Tina and Brian welcomed their baby girl on September 9! I had such a great time getting to know this couple during our one-on-one class. I knew their goals for this birth…It was Brian’s second child but Tina’s first. They were a great team and had a wonderful back and forth banter which I knew would serve them well during the potentially stressful experience of labor.

Tina developed gestational diabetes which wasn’t ideal. She knew it might complicate things but continued with the intention of a little intervention in her birth as possible. But as Tina approached her due date, her blood pressure crept up. In time it became a safer notion to proceed with induction than wait it out and hope it didn’t continue to escalate. This was not what Tina and Brian would have wanted but they also knew that a healthy outcome was paramount. At Tina’s appointment they scheduled the induction. But then her blood pressure was high enough to send her straight to labor and delivery that very day to get induced. So as the plan of laboring long at home faded, they gathered their belongings to get admitted at the hospital for induction with even less time to let it sink in. They were troopers about it all and made their way to the hospital to settle in.

There was some cervical ripening necessary before any labor, so the plan was to administer Cytotec to ripen and then use a Cook balloon overnight. In total they administered 5 doses of Cytotec before going to the balloon around 6:30 the following morning.

And in those early hours as Tina waited for the balloon to do its thing, her water broke. It was 10:55 am when this happened and was an encouraging sign that her body was on board with the plan of getting the baby out. The balloon was removed, and Tina was dilated to 3 cm so they began pitocin immediately and raised it incrementally over the course of the day. By that evening with the pitocin at 20 mu and no cervical change or labor, they decided to turn it off and give Tina a break. Tina showered and ate dinner and then resumed pitocin at 7:50 pm.

It felt like the right time to proceed with an epidural, so they got the ball rolling with that. Tina had already been in that room over 24 hours and knew she had a long night ahead of her and the contractions would intensify. Plus, there was the caveat that the epidural could also help with her blood pressure management. The initial placement of the epidural went off without a hitch. It would just take time for the medication to work.

But then something crazy happened. When the doctor did an exam to prepare to insert internal monitors to assess contraction strength, she felt the umbilical cord! It was a cord prolapse and suddenly imperative that the baby be born right away! The doctor hopped on the hospital bed with Tina and as they rolled down the hallway, she asked Tina how she was doing to which Tina threw up her hands and exclaimed, “I’m okay!” This was totally in keeping with Tina’s attitude and sense of humor. The trusted her providers to keep her baby safe and her idea of how the birth would go had already veered in a drastically different direction, this was just par for the course.

Brian got dressed in the paper suit as they prepped Tina for the c-section, but they quickly determined that she would need to go under general anesthesia for the safest outcome for baby. Sadly, Brian was not permitted in the OR. Cora Violet was born quickly and safely, weighing 6 lb. 13 oz. and measuring 18.5 in. long and Brian joined her in the nursery soon after she was born. He spent that first hour with her and even got to cut the umbilical cord. Cora and Brian returned to the labor and delivery room where Tina was able to meet her baby for the first time.

As Tina snuggled her baby girl, she was the picture of peace. I admire her for having the courage to let go of so much of how she imagined her birth would unfold. She embraced the new direction of things and welcomed her baby girl with open arms, grateful she was born safely. Tina and Brian continue to be a solid team with a great sense of humor that will always come in handy when life throws them curve balls. However, Cora Violet may be the best curve ball they are ever thrown!

Emily and Mike welcomed their second baby, a girl, on August 21. Emily was hoping for a VBAC after having a c-section the first time. Her due date came and went and so an induction was scheduled at 41 weeks. But Emily’s body was showing signs that it was moving toward labor. In fact, by 6:30 pm the night before the scheduled induction, she was having contractions 10 minutes apart that were increasing in intensity. She and Mike waited through the night and went into the hospital around 6:00 am.

Emily was breathing through contractions but managing them well. And she was pleased to learn she was dilated 5 cm, 70% effaced, and baby was at 0 station. The nursing staff was confused however, since Emily was scheduled to come in that morning for an induction. It was a good surprise though!

Emily was not afraid to move around all over the place to encourage her baby’s descent. She did squats and lunges and walked. The midwife came in around lunch time to see about possibly breaking her water. Since Emily’s contractions were picking up in intensity and closer than 5 minutes, things were moving into active. And Emily was coping with the pain just fine.

The midwife came in around 12:45 pm and confirmed that Emily was dilated 5-6 cm and then broke her water. She was moaning lightly through her contractions and managing them well. She was ready for the next step and prepared herself for the strong possibility of her labor picking up in intensity after the water was broken. Emily walked around and paced, labored sitting on the bed, and even did some squats with the rebozo over the top of the door.

Her contractions moved to a steady.3 minutes apart and moving right along. Emily had some tender moments of the imminent reality of meeting her baby girl. “I can’t wait to meet her!” And we all were laughing at how much this little one wanted to keep her mom on her toes! It had been an emotional roller coaster to say the least between a possible repeat c-section, induction, or even a VBAC. It all remained to be seen, but Emily was grateful that her body went into labor on its own and her baby was choosing her birthday.

As the contractions intensified, Emily moved into some forward leaning positions. She labored on her hands and knees over the peanut in bed, and then leaned into the CUB standing beside the bed. Lavender on a cotton ball helped to calm her mind and relax her body.

At 2:30 pm, Emily moved into the shower to labor. The lavender essential oil followed her in there and she sighed through her growing contractions. Mike started some praise and worship music which really filled the space with encouragement and positivity. Emily maintained her sense of humor too, because at one point Mike asked her how she was doing and she said she was living her best life.

By 3:10 pm Emily exited the shower and returned to labor on her hands and knees on the bed. After holding that position through a good number of contractions, she decided to lay on her side for a bit of rest. She sat up in bed next and tried to wrap her head around moving forward. She had hit a wall and began to doubt whether she could keep going.

