Women have been doing it forever.

    My daughter is my only natural child and she is the greatest thing that I have ever done. I was in awe from the day I knew she was there till the day I delivered and there is nothing in this world that compares to holding that sweet, sweet miracle before they are taken away to be bathed, etc. I still never tire of watching her sleep or smelling her skin when she least expects it.

    Thanks for keeping it real and Congratulations!!

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  27. Congratulations- you sound like a sweet Mother...your child is blessed.
    Glad all went well.

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  28. Can I just tell you that is why I love your blog the most. It seems very down to earth to me!! I most appreciate that!! Congrats on baby Griffin.

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  29. What a beautiful story. Congratulations for having the kind of birth you wanted to have!

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  30. What a great post! I truly love your originality and your realness! I also love that you share your motherly side as well. I love the song "hourglass" that you sing with Robbie. It makes me think about my little ones. : ) I also love that you shared your birth story. It is such an amazing experience that we are blessed to have. Good luck to your sweet family and I look forward to hearing more from you!

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  31. I love hearing birth stories. So I love that your blog is motherly. :] It's especially nice to hear natural birth stories. Someday I would love to have my babies naturally!

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  32. Congratulations to your family! What a beautiful birth story - thank you for sharing.

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  33. Hi I am a new fan of yours, so I'm just checking out the blog. That picture of you and your family with the new baby (a couple of posts down, actually) is so beautiful! It is refreshing to see a music artist just being real. Living life like everyone does, but also living her passion. Hooray for you! And thank you for showing us your 'motherly-ness'!

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  34. Congratulations! What a wonderful birth story. I welcomed my third child this summer, too. Hope you're adjusting well - It's been a hard transition for me - wow! Someone always needs me. Enjoy your three sweet boys (I have three girls) :)

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  35. What a beautiful and precious baby! He looks perfect in every way. I am glad that you are just getting to enjoy your little one right now. What an inspirational delivery story! Thanks for sharing and thanks for all of the beautiful music you produce. I can't wait for the new album!

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  36. my little boy was born one week later, so i definitely think a lullaby album would be incredible :)
    i'm so glad you enjoyed a natural birth, and that you both are well!

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