Carolyn's Birth Story

To say that I was a bit more anxious about Carolyn’s birth than I was about Jackson’s or Evie’s is probably an understatement. I didn’t know what to expect from my OB since my favorite midwife delivered both other kids back in GA, and though my OB was highly regarded as “the midwife doctor,” he lacked bedside charm, and he wasn’t very conversational about how things might go. I didn’t know what to expect from the hospital regarding my options for everything from pain management to people in the room. And, I didn’t know what to expect without my normal support system. Combine that with the stressors of a recent move, a toddler who began crawling out of her crib three days earlier, and a husband who works over an hour away and was still recovering from intense back pain, and I felt things were a bit out of my control.

I noticed contractions, which even became fairly regular at times, beginning Friday, 5/23. Though they weren’t painful contractions, I would mentally prepare myself for the work to come only to see them dissipate. This made tired both physically and mentally, and it happened all weekend and into Monday. 

I woke up Tuesday, May 27, and I knew baby was coming. My contractions began in the early morning as opposed to late at night. I showered and got dressed for my doctor’s appointment that morning, but I was super grateful that my mom and Andrew were able to feed and clothe my big kids. After checking to make sure that baby was not in duress since she was technically almost a week overdue, my doctor discovered that I was 3-4cm dilated and thought that active labor would be coming soon. I was allowed to go home, and I told him that I would see him later that night. He scheduled an induction for the following morning, just in case. I knew I wouldn’t need that appointment, though.

I rested once we got home, and my contractions came about every 8-10 minutes. They were growing in intensity, especially when I got up and moved around. Before her nap, Evie came in and kissed my arm and belly, clearly concerned about my “hurts.” I snacked a little, and Andrew called work to let them know he wasn’t coming, and he started making arrangements for the kids. While the kids napped, I paced the house and labored in the living room. Contractions kept coming, but were not regulating or intense enough to be quickly progressing. I played music and tried to stay relaxed. Once the kids woke up, I wanted to labor in our bedroom. The kids were upset that I was in some pain and totally thrown off by the fact that I was unavailable to them.

Hilary showed up during naptime and was constantly by my side for the rest of the day. She massaged, applied counter-pressure, coached my breathing and relaxation, and provided encouraging words. I remember her voice especially being soothing to me throughout. Crystal came soon after and helped give Hilary some breaks. To help contractions along, I opted for a long shower where I had the hot water for some pain relief and standing really allowed contractions to get stronger and regulate.

At about 3:15pm, I was encouraged to head to the hospital. That ride in the massive truck was not super pleasant, and I’m pretty sure I punched Andrew at least once for being smart. In triage, the nurse indicated that I was 6cm dilated and moved us along quickly to a labor and delivery room. We got settled in there at 4:15pm, where we met Andrew’s mom Carol and sister Suzannah who captured the rest of the events on camera.  After blood work draws (two attempts at those – I had the ugly bruises to prove it thanks to those low platelets) and establishing an IV, I labored on the birthing ball. As contractions intensified, I wasn’t confident on my feet, but didn’t even want to think about getting in the bed. I know I looked at Andrew at one point and asked him if I could be done. I don’t remember his response. I do remember falling back into Crystal on more than one occasion during that time. She’s a good sport!

At 5:15pm, I allowed my OB to “open” (not break) my water because he promised me that I would fully dilate faster. Getting in the bed was less than pleasant and the “procedure” was incredibly uncomfortable. There was such a change in my belly shape at that point. Baby descended quickly after that, and the contractions were so intense and coming so quickly I couldn’t move out of the bed and had to pant to avoid pushing.

I was overwhelmed.

After hearing that I was 9cm a few minutes later, I burst into tears. I’ve never cried before during labor and didn’t know why I was crying then. Whispered coaching and encouragement from Hilary and Crystal, eye contact and soft touches from my mom, and seeing familiar faces helped me gather strength. My OB and his med student came in “suited up” at this point. He asked me to move down on the bed, but I told him I couldn’t. I was frozen in place. He firmly asked me to open my eyes and look at him. I did. The calm in his eyes and the confidence in his voice gave me renewed strength, and he coached me through the rest. 

This delivery was unlike anything I have seen or heard, and it wasn’t something I could have prepared myself for. My doctor had me get into position. I pushed twice, and at 5:53pm, I pulled my daughter out of me with my own hands and laid her on my chest. Coolest thing I’ve ever done.

Sweet Carolyn was here, and I had delivered her myself. Andrew’s mom cut her cord (because we all know Andrew refuses to do that). She nursed well right away, and we all “ooo-ed” and “aw-ed” over her perfect features and resemblance to her older brother.

Things happened quickly after that. Carolyn had to spend some time in the warmer, and Andrew went home to get Jackson and Evie. While Evie ran right up to my bed and asked if my belly still hurt, Jackson met his littlest sister, introducing himself by saying, “I’m Jackson Ford Purvis, and I’m your big brother.”

All labors and deliveries are different and miraculous, and all three of mine have been experiences I treasure and hold dear. When we chose Carolyn’s name several months ago, we trusted that the Lord would meet all of our needs, but Cara’s birth also showed us that He often grants our requests. I am amazed at His willingness to pour out grace at just the right time and in just the right amount.

As her name might imply, Carolyn is truly our song of hope.