So back into the shower she went at 4:20, since it provided such great relief and focus the last time. Emily felt her baby moving lower and found peace in knowing her baby’s heart rate was steady and strong through the contractions. After 30 minutes she got out with contractions that were still steady at 3 minutes apart. But when her midwife came to see about her progress at 5:00 pm, Emily was still dilated 6 cm. This had her worried she wouldn’t dilate since she wasn’t able to dilate with pitocin in her first birth. We reminded her that this baby had her own journey to make, and then added a heating pad to her back for some relief. Pitocin was started around 5:40 pm, just low to start.

Emily labored over the peanut ball again and asked us to talk to her to distract. By 6:20 pm the pitocin was at 4 mu. Emily tried laboring on the toilet but the pressure was uncomfortable, so she returned to the shower again. The pitocin was raised gradually every 30 minutes and Emily’s body continued its work. Mike was so sweet in his encouraging words, telling Emily she was so beautiful, that he loved her, and that she is amazing and doing so well. He was the king of words of affirmation!

Emily got out of the shower around 8:00 pm and she was dilated 6-7 cm. She was growing very weary and requested an epidural. It didn’t take long, and she was comfortable about 30 minutes later. Her baby had some decels and the thinking was that it was related to rapid progress. So, the midwife did an exam and Emily was dilated 7 cm but her baby was at -2 station. We moved her into a variety of positions over the next couple of hours. Flying cowgirl, peanut ball between her ankles with knees together, right side, left side alternating positions. But at 11:44 pm she was still dilated 7 cm and the baby had not come down. They recommended putting internal monitors in to get a better idea of contraction strength so they could better monitor contraction strength and finetune the pitocin levels.

We continued to have Emily in a variety of positions and an hour later she was still dilated 7 cm and her baby was having decels after contractions, except on her right side. So, her doctor had the pitocin lowered by half to see how her baby would respond. Emily dilated to 8 cm by 3:00 am, but her baby was LOP which wasn’t helping things. We did some sidelying releases and had Emily lunging on one side and then the other (using the peanut ball), and the pitocin was raised incrementally again.

But by 6:00 am, with pitocin up to 12 mu, Emily’s cervix was the same. There was a reason her baby wasn’t descending, and Emily wasn’t sure she wanted to continue pushing things with her baby’s heart rate dipping. So, she made the confident decision of proceeding with a c-section. She expressed to us how different this birth had been from her first and it was already a healing experience for her, rewriting a c-section as a positive thing that she chose.

It wasn’t long before Emily and Mike were in the OR to meet their newest love. Zelie Mae was born at 6:51 am weighing the same weight as her brother: 8 lb. 10 oz. She was a big girl! And she was also the same weight as her brother: 20.5 in. Emily cried when she heard Zelie’s cry, knowing her baby was fine and had arrived safely. And she wasted no time sticking out her tongue and rooting to latch.

Emily and Mike returned to the room they began the journey in and soaked up the feeling of holding a newborn again. With a busy toddler at home, they knew the first day with just the three of them was precious. Although they were also eager to introduce Zelie to her brother.

Emily mentioned at our recent postpartum visit how healing and empowering this birth was. And I am thrilled that she had the opportunity to rewrite her c-section experience. Every step of the way was different, and Emily turned out to be a pretty strong laboring woman when it was all said and done. And she also had the courage to let go and follow where her baby needed her to go.

Romina and Charles are parents! I had the privilege of getting to know them over the course of my 7-week childbirth series. Romina desired as little intervention as possible and prepared by educating herself, finding a provider who would be supportive, and last but not least, hired a doula. We met early on so the relationship was established over many months until finally Romina’s due date was looming. She was always good about reaching out to me with questions or concerns and addressed her fears as well. This was an emotionally mature thing to do and I was proud of her for it.

Professional photos courtesy of JCPenney

Romina’s body had contractions off and on in the final days which just so happened to be the week of her due date. While Romina grew accustomed to the nightly ritual of contractions in the last days, they did nothing for her sleep. It was hard to imagine how she would have the energy for labor when it happened. Romina worried about an induction, in fact it was one of her biggest (if not THE biggest) fear. So not going far past her due date was a very good thing.

Romina saw some signs of change in her body and sent me updates about them. It was an exercise in trying not to pay too much attention to things that weren’t labor but also getting excited about meeting her baby soon. But by the third night, things seemed to be more laborish. I got a text just before 3:00 am with a pattern of contractions that Romina said were getting stronger. And she also thought her water might have broken around 1:00 am. She reached out to her midwives and eventually headed in to the hospital.

After getting checked and hooked up to the monitor to assess, it seemed that Romina wasn’t quite in labor, or perhaps was in very early labor. Her cervix was very thin at 90% and her baby was at -2 station, which was good. Her midwife recommended Romina stay and get fluids and have her baby. She had already had several difficult nights and the concern turned to whether Romina would have the energy needed. They hooked her up with a wireless monitor which would give more freedom of movement. Romina breathed through her contractions but found it hard to relax. The hours passed but by that evening she had only dilated from 1 to 2 cm. Her midwife said it was time to get some labor to happen, so they agreed to starting Pitocin. This was not what Romina ever thought she would want but she also realized that it was the best next step to have her baby. She was courageous as her birth journey took a different turn.

The Pitocin was increased gradually but it didn’t take long before Romina’s contractions were overwhelming. She decided to get an epidural in the hopes it would allow for some rest, and she might relax better as well. It had also been about 24 hours since her contractions began, and she still had a ways to go. Well, unfortunately, Romina’s epidural did not perform as expected. She continued to feel pain and so we tried our best to rub her thighs and apply a rice sock and her heating pad to mitigate the pain of her contractions. With the pain still much worse than expected post-epidural, they did the epidural again. And thankfully, it worked better the second time.

