Birth stories can be beautiful, wonderful, heartbreaking, difficult, and magical. Each story is entirely different, and every mother goes about the birthing process in a unique way - some women are passionate about no-drug home births, some women love the security of a hospital. We wanted to share our own special birth stories in an encouraging, no-judgments and comforting way - whether you're a mama-to-be, a seasoned mama, or someone who's just reading to get a glimpse of new mama life, we hope you enjoy our personal stories.
Megan
I distinctly remember my 39-week checkup appointment - Chris had kindly attended nearly all of my pregnancy appointments with me, but this one he wasn't able to make. I was sitting in the waiting room amongst other expecting mamas, my huge belly resting on my legs. I stopped working two weeks prior to my due date, to prepare for Ben's arrival and rest my body. I had been restless and wanting desperately to hear that I was a little dilated - that maybe Ben would arrive a couple of days early. I was done with feeling heavy and exhausted, and I wanted desperately to meet, snuggle, and care for the person who had been growing inside of me for months. One of the OBGYN doctors at my clinic checked my cervix, and it felt really painful this time - I wished Chris was there. She told me my cervix was nowhere near being ready for birth - still shut tight, and Ben was in there, getting all the nutrients and extra time in his cozy, warm home before he joined us. I sat in my car and cried, feeling angry, frustrated, and emotional.
Once my due date, October 17th, came and went, I was impatient. Pregnancy felt so long - I was fortunate to have a healthy pregnancy, but my mind did not feel healthy. I had begun seeing a therapist for the first time, and there were days during pregnancy that I would lay in bed, crying. I just felt sad and anxious - my mind tends to feel bogged down when I have hormones fluctuating. I had gained 60 pounds during pregnancy - this is a lot for someone who has always been kind of insecure about their body! Chris was my comfort during this time, always being patient with me. I was trying everything I could to induce labor in the following days - eating an entire pineapple, doing Youtube dances full of squats and some funky moves, anything I could find that might help give the little guy a push. Then, suddenly, the time had come.
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| My biggest supporter. |
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| The excitement was so real! |
At around 3:30 am on October 21st, I heaved myself up to go to the bathroom, and I felt a little whoosh - I thought maybe my water had broke, and based on my extensive research on this topic, it seemed to be amniotic fluid - GUYS, I WAS READY TO GO! I was having light contractions as well, and I dutifully and energetically called my doctor, who told me to go ahead and get my hospital bag ready, but no rush. While Chris snoozed a little longer, I was a flurry of pregnant excitement - "Should I put on a little makeup for the hospital? No, because I probably won't want to worry about taking it off later. But I WILL curl my hair a little bit. How many outfits for Ben should I pack? Will we have enough snacks? THIS BABY IS COMING, Y'ALL!" Once we were driving to the hospital, my excitement curbed a bit at the contractions I was already feeling - I had never experienced Braxton Hicks, and I didn't know what to expect with contractions. We made it up there and we were all checked into triage around 5:30 in the morning.
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| Ugh, the SASS in this woman! I was feelin' it. This picture is still hilarious to me and I think it always will be. Chris and I were running around the birth wing downing apple juices excitedly, and I was wearing two hospital gowns to cover the enormous bump. |
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| Me and my baby waiting for our baby! |
After checking my blood pressure, they decided that although my water was not broken, they wanted to induce labor to be safe. They assigned us our room and gave me my instructions for the day - no solid foods, only juice and water, and I should move around if I can. After sitting contentedly in the hospital bed, buzzing with emotion and waiting for them to come in and begin my induction, where they pretty much were going to blow up a balloon in my cervix and leave it there all day (great), BOOM! My water broke right then and there! I remember it feeling like a release in pressure, and feeling like it was this weird gush that I couldn't control. Luckily for me, they didn't have to induce me anymore, just give me pitocin and then we waited. I bounced on the yoga ball, walked around the hospital, and rocked in the rocking chair. Chris and I had fun that day, and my parents came and visited. Chris' mom was sweet enough to go pick up Chris' family from California in Chicago, where they had flown in to meet Ben and support us.
The nurses, who were so kind and comforting, suggested that Chris and I just tried to get a little bit of sleep. The lights were off, and we both laid back and relax - then the pain started to come. Chris noticed me wincing, and my contractions began to move in full swing. They came quickly, about every thirty seconds I would contract for about ten or fifteen seconds. The pain grew and grew until I didn't feel like I could take it - tears were streaming down my face, and I was curled up. Chris and the nurse encouraged me that I didn't have to prove anything, and if I wanted to get an epidural, I could. I decided to get one, because the pain of my contractions was unbearable for me, and we waited. The doctor was giving another woman her epidural before me, so by the time he came to administer mine, it was a quick release and my body was able to relax - I am so thankful and happy that I decided to get an epidural. For the next twenty minutes or so, I felt warm and fuzzy and cheerful - I don't know if that's a side effect of the epidural or me just being excited and joyful that the pain was gone and Ben was making his entrance soon.
Suddenly, the feeling came - I HAD to push. The nurses kind of encouraged me to hold off at first, but I had a huge urge to just push something out. It kind of felt like a #2 (lovely, I know) but extremely urgent! I had never experienced something like that. They checked my cervix and from the time directly before the terrible contractions came to after I received my epidural, I had dilated from a 4 to a full 9! I basically started pushing, and I can sort of remember it - Chris said he was urging me (as were the nurses) to slow down and breathe, but it was like my body was on a mission, and I was using every ounce of energy I could muster to push. The only thing I kept worrying about was that I kept thinking I was pooping as I was pushing - I distinctly remember yelling "I think I'm pooping!" Chris was holding one of my legs back as I was bearing down, and I didn't love the idea of him seeing me use the bathroom.
