Rising Moon Midwifery

Orion Luis was born to Valerie Michele and Aaron Luis Armendariz on September 29th, 2005 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born at home, Orion came into this world a healthy baby boy measuring twenty-one inches in length, weighing an impressive 9 pounds and 10 ounces. The blessed event was an extraordinary experience worthy of praise to those who assisted, a valuable account to anyone considering home birth and an unforgettable beginning to a very special life. Welcome to Earth, Orion Luis!

After a walk to Philadelphia's Logan Circle, a few hands of UNO, and dinner at TGIFridays, Valerie began early labor at approximately 2 AM on Wednesday the 28th of September. Her first impressions of labor were that of excitement; finally, after nine long months of pregnancy the joy and challenge of childbirth was upon her. After a goodnight's sleep Valerie contacted her midwife, Kate Fawley of Rising Moon Birth Services, informing her that inactive labor had begun. Heeding Kate's advice, Valerie rested throughout the day paying close attention to the timing and severity of her contractions.

By dusk inactive labor had become active labor. Joined by her husband, Aaron, Valerie's contractions were five minutes apart with some early labor pain. Throughout the evening Valerie absorbed her contractions by taking a shower, moving about the apartment, breathing deep, resting and listening to music. By 10 o'clock Valerie's contractions were three minutes apart prompting her to make the final phone call to Kate. Valerie was ready for transition. Orion was on his way!

When Kate arrived Valerie was in considerable pain. As with many women attempting a natural childbirth the overwhelming pain can trigger notions of self doubt. Kate, receptive and comforting, assured Valerie that she could do it, reminding her that she would soon meet her son and everything would be worth it. Valerie, realizing that regardless of how she might feel, knew Orion was coming and that it was time to get serious. Shortly thereafter, the remaining midwives, Merle Oxman and Jane Cruice arrived ready to help. With Kate taking the lead, Merle, Jane and Aaron worked to prepare for the final stages of Valerie's labor.

One of the great benefits of home birth is the woman's freedom to feel comfortable in any position throughout the house. In some cases the bathroom or family room provides the best birthing environment. Valerie would discover the bedroom floor, on hands and knees, to be the ideal location and position to deliver Orion. At approximately 3 AM on September 29th Valerie began the pushing phase of labor. Almost immediately Orion began to crown. Kate, knowing that Orion was getting close, wisely instructed Aaron, "If you're going to catch this baby, you'd better go wash your hands." Aaron, cooperating with Kate's request, thought to himself, if it's 3:10 now, she'll probably be pushing for at least another hour. Valerie, having other intentions, knew Orion was coming quickly. Sure enough, as Aaron returned, Orion's head became increasingly more visible. It wouldn't be long now.

Natural childbirth is an amazing process. As the baby descends it will rotate and align with the pelvis. At this point the child will be facing the mother's spine in what's known as the anterior position. Like a key fits into a lock, the child will instinctively tuck his head to pass through the mother's pelvis. The lock-and-key event can be thought of as the peak of childbirth where the baby's head, the widest part, passes through the mother's pelvis, the narrowest part. Valerie remembers, "It hurt sooo bad. When you learn about it they call it the Ring of Fire. And when you're there, you think you're in it, but you're not because the pain just keeps getting worse and worse. And you wonder when it's ever going to be over because it's still not over. I was silent the whole time. It wasn't like television where the mom's yelling at the dad, nurse and doctor. That doesn't help any one. Instead I just concentrated all my thought and energy into working him out. And that's what I did."

At 3:17 out came a cry and a head. Aaron recalls, "Watching Orion be born was the happiest moment of my life. For all those months we had been waiting for this moment and here it was. I was so happy, I was overcome with laughter. Seeing his little face for the first time really felt like a miracle. Laughingly, I greeted him, 'Hi, Orion. Hi Orion!' It really was amazing." Quickly, Orion wiggled free his right arm, repositioned, then flung out his left. With a gush of liquid, out he squirted and into Aaron's hands. Nice catch! The collective reaction was, "Dang! That's a big baby!" The group expected him to be big but never that big! How a mother so small can birth a baby so big is a testament to the female body. It was official. Orion joined our world at 3:19 AM on September 29th, 2005. Mom and Dad were so happy to meet him.

After Kate and Aaron cut the umbilical cord, Orion was cleaned, wrapped and given back to his mother. Valerie, rightfully exhausted, held and nursed Orion for a few short minutes. After passing the placenta Valerie was experiencing a loss of blood pressure. She was flushed of color and a chill had overcome her. Heeding Kate's advice, Valerie got into bed, covered up and rested while the team cleaned up and tended to Orion. After an hour Valerie was feeling better as she began to regained color. Orion was measured, weighed and examined. Yup! Ten fingers and ten toes, he was a healthy baby boy.

First impressions last a lifetime. Orion Luis, born a Libra, Leo rising, was welcomed into this world with the greatest of care. His first sounds, sights and impressions were that of his loving family and welcoming home. Valerie and Aaron could not have asked for better son on a better day.

September 29, 2005