And second to the pain relief, Romina (and Charles) were getting rest for the first time in a long time. We moved Romina into various positions to encourage continued progress in dilation and her diffuser helped to keep the environment relaxing. The baby’s heart rate dipped in such a way as to get our attention. Her nurse added a pillow under Romina’s hip and some fluids to her iv which seemed to help the fetal heartrate. Romina’s nurse also started gathering delivery since sometimes the baby’s heart rate can alert to big changes in the cervix.

With contractions coming steady every 3 minutes, her midwife came in to see what was happening with Romina’s cervix. And lo and behold at 11:49 pm (a short time after the second epidural was working) Romina’s cervix was completely dilated! Her baby was at -1 station. Her midwife broke her water to encourage baby’s descent and we continued to move Romina into various positions to help baby navigate the pelvis.

Romina continued to sleep (eye covers helped) and by 1:00 am her baby was at +2 station. So pushing began! Everyone was very encouraged and excited that a baby would be born soon. And Romina got started. She pushed in many positions over the hours. She pushed on one side, then the other, she sat upright in the bed, and pushed on hands and knees. We did the jiggle from Spinning Babies to help baby move down and placed cold cloths on Romina to counteract the natural heating up of her body caused by the work of labor. After pushing for 2 ½ hours Romina was tired. So she tried to rest through several contractions and then pushed on her hands and knees over the peanut. Romina tried to push with the tug of war rebozo maneuver, but her baby wasn’t descending. “I’m done,” she said.

And she really meant it. So her midwife recommended having the doctor come in and consider some assistance via vacuum. Romina was open to this if the doctor felt it might work. He came in and assessed things and thought it was a good option. But in spite of hard and consistent pushing efforts and use of the vacuum, the baby didn’t descend, and the vacuum popped off the maximum of 3 times. Her doctor shook his head disappointed that he could no longer assist Romina in this way. It was up to her to push her baby out so she continued to try. We all cheered and encouraged her. We even gave her real talk to dig deep and get her baby out. But it just wasn’t happening.

After pushing on her own for 30 more minutes with no notable progress of her baby’s head (which we could see!), the doctor recommended a c-section as the safest option at that point. He even said himself, “I don’t know why the baby isn’t coming.” After all, Romina had been pushing for over 4 hours. By all accounts Romina was doing the hard work to get her baby out. And after all the work she did, Romina embraced the option of a c-section with such courage a grace. This is a woman who was so determined to have a spontaneous unmedicated vaginal birth and she relinquished control of that idea and walked the journey of a very different birth. She was ready to meet her baby. She and Charles regrouped and came to a place of peace with the new direction. This was not an emergency. There was time to gather the team and for Romina and Charles to wrap their heads around the new plan.

Thirty minutes later they were headed to the OR and their sweet baby girl was born 25 minutes later at 6:34 am. Less than 40 minutes later they were back in the room where it started. Romina got skin to skin and so did Charles. Their baby girl, Sofia Nichole, was born at 6:34 am on August 18. She weighed 7 lb. 9 oz. and was 20 in. long. She had a head full of dark hair and she looked a lot like her daddy to me. (Most babies do.) She was latched before I left and Romina and Charles were off to a great start as parents.

Fast forward to the postpartum visit, and I was so proud of them. They had family helping in the first week or two and had come into their own with the rhythm of pumping and feeding and navigating support for tongue ties. Romina had appointments set up and was taking her postpartum time day by day. They were confident, inquisitive, united, and above all loved their baby fiercely. It was an honor to be a trusted member of their birth team and to truly see them grow into parents.

Alisa and Mark came to me first as students in my 7-week Birth Essentials class, and then over time became my clients. Their pregnancy journey is an odyssey in and of itself. After many years of trying and of loss, they were expecting a baby! A fun fact about their baby is that s/he is a donor embryo and is half Indian and half Peruvian. The gender was a surprise but so would the appearance! Another fun fact, Alisa and Mark are full of so many, the embryo transfer happened in the middle of pyrotechnics training, so the pregnancy started with a bang, literally and figuratively!

Last baby belly picture!

Alisa and Mark were overjoyed and a little cautiously optimistic based on their history. But it was soon clear that the pregnancy and their baby was growing well and very healthy. Alisa embraced the pregnancy discomforts as blessings and by her account really didn’t have many complaints to speak of. She was thrilled to carry her baby to term, even when some risk factors loomed larger in conversation the closer her due date came.

Throne position was Alisa’s preferred position

There were a few risk factors, but the most compelling was Alisa’s blood pressure and how it had been creeping up. She had some good readings in the last weeks, but she also had some not-so-good ones. Considering all risk factors, and their journey to get to the end of a healthy pregnancy, they felt the best decision was to agree to induction. Alisa’s due date was February 3, and Alisa was admitted for induction on January 27.

Mark putting the flying pig socks on Alisa since “baby will be born when pigs fly”

Spirits were high and Alisa was very patient, as was Mark. The process can be grueling and so very gradual, especially for a first birth and with hardly any dilation. Cervical ripeners were carefully and wisely used to help coax Alisa’s cervix to a more ready place. Medication was given for her blood pressure, and they started with two rounds of Cytotec the first night. Then extended three more doses into the first full day. Alisa even got a break to eat real food which was nice. 

By 2:00 am the second night, Alisa was feeling the contractions more and unable to sleep. She didn’t sleep all that great the first night either, truth be told. So, she was starting her labor journey exhausted. Her discomfort was getting her somewhere though, because by 6:00 am she was dilated 3 cm. This was a great change from her previous check of 1.5 cm. Knowing she had a long road ahead of her, Alisa chose an epidural for the promise of rest. Her back was also giving her a lot of pain, probably as much from the bed as from the contractions. Soon after the epidural she was dilated 4 cm. It was encouraging to see the dilation increase so soon.

While the blood pressure medication kept Alisa’s blood pressure within normal parameters, after the epidural she experienced a low drop that had her feeling awful. Once they got her balanced out and could resume Pitocin, her contractions were steady at 4 minutes apart. Alisa did a great job of keeping herself calm when things went awry and stayed the course to meeting her baby. She was no stranger to slow and steady with the eye on the prize, as had been her journey to motherhood so far.

