Baby Gideon's Birth    
 

By Gideon's Daddy, Jason Jones

Gideon's Birth!... Thank you Heather!!!
Current mood: excited

I don't even know where to start. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Heather is so amazing. She practically coached herself and did such an amazing job. Just when she thought she couldn't push anymore she found it deep within and used her faith in God to deliver our son, Gideon.

Heather was very conerned that I was not looking forward to the birth, and she was worried that I wasn't paying attention to her when she explained all the things she wanted from me during the birth. Well, she was wrong. I just looked at it like another evolution in the Navy---like an UNREP, or Sea & Anchor detail, or a Small Boat evolution. During those times, I don't think about the steps and the process that I have to do to complete those evolutions, but once it is time for the evolution, I put on my game face. That is exactly what I did for the birth.

Heather called me at about 0700 on Monday morning, 26FEB07. I was just getting ready for morning quarters with the division. She told me that she had been having contractions since 2100 Sunday night. I told my Chief and 1st Lieutenent what was going on. Only a few hours later, they called me into the office and told me to pack my things to go home. The ship was getting underway at noon, so luckily I didn't have to go. Good thing!!! I called Heather and told her I was on my way. In the truck on the drive home, I started getting into gear and working on the game face. I started thinking about eveything I needed to do, things that could happen or might happen, and what i needed to do during those things. When I got home Heather, Kyler, Suzanne and Nana (Heather's mom) were up stairs taking it easy. Suzanne and her Nana were putting rollers in their hair. Heather continued to have contractions all day long. I sneaked up stairs while everyone was downstairs playing and started getting the bedroom ready. I turned on the crock pot so we could sanatize things and have some hot rags for her during birth. We all sat down and had dinner together around 1700 - 1730. After dinner, Heather and I went upstairs. We lit a couple of candles, turned off the lights with the exception of the bathroom light, laid down the shower curtain on the bed and put a sheet over the top of it. I also laid a tablecloth in the floor leading to the bathroom with some towels on top of it to catch any leakage on the way.

The contractions kept coming, but it did not seem to be going anywhere. We did not think that baby would ever come. Heather was so amazing during the contractions. She really coached herself through all of them. I just did my part and placed a hot compress on her lower back to help ease the pain. After a while the kids kept coming up the stairs to the room to see if the baby was born yet. They were so excited about the birth. The kids finally went to sleep downstairs on the couch around 2300. Just after that around 2321, Heather's water looked like it may have broke but was just some small trickles coming out. The contractions kept coming and coming and we were both so tired and just wanted to get some rest. Heather's mother was able to come up and sit with us after the kids were asleep.

About 0015, I helped Heather into the bathroom, she sat down on the toilet and her water broke completely this time. A sigh of relief come from the both of us. It was time. I took her to the bed, and she began to try to rest but pushed only when her body told her too. Heather was asking her mother for scriptures. She was struggling to get in the right frame of mind.

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." I John 4:4

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7

I on the other hand did not say a word. I learned from Suzie's birth to just not talk. Heather began to push and coached herself through all of her pushes. Awesome!!! What a woman!!! As she pushed I was behind her waiting to see this beautiful baby's head. She kept asking could I see it, and I kept saying, "No, baby, I can't". She started getting a little upset because she thought that the baby should be out. Finally after one good push, I saw the head, a full head of hair. Another sigh of relief fell over us. Heather kept finding the power within to push more as the head continued to come out. "I see his eyes, baby", I said to her. His eyes opened immediately, then I could see the rest of his face, his mouth opened and got rid of all the fluids. He let out a little cry that was just so cute. It almost brought a tear to my eye, but I don't cry. It is against the Boatswain's Mate Code.

Heather kept going, and finally he was out into my hands. While in my hands, he stretched his little arms out to let us know he was worn out too. I looked down and saw the penis. My feeling of relief turned to excitement. Another Boy! I was so happy! I can't wait to get him into a Steeler's jersey.

Heather got turned around and I was able to and him to her. You could just feel the happiness and relief flowing through the room. She did it! Another successful home birth, but this one was a little different. This time, I was the Midwife and the Doula. Wow, never thought I had it in me. Also, Gideon was a 10 pounder, that's right, 10 pounds and 22 1/2 inches long. What a HOSS!!!

Nana and I got blankets and towels wrapped around Heather and few mintues old Gideon to keep them warm. Instantly, young Gideon was ready to nurse, and what a champ he was, he latched on with no problem. After the cord stopped pulsing, we let his Nana cut the chord. It was the first birth that she had witnessed, and what a happy Grandmother she was. I would have cut the cord, but I knew it would mean alot to her to be able to do it.

I learned alot from Suzanne's homebirth to ready myself for this one. I really was unaware of what to expect and was kind of scared with the first one. I took things very personal when Heather would say mean things to me. I should not have, but I, like most men, take things personal some times. This birth I knew what to expect, and I was ready. When she said something that would normally anger me, I just said, "ok", and let it go. I tried not to talk or say much of anything during her transition period. It was just so awesome. I believe that any woman can birth naturally. It is all in your faith and being able to listen to what your body tells you. I understand some women have medical conditions that may not allow them to have a natural birth. I feel they are missing out on a great experience. At one point of time during Heather pushing out Gideon, I felt like her and I were one, and I was helping push also. I caught my self holding my breath and pushing with her. It was so cool.

I would like to thank God for being there with us during the entire evolution. I would like to thank Heather's mother for being there to watch the kids for us as we set the mood and helping gather things for us. I know all those trips up and down the stairs were tough, but thank you. I also want to thank my wonderful wife, who is the most awesome woman on the face of the earth. You have no fear, baby. You are so strong and make me so proud to be your husband. You are my hero, and my one and only love. Thank you for this beautiful baby boy. I love you.

by Jason Jones 2/28/07

Baby Gideon

Proud Grandmother!
Heather's Mother, Janis Young with
Suzanne and Kyler loving baby brother Gideon