The nurse told me that they could see Ben's head, and Chris and I both started crying - Chris is not a big crier, so both of us were pretty emotional. I don't remember much else except for the moment that Ben came out and they set him on my chest - I was sobbing and I couldn't stop telling Chris, "He's so beautiful." I had always heard people say that it's such a wonderful moment, and I didn't really understand that until it happened to me - it felt like suddenly, there was a beam of sunshine and light in the room that we had been waiting for. A rush of pure love came over me - we had made this magnificent little being.
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| Our first night with Benjamin. |
They had me stand up and walk to the bathroom, and eventually, we were escorted to our room to stay for the next couple of days. I learned to breastfeed, we had family and friends visit, and we got to bond with Ben. I still remember putting him in his little bed next to mine the night he was born and we stared at each other before we fell asleep - his little eyes were peeking over at me so sweetly. I just felt this tremendous feeling of responsibility and love for him - this was my baby, and I was learning to nurse him, care for him, and be his mother.
Birth seems scary - and sometimes it can be with complications and health issues. When I was younger, I remember talking to my friends about how giving birth seems so painful and I didn't think I could do it! Maybe you're nervously awaiting your little one's arrival, or maybe you're thinking ahead, curious about what the future may hold. Once I was pregnant, my fear of birth faded and my experience giving birth made me realize how strong I am and how magical the bond between a mama and her baby truly is.
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Shelby
Nine days before Rhett was due, we went into the Doctor's for what would be our last visit! At the visit, they noticed that my blood pressure was higher than normal. Since Michael is able to take my blood pressure at home, they wanted him to continue to monitor me as the day went on. It was that night at about 10 or 11 that my blood pressure was too high again and I wasn't feeling right, (besides the constant sickness I already had). We called the Doctor and were told to go to the hospital -not entirely sure whether or not we were actually going to have Rhett, we brought all of our bags just in case. A few days before, I remember crying and pleading with my Heavenly Father, telling him that I didn't think I could do it anymore. I had honestly felt like the pregnancy had taken every ounce of strength I had.
At midnight, they decided they were going to admit me into the hospital and induce my labor. This was such a relief! To be honest, Michael and I kept hoping my blood pressure levels wouldn't lower just so that we could FINALLY meet our baby boy! Obviously looking back, I wish we could have done a more natural labor and birth without being induced, but with our circumstances, it worked out for the better.
Once we were moved to the labor and delivery room, Michael and I tried to get comfortable and sleep. We had to call my mom to see if she could come around 4 am because Michael forgot to bring contacts! My mom spent the rest of the time with us in the labor and delivery room up until I started pushing. It was so nice to have her and Michael there. They were able to take turns resting and staying by my side. I felt very lucky to have them both!
Honestly, I don't really remember much of anything that happened and when it happened. I threw up three times, received an epidural for my contractions, and slept. That's about it! At one point, my in-laws brought Subway for my mom and Michael and wished me luck. It was really hard not being able to eat, especially since I puked three times before getting the epidural -I literally had nothing in me! Except for a large baby of course.
What I do remember, is that at about 11:45 am, my water broke naturally. Because of this, the Doctors were able to stop the inducing process. Once I started getting heavy contractions (I honestly don't remember when these started or how long they lasted), the Doctors gave me some laughing gas. This was the best part! With every contraction, I would breathe in the laughing gas and it would help me relax my whole body. I even think my mom and Michael were able to get some pretty funny videos of me. |
| If you know me at all, you know that this was the absolute WORST part of the entire experience. Just looking at this picture makes me feel like I'm about to pass out. |
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| Here I am, ready to FINALLY be done with pregnancy and meet my baby boy who is somewhere in my belly under all of those blankets! |
I was in labor for about six hours. I wish I could remember exactly how long I was pushing but it honestly all went so fast. I feel like it was probably a couple of hours. I remember the feelings I had when the Doctors were telling me he was close. It was so overwhelming but in a good way. Michael and I kept looking at each other with excitement. I knew I had to push harder because I just couldn't stand to wait any longer to meet him!
When he finally arrived at 6:08 pm, they placed him on my chest and I instantly fell in love. He didn't cry right away so I just kept telling him to breathe and that it was all ok, and that I loved him. It was the most amazing feeling to have him on the outside of me. Those first cuddles were the best yet!
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| Rhett was 8 pounds 6 ounces and about 20 inches long. He had so much fluffy hair! |
Once we got to our room, I was finally starting to feel like myself again. I could stand up and walk which was nice. Michael even found some more food and we ate until we were full. We loved being in that room together as a family of three. It felt so amazing to look to my right and see Rhett and Michael both sleeping peacefully.
The next morning was so beautiful. The snow had finally decided to fall and we watched it all morning out of our big hospital window. That day, we had family visit and we rested and cuddled with our new precious love! Michael and I shared learning experiences. He changed a diaper for the first time. I was learning how to nurse. He snuggled with Rhett and so did I. Those moments together were so blissful. I would redo it over and over again, in a heartbeat!
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