We shifted Alisa into a myriad of positions to encourage her to dilate further as well as to bring her baby deeper into her pelvis. The Pitocin was gradually raised, with a close eye on her blood pressure and her baby’s heart rate. It had dipped on occasion and had her providers wondering if her baby would have the stamina for the many hours of labor remaining. After spending the day shiting her position into side-lying, hands and knees, flying cowgirl, and more, Alisa was dilated 5 cm. It was an incremental change, but it was a change. We put her bed into a throne position in the hopes it would bring her baby down upon her cervix and open things further. Alisa really liked that position too since she had spent so much time laying down. How invigorating it was to be upright after so long!

Mark’s careful attention to Alisa shone over the course of the labor. He was always there with empathy and love, and Alisa’s willing task master. For example, at Alisa’s request, and after much digging in bags, he placed Alisa’s flying pig socks on her feet, “since baby will be born when pigs fly.” Their sense of humor was refreshing and a big part of what kept them sane and patient throughout the process.

But by 6:00 pm, their baby’s heart rate had dipped again, several times, bringing their doctor in to assess. Alisa was dilated the same, 5 cm, and he strongly recommended a c-section. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place. Alisa needed more powerful contractions to dilate her cervix, but her baby was not responding well to the increased Pitocin. And keeping things as they were would not produce labor. Alisa and Mark advocated for more time. They wanted to be sure they were doing the right thing. And their doctor stepped away so they could process the situation.

But after seven contractions on her left side, Alisa and Mark’s baby’s heart rate dipped through every single one. Alisa’s doctor returned and said with sincerity that he strongly recommended a c-section. He was growing worried for their baby. At this point, Alisa and Mark were prepared to move forward, but Alisa just needed some quiet to process it. The Pitocin was turned off and after a short while, they mobilized to the OR.

Alisa and Mark welcomed their precious baby, a girl!, Fyfe Greta, at 8:55 pm on January 29. The doctor had music playing during the birth and Fyfe was born to Faith Hill singing “Wild One”. She came into the world with her own theme song! Fyfe weighed 7 lb. 14 oz. and had so much dark hair, just as we suspected, considering her genes. She had the cutest fuzz on her shoulders and back, and her eyelashes were incredibly long, gracing the tops of her cheeks when she closed her eyes.

After an induction process that spanned more than 70 hours, I wish I could say that the worst was over at that point. But I can’t. Alisa continued to have struggles with the immediate postpartum recovery. She hardly slept the first night and had waves of nausea that interfered with eating. Her blood pressure was not quite where it needed to be postpartum either, and required additional medical attention when it was all said and done.

However, at our postpartum visit, I was greeted by Alisa and Mark knee-deep in newborn care. They were grateful to be home, and working their way through the struggles of milk supply and making sure their baby was growing well. I could already see that Fyfe was chunking up so they were well on their way. The journey to meet their baby did not resemble the one they had expected, but the end result was always what they had dreamed of. Alisa and Mark have their healthy baby and a bright future full of promise as they watch her grow and become who she is meant to be in this world. With their loving guidance, I have no doubt she’ll have every opportunity to do just that!

Mark and Alisa are avid Lego hobbyists so of course they created a Lego family complete with Fyfe!

This announcement has been posted without pictures at the family’s request.

Rachael had quite the journey to meet her third baby. Third babies are often called the wildcard, and Rachael’s baby number three fell right into that label! Her husband, Marc, was deployed and would almost definitely not be home in time for the birth. So, Rachael prepared herself to welcome this child without him by her side.

 Rachael aspired for a VBAC this time since her second baby had been born by emergency c-section over three weeks early due to fetal distress. Her first birth was a long induction, so she was hopeful for a different journey this time around.

She enrolled in my Spinning Babies® Parent Class and learned all about the daily positions and stretches she could do to encourage this baby to find the most space to position himself head down. And she even switched her care providers to a group known for their low c-section rate and high VBAC rate.

 Everything was proceeding well for a vaginal birth until at her 37-week appointment it was discovered that Rachael’s baby was in the breech position. This was a shock to everyone and required some quick thinking and extensive work on Rachael’s part. She ran down the list of suggestions I gave for encouraging her baby to go head down and she continued to seek regular chiropractic adjustments. Her doctor even attempted an ECV (external cephalic version) to flip baby from external manipulation but that did not work. He seemed resolute in his position, but Rachael did not stop there. She continued to do all she could to encourage him to flip.

 At Rachael’s 38-week appointment they did another ultrasound to confirm position since the c-section was scheduled for the following week. And wonder of wonders, Rachael’s baby boy had flipped head down! It was another surprise discovery but a much happier one. So, Rachael went about walking and lunging to keep her baby in the head down position. The following Tuesday they had an ultrasound scheduled to confirm he was still head down and would then cancel the c-section for the following day.

 But, true to wild card baby form, when they did an ultrasound the following Tuesday, in week 39, Rachael’s baby was breech AGAIN. Her provider was not comfortable doing another ECV due to the risk of rupture, and Rachael was left unsure as to what felt like the best choice. Her cervix was still closed, and they planned to do another ultrasound the next day before the scheduled c-section just to be sure. Ultimately, Rachael made peace with the safer controlled c-section rather than increasing the likelihood for an emergent situation with a repeat ECV or even delaying the c-section another few days.

 The next morning, Rachael reported to the hospital for the c-section with her sister by her side. Everyone’s eyes were trained on the screen during the ultrasound. What position would her baby be in today?? The plan for the day was soon clear because her baby was still in the breech position. He had made his decision known too it would seem! Rachael handled the situation with grace and a positive mindset, knowing she trusted her providers and wanted only the safest birth for her son. Plus, she had come to peace with everything the previous day.

