Eleanor's Birth Story At Southern Maine Healthcare, Biddeford

The birth of baby Eleanor has been long awaited by my cousin Robby. For as long as I can remember, he has wanted a little one of his own, so you can imagine his and Brittany’s joy when they found out they were expecting! Robby reached out to me almost immediately after they found out and asked if I would capture their birth story and of course I happily said yes!

After 9 long months of waiting on baby Eleanor it seemed she was comfortable where she was so Brittany opted for some help to get her labor started. At her last check-up, she and her provider decided to go ahead with an induction, She was admitted later that night and started on Cervidil. Her labor was slow going at first with contractions slowly picking up. Once things got more intense, Robby sent the message that it was time for me to come.

Walking into her birthing space was warm and inviting, after all, it was family. My aunt Debbie was sitting in a seat patiently waiting on the birth of her 3rd granddaughter. Rob was busy comforting Brittany with every contraction, with Brittany’s mom happily doing the same. Shortly after I arrived things started progressing very quickly and Brittany felt the need to push. When Dr. Bittler came in to check dilation Brittany was ready to start pushing. She pushed for close to 45 minutes before she was crowning. With every push she had a team of loved ones cheering her on. Robby and Debbie were both letting the tears flow with joy throughout every push.

With one final push baby Eleanor was here! Born at 2:31pm on February 5th 2020 weighing 8lbs 7oz and 20 1/2 inches long. Welcome to the world, and welcome to the family, Eleanor Leneigh Ricker. You are so loved already baby girl.