Lily was 19 months and Lexi 7 months old when we decided our little nest was not yet complete
and we wanted another baby. We were very blessed and the 1st month we tried to conceive we
fell pregnant. We were thrilled.
As with my other two girls I never went to see a doctor throughout the pregnancy, and just
followed my gut. I had a very healthy pregnancy again. I think I had high blood pressure at the
end, but I spoke to my body and told her to get back in balance. I also drank more water and cut
out sugar and within a few days I felt fine again.
I did go for some 4D scans mainly to see if our baby would be a boy or girl. IT WAS A GIRL !!
Just what we wanted, we were so happy. We decided on Ruby Dawn for her name.
Having two toddlers doesn’t leave you with a lot of spare time to focus and connect with the
baby still inside, so seeing her during the sonar’s really helped me connect. That was the only
time me and Ruby did something special together.
exhausting at times, but we all enjoyed my tummy and looked forward to meeting Ruby.
The last two weeks were really hard. I think I was in early labor those two weeks. I was
exhausted beyond words and had constant Braxton hicks contractions. Every day I thought this
would be “the day” as I did not think I could go on for one more day. I so hoped she would came
a little bit earlier, but she waited till one day past 40 weeks.
In the early hours of the morning of the 31st I dreamt I had a blood show. At 10H00 that morning
I had a bloody discharge. My cervix was opening. I was so happy and knew this would be the
day. Just after that a friend of mine phoned, same lady who does the 4D sonar’s, to say she got
Biblical confirmation that Ruby would be born today.
We made Ruby’s birthday cake. Popcorn, pretzels and M&M’s in melted marshmallows
At 12H00 I took Lexi for a walk in the pram, and started getting very mild contractions. I phone
JP and said he should maybe come home from work. He arrived home just before 14H00.
When he got home my nerves settled and I could relax. I still needed a few things for the birth
so we went to the pharmacy to buy it.
At around 16H00 we went for a walk with Lily and Lexi, photo below. I was a little
uncomfortable, with mild contractions, but nothing painful.
When we got home we gave the girls dinner and bathed them. I started decorating the living
room wall with butterflies put out all her candles. I got background music sorted. I was very
relaxed and just happy to know Ruby would be here soon.
At 18H00 my water broke. We brought the birthing bath into the living room and started filling it.
I lit the candles and put Norah Jones on. Lily just loves her music and so do I.
My contractions started getting more intense and I was getting more uncomfortable. I got in the
water as soon as the bath was full. Lily joined me and we played for a bit.
Just after 19H00 JP started pouring water over my lower back. It’s so amazing how much that
helps for the pain. Lily was faffing around enjoying the excitement. Every time I had a
contraction, she would tell me she’s right here with me, and would stroke my head. She was so
sweet for a two and a half year old.
Just after 20H00 it got REAL painful and VERY intense. Contractions were just on top of each
other. For about 25 minutes I groaned through each contraction, gripping the sides of the bath
with pain. It was more painful than I anticipated.
I got the urge to push, so I stood on my knees. I pushed for about 5 minutes and Ruby was born
at 20H30. She came out beautifully, and real easy. I lifted her out of the water, and embraced
her. She was just soooooooooooo beautiful to me. Lily was totally AMAZED to see her little
sister. I don’t think she really understood, until that moment, that she was getting a little sister.
She just wanted to hold her. Her first words was “give her to me” and straight after that “come
eat your cake Ruby” !!!! It was so amazing to see Lily’s overwhelming joy. She got in the birthing
bath with me, and loved Ruby.
We sat in the warm water for about 40 minutes and I birthed the placenta. It was not all in one
piece. I think due to calcification it broke into pieces as it came loose. (Small parts came out just
before Ruby was born and more small pieces a few days after the birth. But within a week all
was out, and within 2 weeks all bleeding stopped completely)
JP put the placenta in a bucket; it was still attached to Ruby. We wrapped Ruby and put her on
the couch. JP tied the umbilical cord with dental floss and cut it. It was white and there was no
more blood being transferred to baby at this stage. With all our births we waited until the
placenta and cord finished their job before cutting it. We are VERY passionate about this part of
the birth process and think it’s crucial for baby’s well-being to do it right.
Interesting fact: Babies are born with only 50-60% of their blood supply, cause they don’t need
100% being inside mom. When they are born the cord transfer the 40-50 % blood they still
need. This takes at least 20 minutes in my experience. Without this blood a baby lacks iron and
it can take years to replenish the lack of iron. A lack of oxygen to the brain is also a great
concern. So we waited until Ruby had her full supply of blood, iron antibodies and oxygen
before cutting the cord. This is the main reason I avoid the medical system that cut the cord
immediately after birth.
I sat on the couch with her and she was eager to breastfeed. She fed for a good hour, and then
passed out from all the excitement.
I took her to the bathroom where the heater was on and it was cozy with dim light. We cleaned
her bum, as she passed lots of meconium (the stuff your baby collected in her intestines
while in uterus). We dressed her in her fluffy pink outfit. I put her in my bed, I had a snack and
a cup of tea and fell asleep with my little angle next to me.
I really enjoyed this birth. I loved the fact that Lily was part of it. Even though it was a very
painful labor it was just exhilarating pushing her out !!!! It stimulates a primal part of my being
when giving birth and holding that little new person next to my heart the second she’s born.
When they are that “fresh” it’s as if they are still covered in heaven. Maybe for this reason I don’t
bath them for a week. I love to smell and touch that heavenly aroma and squishy skin for as
long as possible. Like I said with my other births, I love to give birth. The pain, blood and guts
are part of the glory of holding that new baby. It’s all one process for me. The pain makes the
joy so intense. I would not avoid any part of it.
This was my last birth. Our little nest is full. And my child bearing career is over. I will cherish my
four births as my highest most worthy achievements in life. I will have a very unique bond and
connection with each of my children that started with the birth I had with each one. Every birth
was different, marking a different road I’ll walk with each child.
Ruby Dawn Viljoen
Born 31 January 2012, 20H30
3.4 kg / 49 cm
Photos of our first week ☺
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