 Rachael waited through the morning for her c-section. She had been bumped for a more urgent need. It was a reassuring reminder that the path she had chosen was not the urgent one. Her baby was fine and would be born when it was their turn. Not only was her baby’s position flipping and flopping, but her line in queue for the OR was also flipping and flopping. Originally, she was bumped to the afternoon from her early morning slot, and then was returned to a late morning time. 

 The wheels started turning after 10:30 that morning. Her team came in one at a time for introductions and to ask the necessary questions, and by 10:49 that morning Rachael was escorted out the door and down the hall to the OR. Her sister was summoned to her side once the spinal anesthesia was in place. And at 11:26 am on November 23, 2022, the day before Thanksgiving, Judah John Paul was born! He weighed 7 lb. 9 oz. and was 20.5 in. long. He looked like his daddy and once he was with his mommy he grabbed for her hand. Rachael was in recovery with her son within the hour and he latched for the first time at 12:53 pm, just shy of 90 minutes old.

 There was some clarity in the decision when Rachael’s doctor went in for the baby. Rachael’s incision was thin, and with an already elevated chance for rupture, she might have dodged a scary outcome. Her baby boy presented with his feet and his bottom, so he was very much in the breech position at the time of birth.

 Rachael never would have imagined choosing a scheduled c-section in light of her history and her plans for this birth. But as she gathered more information and had discussions with her providers, she felt included in the decision and her option mattered. Given all the information presented and discovered, Rachael chose the best path to meet her son. And that’s the stuff that positive birth experiences are made of! I will forever be amazed at how mobile Rachael’s son was up to the very end, and in her grace in allowing him to literally choose his birth position and path.

Ashley and Luke are the proud parents of their first child, Benjamin Phillip, born on October 20, 2022. If pregnancy and birth are training grounds for parenthood, then Ashley and Luke are more than ready for any curve balls life may throw their way. When we first met, Ashley made it clear she had a strong desire for a birth free of interventions. She sought her care from a homebirth midwife because she felt so strongly about the birth she imagined for herself and her son.

Fast forward several months and Ashley was faced with the shocking realization that her little guy had settled into the breech position. She got to work doing all of the things—she and Luke took my Spinning Babies® Parent class and incorporated the daily activities and Three Balances into their regimen at home. But Benjamin was so solidly settled into the breech position he just would not budge. Ashley’s midwife knew what had to be done. Sadly, she made the recommendation that Ashley transfer her prenatal care to an ob-gyn group that could perform a safe delivery of her son. And unfortunately, in Hampton Roads that means a c-section.

Ashley only wanted the safest passage for her baby, but that wouldn’t come without a great cost to her. She mourned the change in the birth she had envisioned and began to pick up the pieces to construct the scheduled c-section birth that was laid out for her. She advocated for providers in the private sector but being that her husband was in the military, she was given only the option of the naval hospital. This only frustrated her further and required even more of the letting go that she had been doing. I was so proud of her for standing up for her beliefs and desires but also for being flexible in the midst of so many changes to her “plan”.

After some back and forth the c-section was scheduled for a day, but no specific time yet, leaving Ashley and Luke to know generally when to expect it. Ashley texted me the vague information around 2:30 pm on Thursday, October 20, knowing nothing but that the c-section would be the following day. So they continued to hold loosely to their expectations.

But two hours later at 4:35 pm their little guy flipped the script again! Ashley texted me to tell me that her water broke! While obviously a bit surprising, they realized right away the gift they had been given. Since her water had broken and her baby was breech, Ashley and Luke made the decision to go to the nearest hospital instead. It was their preferred hospital anyway, and since she was technically an obstetric emergency, it was highly likely they would admit her and take care of her.

They proceeded to the hospital around 5:00 pm, and while they waited in triage for a total of four hours, Ashley was admitted as a patient with the general expectation of a c-section sometime that night. And as if that wasn’t enough, within the hour of their time at the hospital, Ashley began to feel contractions that were uncomfortable. They grew quickly in intensity and had her using her comfort measures from the start. They were painful, making her vomit, and also had her ready to move forward with the c-section as soon as possible. An exam confirmed she was dilated 1.5 cm, so her labor had a lot more time to ramp up. She maintained her sense of humor through it all, realizing how crazy it all unfolded. And some Nubain helped her manage the contractions for a little while as she waited.

Finally, once the OR was ready for them and the surgical team was assembled, Ashley was wheeled back. Luke would join her once the spinal was in place. Once back there, they welcomed their son into the world at long last! Benjamin Phillip was born at 9:35 pm weighing 7 lb. 4.8 oz. and measuring 20.47 in. long. He was perfect, and the sight of him melted away all the potholes and crevices they had navigated on their journey to meet him. Ashley had a bad case of the shakes, so Luke held Benjamin in the OR and kept him close.

Once in their postpartum room, Benjamin had his first chance to latch, and while he tried several times, he preferred to nap on his mom. And could you blame him? He went through an ordeal just as much as his mother did. In the hours following, as Ashley processed the experience, she came to the realization that her son chose his birthday and she got some of the labor experience from her water breaking and some intense contractions to boot. And the icing on the cake was that she chose the hospital in which to give birth. Ashley was treated wonderfully and had an amazing experience. She felt cared for and heard as it should be. And she was less than 10 minutes from her home.

Ashley and Luke learned how to redirect and reevaluate, letting go of some things, and holding tight to others. They are thriving at home now as they continue to navigate parenthood and make choices that are the best for their baby. I am so proud of them. It’s tempting to emphasize the birth of a child when a woman gives birth, but there is also the birth of parents! And these two have hit the ground running in that department.

Melissa and Mike met their sweet baby girl, Aspen Glori, on October 8, in what can best be described an exercise in patience and letting go. Melissa and I hit it off right away and she was forthcoming to me on her strong desire for an unmedicated birth. With her due date a few days away, she hunkered down to wait. There was talk of an induction if she went much past it, but she hoped it wouldn’t come to that. But when she texted with contractions October 6 it seemed perhaps her baby would circumvent any need for induction. They had begun the previous night and never quite went away until the following afternoon around 3:00. Melissa learned the importance of resting and her contractions drifted off as she did.

