Benjamin Howard Lewandowski was born Tuesday morning, March 10th, at 9:06am at Birth & Family Place in Holladay, Utah. He weighed 7lbs 8oz, was 21 inches tall and is doing terrific!
I’d like to share the story of my experience with you in this post and hope that you too may be able to get a glimpse into this very special event.
He's here!
The birth itself was very different from any of the other kids. Since we live in Utah now, we had the option to use a midwife and deliver at an independent birthing center, instead of a hospital. This means there was no medical equipment all over the place, no drugs to speed up the process, and no nurses to tell me “No, you can’t do that!” In fact, we were allowed to do whatever, however, whenever we wanted. Very natural and very personal. This was a bit scary for me at first, but after arriving and settling in, I began to see that everything was under control and we were in good hands. I highly recommend using a midwife if you have that option.
Dad & Benjamin
We arrived at the birthing center around 7am and the contractions were coming on fast and furious. I kept my cool and did whatever I could to help my wife, Tricia, stay calm and collected. After a little while, we decided to move to the tub and soak in some warm water. A few minutes later… He was here! We’ve never experienced a water birth before and this was simply amazing! The baby came really fast and when it was out, we immediately noticed that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck three times. But the nurses quickly unwound it and gave him to Tricia.
All ready to go home!
After a few minutes, I had the honor of cutting the cord. We were then both allowed to hold him and relax with him for the next hour or so. The nurses then came back in and took vitals and got all the birth statistics, like weight and height. They then stamped our baby book and certificate with footprints, and even offered to stamp a footprint on my arm. 
Once all the medical paperwork was out of the way, we were all set to return to the comfort of our own home. What a beautiful day and a wonderful experience… One that I’ll never forget.
by Audra
10 Mar 2009 at 19:50
NO DRUGS- CRAZY! He’s a cute one- congrats to you all!
by Brenda
10 Mar 2009 at 19:54
What a amazing experience! Thanks for sharing that! Enjoy your little man and such a terrific family!
by Melissa H
10 Mar 2009 at 20:10
Congratulations Daddy! He is a doll!!!!
by Rebecca
13 Mar 2009 at 11:46
yeah! just how birth is meant to be! congratulations to the whole family!!! much love! great writing Jared! Loved hearing this from Daddy’s perspective!
by Mindee
13 Mar 2009 at 12:54
What a cutie! Congratulations to the both of you. Thanks for sharing the pictures and story of his birth.
by Anita
15 Mar 2009 at 06:57
He’s beautiful! Congratulations to the whole family. And Tricia, WOW! It’s been a long time since I had a baby and I still remember the pain – you’re incredible. Talked to Barb Becker and she said Congrats as well!