You might not know it, but yesterday something pretty amazing happened. A dear friend of mine, Kimmi, had a baby. Now the birth of any baby is amazing and miraculous and wonderful. But Kimmi’s delivery was extra special.
Kimmi has had four previous C-sections. FOUR. Many doctors won’t allow a woman with even one previous C-section to attempt to deliver vaginally. Almost none would allow it with a woman who had two, let alone three or four. But Kimmi knew what was important to her, and she knew that she needed to do this on her own. She also knew that she COULD do it on her own, and that the medical research, no matter how sparse, actually agreed with her.
So Kimmi moved heaven and earth. She sent tens, if not hundreds, of letters to every doctor and midwife in the area. Most didn’t even contact her. Even the home birth midwives, usually much more liberal with their policies, weren’t willing to take such a risk. But finally, Kimmi found a doctor who also does home births who supported her in her decision.
And then she had to convince her reluctant husband. Who loves her and their children very dearly and was simply afraid. After all, there must be a reason why it was so hard to find someone who would even consider this, right? But Kimmi persevered, and eventually he relented, even though he still had great reservations.
A little after 2 in the morning on Friday, March 2, a few days past her due date, Kimmi woke up to some intense contractions. After a few of these, her water broke. She called her doctor, who immediately came over. More intense contractions ensued. She was checked but still only 5 cm. Still more intense contractions ensued. And suddenly, she felt the urge to push, although very little time had passed. Her doctor checked her, and was surprised to find that Kimmi had nothing but a small lip left. 11 minutes later, Kimmi’s new baby girl, Nola Catherine, came screaming and healthy into the world, safe and sound in her own home. Only 2 hours and 8 minutes had elapsed since that first, painful contraction woke Kimmi up.
Kimmi is my friend, but she is also one of my heroes. I’ve never met a mom more dedicated to doing what is right for her and her family. She will research until there is no more research to be done. Against any odds, she will push to get done what she knows is right. Everyone should be a little more like Kimmi. This story in particular, her struggle to have her baby the way she wanted to and the way she knew her body was capable of: it will inspire me until the day I die.
Kimmi, you amaze me. I’m proud to call you my friend.
Welcome to the world, Nola Catherine! You are one lucky little girl.
Editing to add: Here are some of Kimmi’s own posts about this. I think they are fascinating reading for anyone interested in birth, VBAC, or simply being inspired.
http://she-made-me-do-it.blogspot.com/2007/03/shes-having-baby.html
http://she-made-me-do-it.blogspot.com/2007/03/before-birth.html
http://she-made-me-do-it.blogspot.com/2007/03/but-why-did-you-do-it-at-home.html