Four hours later she texted she thought her water might have broken. You’d think it would be obvious like in the movies, but it often isn’t! Melissa waited a few hours and on the recommendation of her provider, she went in to the hospital that night to get checked in labor and delivery to see if her water had broken. It was inconclusive whether her water had broken, but the there was enough of a concern regarding the color of the fluid to warrant induction. Melissa didn’t want to go that route, but she decided to stay at the hospital where they could monitor her baby.  She was dilated just 1 cm so they had plans to eventually ripen her cervix but thought it best to let her rest as well as she could overnight. (So kind of them!)

When they checked her the next morning, October 7, Melissa was still dilated 1 cm, however she had thinned from 40% to 100%. The plan was to start with oral Cytotec. Melissa’s contractions were still sporadic so they would need to get more organized to make cervical change. It didn’t take but two doses of Cytotec for Melissa’s contractions to get consistent and strong. They were 2-4 minutes apart by 2:00 pm and she was wondering if she might need some pain management help.

It felt like the right time to head in so I was there just before 3:00. Melissa was sitting in the rocking chair breathing through contractions. She had significant back pain, so she moved to her hands and knees over the cub birthing chair and Mike began applying counter pressure there. By 4:09 pm Melissa was dilated 2-3 cm. The next move was to labor in the shower, but she wasn’t in there more than 20 minutes before wanting to try something else.

Melissa used the rebozo tied over the door to dangle squat through some contractions in the hope it would bring her baby girl down lower in her pelvis and further dilate her cervix. But the pain was becoming overwhelming and an hour later Melissa decided it was a good time for an epidural. The CRNA had the epidural completed by 6:15 that night. Melissa rested but continued to move into various positions with our support using the peanut ball. She was dilated 4 cm, 100% effaced, and baby was at -2 station by around 7:45 pm.

The consensus was made to begin Pitocin. And after discussing it with her doctor, Melissa was feeling much better about it. It is administered gradually and only to the level her body required for consistent contractions that produced cervical change. Melissa was grateful for the doctors who were on call for the duration of her labor because she felt heard and like she had a say in her care. That is so very important.

We used the peanut and stirrups in various ways and had Melissa in a myriad of positions. But 5hours later she was still 4 cm with some anterior swelling. She also felt some back pain, which was surprising. An IUPC helped measure the strength of the contractions to make sure the appropriate level of Pitocin was used, and by 1:00 am everyone was trying their best to sleep.

Every once in a while, we would change Melissa’s position, including the flying cowgirl which can often be a game changer when baby’s position is less than optimal. And after all this time, it was certainly the case that baby was being creative in her positioning.

Baby had some decels in her heart rate that were concerning around 3:30 am, but a change in position helped that. And by 4:10 the contractions were more regular and as a result, by 4:30 Melissa was dilated to 6 cm! This was exciting news but with her baby still at -2 station her doctor was still concerned. Melissa anointed herself with essential oils to provide emotional support as she navigated the uncertain turn of her labor. It had been a long night and the possibility of a c-section had been mentioned.

After more creative positioning with Melissa (to help her baby’s positioning NOT be so creative!), Melissa was still dilated 6 cm 2 hours later. There was a decision to make and here is where the provider makes all the difference. Melissa knew she loved and trusted the doctor who had overseen her care and knew the incoming doctor might not be on the same page. With signs pointing toward a c-section, she chose not to delay it to the point of the next shift and rather decided to consent to it under the watch of the same doctor. She promised to stay past her shift to see it through, for which Melissa was most grateful.

Melissa mourned the change in plans, and even expressed frustration at the situation. But she was at peace ultimately with how things came together and with the team she had effectively chosen to welcome her baby into the world. Aspen Glori was born without complications by c-section at 10:06 am, surrounded by her mom’s chosen team. However, she was solidly OT and a solid baby weighing 8 lb. 9 oz. It appeared she was born the way she needed to! She was also a lanky 21.25 in long. Where Melissa put that baby in her small frame I’ll never know.

Aspen was skin-to-skin in the OR and had her first latch at barely an hour old. In the hours following, talking through things with Melissa, it was clear she had a mindful birth. She processed her feelings every step of the way, made decisions that she felt were right and that her provider supported and respected. And I can happily say at our postpartum visit she and baby Aspen are absolutely thriving. I am so proud of Melissa owning and embracing her baby’s birth the way she did.

Christina and Clint are parents! But their journey to meet their baby could better be described as an odyssey, I think. They were students in my childbirth class so they were very prepared for the many ways birth can unfold. Still, you never know how YOUR birth unfolds until it does.

Christina’s blood pressure began creeping up in the final month of her pregnancy, putting her on modified bedrest and the plan for induction earlier rather than later.  In fact, it was set for 37 weeks. Christina and Clint had a very open approach to the birth and knew the importance of being flexible for the best outcome for their baby, but also for Christine, whose blood pressure continued to trend high.

After a hiccup with no rooms available, she got the call back that there was a room available. So, Christina and Clint made their way to the hospital on Thursday night, September 1. The plan was to ripen her cervix first, since it was not yet effaced or dilated, and baby was high. Cytotec was the mode for ripening the first night. Christina slept and hoped for a change in the morning’s exam. But there wasn’t.

Day two, Friday, they continued the Cytotec through most of the day without much change. Christina rejoiced in the opportunity for breakfast and coffee the morning of the second day and developed a taste for the broth that appeared each meal from the hospital cafeteria staff. And her doctor encouraged her to get some dinner before the Pitocin began that night and Christina was thrilled for that!

They attempted the Cook balloon to ripen the cervix second night. Christina’s uterus was contracting regularly every two minutes, mildly, and low dose Pitocin was the overnight plan for ripening. The bed did her back no favors, so she sat on the kaya birthing stool with her head resting on the bed to attempt sleep.

