Almost one week over due---

that would be this post, not my delivery.
Rinnah Lorraine Portis was born June 25 at 1:22 pm, only a day past her due date.
I am just not getting to let everyone in cyberspace know because that day our hard drive also crashed... isn't that typical of how things go.

I wanted to share a little of this birth story because it was such and blessing and answer to our prayers.
We have been praying this whole pregnancy for God to allow my body to work as He designed it and that I would have a successful, natural VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). i knew in my heart that God could do what needed to be done to allow this to happen.

We started by using a doctor that would support these desires and beliefs...Check.
Then we decided to use a doula (support person and extra coach during entire labor and delivery) and we just happen to be good friends with a wonderful doula... Check.
Next was to get as educated as possible, so we took a Bradley Method class... Check.

I know God did his part in everything that happened this pregnancy and delivery, but i also believe that it was our effort and energy that we put into it as well that brought us to the wonderful conclusion we experienced.

I woke up at 2 am Thursday morning with some pretty strong contractions. By 4:30 they were stronger and seemed to be getting more regular, and I decided I needed support so I woke my sleeping husband. We both showered and got ready, finished packing our bags... and by this time the contractions were closer, stronger, and longer... I was ready to call our list.
First was my mom to tell her to prepare to meet us at the hospital, next was my sister to come get Selah, then we called Rose Marie (our doula) and she said she was on her way.
Once she got here and listened to Rinnah's heartbeat to make sure everything was good, we decided it was a good time to head in to the hospital. It was about 8:45 am at this point.

The drive was horrible and seemed like we would never make it there in time. The pains seemed worse when I was lying or sitting, so that made the ride very painful.

Once checked in to the hospital, they checked everything out and said I was already 6 cm and 80% effaced, and it seemed like it was moving quickly.

We also found out that Dr. Inzer was in surgery all morning, and they weren't sure when he would make it in... That was a little disheartening at the time.

A few hours after arriving they checked again and I was 8 cm and with the next contraction my water broke.... projectile, hilarious if I hadn't been in so much pain.
In 15 minutes I was fully dilated and effaced and ready to push!
This was the most glorious news, I had the urge to do just that for some time now. And with that, I began pushing with all my heart...I think it was shortly after this that James says I yelled that I wanted that baby out!
This was probably the easiest part for me... I felt like I was just pushing the pain right out of my body along with the baby.
In the process of all this Dr. Inzer arrived and i was relieved! He knew my heart and desire, the residents they had in there didn't know me from the lady down the hall.

After about an hour and a half, Rinnah's head was delivered and it seemed like the rest of her body just slid right out all by itself with the next contraction. I couldn't believe it! She was here, and God had made a wonderful miracle happen in the Portis family! Praise God!

Enjoy a few photos of her first moments!


Rinnah Lorraine Portis born June 25 at 1:22 pm. 7 lbs, 9 oz. 20.5 inches.