My Birth Stories

As a wife and girl mom to two girls 18 months apart in age, I had two wildly different birth experiences. When I got pregnant during the pandemic, I knew I wanted to explore out-of-hospital options but really didn’t know where to start. Turns out I was practically walking distance away from a birth center led by midwives and supported by chiropractors, doulas, and massage therapists. I was matched up with a Certified Nurse Midwife who instantly felt more like family than a care provider. I knew I was in good hands. I had a very classic “marathon” birth where my birth team deserved a medal just as much as I did after my daughter was born after 30+ hours of unmedicated labor. The emotions that came with postpartum were really difficult to navigate and breastfeeding didn’t come naturally. We utilized all of my doula’s professional resources to help us overcome these challenges. Then nine months later, we conceived again! 

I knew I wanted my second birth to be at home. I prepared by going to Pelvic Floor Therapy often and utilizing more relaxation techniques. I went to chiropractor adjustments religiously. Then I stayed pregnant for nearly forever. At 41 weeks, 3 days I finally went into labor but it was swift and intense (luckily we had a practice run with the birth tub a few nights before!). I danced my baby out. Movement and combs were the key to coping with the intense surges. And that birth tub…it was a literal dream. The water relaxed every muscle in my body and made the last phases of labor and delivery a breeze. My second surprise gender birth turned out to be another beautiful baby girl. Postpartum was much easier the second time, especially because I was still connected to the professionals that helped me with my first child.