Christina had the best attitude through the induction. She told me time and time again how she knew her body wasn’t ready for labor so she expected the induction to be a process that could span days. Realistic expectations are important in birth, but especially with an induction. You just never know how it will unfold! Christina was also pleased to know her baby was active, seemingly unphased by the whole ripening process. She could be patient for him. Christina did have some discomfort, but it was more due to the bed than any contractions, unfortunately. She went to bed that second night and hoped for the best.

Saturday morning, day three, the balloon was removed but Christina was only dilated 1-2 cm. This was a difficult moment for her and despite her sunny attitude thus far, she shed some tears and allowed herself to mourn how long and drawn out this birth had become. Her baby was also still very high. Her contractions the previous day were worse than the contractions this day, which allowed her a few hours of rest overnight at least. The Pitocin was high, at 16 mu by 9:30 that morning.

Saturday evening there still wasn’t much happening. Christina was dilated 2-3 cm and was given the gift of a break. She was unhooked from everything and even took a shower! Then she and Clint went for a walk outside in the healing garden and enjoyed dinner of a salad before returning to the room to continue the ripening process. The plan for the third night was to return to the Cytotec and see if Christina’s body responded differently than the first night they tried. Christina hoped to get some rest that night at the very least, and maybe some additional dilation.

The third morning, the verdict was discouraging. Christina’s cervix had not changed. Her doctor laid out two options for next steps: break her water and get an epidural and see if that combination with likely Pitocin might bring on some labor; or proceed with a c-section. Christina didn’t have to think very long about it, for she felt the answer was clear. After three days of ripening a cervix that still wasn’t ripe, she felt most comfortable with the c-section rather than trying another day and running the risk of an emergent c-section later.

This is a brave and courageous woman. This is a patient woman. This is a woman who is not willing to risk potential stress to her baby with another day of ripening and induction. This is a woman who is ready to meet her baby. Christina had a choice, and she made the best one for herself and her baby, with full support from her birth team.

Asher Cole (Hebrew for happy and blessed), was born at 6:45 am on September 4, 2022. He weighed 7 lb. 13 oz. and was 20 in. long. He was a decent size for 37 weeks! And as if the c-section wasn’t already the best decision for Christina, when they got into the OR to get situated, they couldn’t find Asher’s heartbeat. The doctor said, “It’s time. Let’s get him out.” And they did just that.

Asher was latched by 7:55 pm, hardly an hour after he was born, and his mother was beaming with him in her arms, knowing her had come earthside safe and sound. Clint was a faithful and loving partner through it all too. Inductions are grueling for everyone, and the waiting game and living in one room for three days can wear anyone down. His attitude was just as upbeat as Christina’s and that alone was testament to their willingness to do the hard things for their baby. Birth looks so many ways, but at the core it is the same: making the best decisions for mom and baby with love at the center of it all.

Brianna and Angel, first-time parents, welcomed their son, Kai Andrés, on June 24, 2022. Like many births, they encountered some unexcepted challenges that began at her 40-week prenatal appointment. Her son’s heart rate had concerning decels that had Brianna at the hospital for monitoring. It didn’t take long to realize her baby would fare better being born since they were not sure what was causing the decels. Thankfully, she was to her EDD so there was not too much time to have waited for labor.

Brianna and Angel settled in for the night, understanding that inductions can take a long time. Cervadil was the ripener of choice, and Brianna rested as well as she could in the hospital that night. Her water broke at 5:00 am, bringing irregular contractions that were soon intensifying. I joined them at the hospital soon after that since things seemed to have taken off like a shot.

Brianna threw up several times and was breathing through her contractions. Her nurse brought us all of the tools: the birthing chair, birth balls, and we had my cub birthing chair. Brianna felt a lot of pain in her back, so we made good use of my heating pad. It became her mainstay through her entire labor.

When the sun rose and the nurse shifts changed, Brianna was ready for what was ahead. By 7:45 her contractions were 5 minutes apart, requiring her complete focus, and even causing her to throw up again. Her nurse got the room ready, feeling like a baby was coming sooner rather than later. But a cervical check at 8:49 was a surprising 1-2 cm. Brianna’s cervix was 80% effaced which was a significant change, but the lack of dilation blew the wind out of her sails. Her contractions felt much harder than 1-2 cm! Brianna chose an epidural so she could rest and get a break. She wasn’t sure she wanted to endure many more hours of labor like that. She was comfortable shortly after 9:00.

We dimmed the lights to help with rest, placed a cotton ball with lavender essential oil near her face, and the warm heating pad to hug to her chest. She ran cold the entire time, and the heating pad not only relieved her back pain earlier on, but it also helped her to feel warm.

Brianna felt cramps on one side of her abdomen, so her epidural was not a complete relief for her pain. Then they discovered her baby preferred how she lay in the bed. His heart rate would have decels on one side so we would roll her to the other. It became a dance between progressing dilation with positions while making sure baby’s heart rate was stable. The heart rate would dip, and Brianna would get rolled one way and another and breathe oxygen through a mask. Eventually they struck a balance. But it was never 100% effective. Those decals would still come from time to time.

Her doctor came in to discuss the virtues of Pitocin to try to put Brianna’s mind at ease about it. She was concerned but she also needed her cervix to open, and stronger contractions would do the trick. They started it low, but her baby lodged his complaint with a decel so it was turned off.

Just before 2:00 pm Brianna was dilated 4 cm, 90% effaced, and her baby was at -1 station. She was moving in the right direction, and we were encouraged. In two hours when her cervix was the same, Pitocin became the topic of discussion again. But Brianna was scared for her baby. She knew he was having decels and she knew Pitocin would bring stronger contractions and likely more decels.

