Welcome to the world, sweet baby Rocco! On March 18th at 8:53 pm, weighing 6 pounds 9 ounces, measuring 19 ¼ inches, Rocco Prince Morris was born, and our hearts couldn’t be more full! He is so beautiful and the perfect addition we all needed during such a crazy time.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was very stressed as my pregnancy came to a head. Hospitals were changing their policies about who was allowed in birthing rooms, so I considered changing to a free-standing birth center or a home birth. Then, the day before I went into labor at 39 ½ weeks, Providence Hospital switched its policy to allow a partner AND one support person in the room. Originally, my birth plan was to have my doula AND a birth photographer there. Limited to one additional person, I switched my doula to a woman who doubles as a birth photographer and doula. Within minutes of making the switch, my contractions started, as if I subconsciously gave my body permission. My husband Barton is certain I have the ability to decide when it’s time to go into labor. (Maybe, just maybe I do!)
We arrived at the Alternative Birthing Center at Ascension Providence Hospital at 7 pm and walked to the birthing unit. That evening, I was the only laboring mom in the entire unit; it felt eerily quiet. It was definitely a weird experience, nurses, doctors, and security guards greeting us, masked and covered head to toe. Like out of a movie. I’ll be honest, as soon as I saw this I started crying. It’s nerve-wracking as is to be in labor. Add a global pandemic into the mix, and you’ve got quite an emotional experience.
I had the full attention of the hospital staff, including the nurses and my midwife. My doula began comfort measures, diffusing essential oils and setting the birthing mood with a Spotify playlist.
Upon arrival I was already dilated to 10-centimeters, almost ready to push. Most often women don’t arrive at the hospital that “ready” so I was thankful that it wouldn’t be too long until we met our baby!
During a natural birth, when unmedicated, your contractions are very intense, and often you can feel very nauseous. My contractions were strong and on top of one another, and I threw up twice. I never shy away from this experience because as it’s all part of labor and my body’s way of getting ready for the last final push.
A benefit of natural birth is you’re allowed to move around the hospital room, so I could reposition myself in multiple ways on the bed or bending over in a squatting position, using the power of gravity. With Barton holding my hand while squatting on the bed, I gave two really big pushes and pulled Rocco out and up to my chest.
His cry brought tears to our eyes. My husband was mesmerized. After all the pain during labor, the relief overtook my body and I had oxytocin overload. What a feeling of life flowing through you. He looks just like his big brother Roman! Our doula photographed the entire experience–for which I am so grateful.
We left the hospital 24 hours later and returned home, eager to introduce Roman and Isabella to their new baby brother.
We are all home, safe and sound loving every minute of this bonding time! Rocco has captured our hearts and we already can’t imagine life without him!
A big thank you to my doula Carly for not only being a source of support but also for documenting this amazing experience for us! Visit her at Facebook or Instagram
Another big thank you goes to my midwife and nurses at the Alternative Birth Center. Yet again, you ladies were wonderful and so caring during my entire visit! Just as you were during the births of Roman and Isabella!
And lastly, to my husband Barton, thank you endlessly for the gift of our baby, Rocco! Our life will undoubtedly be surrounded by immense love and happiness!