She had a good talk with her doctor and explored her options and the risks and benefits of each. And after considering everything, Brianna decided she was most comfortable with a c-section to make sure her baby was ok. She had a strong desire to protect him from the possible consequences that Pitocin driven contractions might bring to his heart rate. It was not an easy decision, and it was not free of tears, but she felt better having made it.

With her doctor’s full support, they began to assemble the team and prep Brianna. She continued to feel pain on one side of her abdomen, and her baby’s heart rate continued to decel to such an extent that we had to roll and shift her into different positions to help bring it back up. And it only validated her decision to move forward with the c-section. Angel was solid support through labor. He loved Brianna through it, was her rock when things got difficult, and stood by her in her decision for a c-section.

It wasn’t an emergency so there was no rush. But once the team was ready, Brianna went back around 6:18 pm. Angel was summoned back and took his place beside Brianna to welcome their son into the world. Kai was born at 6:35 pm and we heard the lullaby play over the speakers a short time later. There was such relief knowing he was born safely! Kai weighed 7 lb. 9 oz. and measured 20.6 in. long. There was no cord issue when the doctor went in, but it might have been his position or simply the contractions that he didn’t tolerate.

Brianna and Angel were relieved and in love and gushing over their little guy from the start. They adjusted nicely at home and this little family is savoring their time together. Brianna’s decision was not an easy one, and it is not one everyone would make. But I admire her for taking the more difficult road for her baby. Signing up for a c-section is signing up for a much more involved recovery, not to mention the possible risks with future pregnancies. But ensuring their baby was born safe and healthy was always the goal. And that’s exactly what happened!

Lindy and Leland welcomed their first child, a son, on February 22, 2022. (That’s 2-22-22!) These first-time parents were also students in my 7-week childbirth class and had chosen providers who were known for their support of natural birth. However, as the pregnancy progressed, there were some concerns that came up at 28 weeks. It became clear that their care would be referred out to the high-risk OB practice in the area to ensure Lindy and Leland’s baby got the level of care he would need. There were several concerns that added up to a heart problem that would need to be addressed with surgery in their baby’s first days of life.

This was a big pill to swallow but swallow it they did. Lindy and Leland gracefully followed the new direction their journey had taken them, and with strong faith in the Lord, they prayed fervently and adjusted their plans, surrounding them with loving friends and family to help.

In the last weeks, their baby was confirmed breech. This was an added complication as it would mean a c-section birth if baby did not turn. With the heart issues looming, and some concerning slow growth in their baby, Lindy’s doctors strongly recommended a c-section sooner rather than later. They even put a date on the calendar to insure they had the OR reserved. Lindy and Leland struggled to balance the potential for a c-section with the benefits of more time in utero for their baby to develop. Lindy went in for regular BPPS and NSTs to check on baby and make sure he was doing fine. And for a while he was. Until he wasn’t.

All was well on February 14. Then on February 17, baby checked out fine. But four days later, the ultrasound showed some reduced amniotic fluid volume that made a c-section as soon as possible the safest option. Originally it was going to be 6:00pm that night, but then it was shifted, and Lindy was admitted overnight so they could do the c-section in the morning when the full cardiac team was available. This was par for the course at this point. Their expectations were in constant flux.

We had a powwow phone call that night to check-in on emotions and review details, and I planned to arrive the following morning. When I entered the room, I saw Leland laying in Lindy’s hospital bed with her. It was such a sweet image and hit home just how united and how in love these young parents are!

We passed the time talking, and I answered questions as needed and encouraged the both of them. A parade of nurses and doctors came in to explain why things were delayed. Yes, they were delayed again. But Lindy and Leland were patient and took refuge in the fact that their baby was holding and wasn’t in such urgent need of a c-section that they couldn’t wait a little longer. Time was a gift, every day, to every hour, and in the end every minute. They played worship music to bring peace and love to the space. And with minutes remaining before Lindy was to get wheeled to the OR, a prayer was said for wisdom and skill of surgeons, and for a safe birth for their son. Lindy was taken back at 11:44 am. And Leland worked on getting dressed in his paper suit.

Leland was taken back to join Lindy at 12:08 pm. And their son was born at 12:25 am. Leland texted me the good news and mentioned there was a beautiful story to share. Lindy had worship music playing over her phone during the birth. She and Leland sang as the c-section began. Soon they heard another voice singing on the other side of the curtain, followed by another, and another until a chorus of people were singing and worshipping together. There were tears and softened hearts and a definite feeling of God with Us during the birth.

Their sweet baby, Levi Marshall, was born breathing well. And in answer to a prayer by his parents that he be born weighing more than 5 lbs. (in spite of the most recent ultrasound that had him estimated at 4 lb. 10 oz.). And Levi weighed 5 lb. 1 oz.! While still small, this was a huge victory as it was a safer weight for surgery. Hugs came from the doctor, who happened to recognize Leland from a previous encounter, and she told Lindy she brought the good energy that day.

Leland went with Levi while I stayed with Lindy. She mostly rested. She had had a whirlwind 24 hours and it was just the beginning of their crazy ride as parents. Soon they would have surgery and recovery for their baby, and eventually skin to skin, breastfeeding, and bringing him home.

In the meantime, they drive to the hospital daily, bringing Lindy’s pumped milk and taking notes to update loved ones. At the time of this writing, Levi is still at the hospital but on the road to recovery. They encountered a few little hiccups but in general things are looking good. And mom and dad even got some skin-to-skin time with their sweet boy!

Birth can be so different. And while there were not many surprises with the scheduled c-section, Lindy and Leland still went through the gamut of emotions that accompany any birth, but to an even greater degree. They are taking things day by day and clinging to each other in the process. They have loving friends and family to keep them connected, and they are covered in prayer. Their faith continues to carry them through this difficult journey, but they believe in God’s goodness and look forward to when they can bring Levi home and really feel like things are “normal”.

(UPDATE: Levi is home and doing well. He was in the hospital for 79 days total, not that his parents are counting. He’s been home about 6 weeks at the time of this writing, and his parents are ecstatic to be sleep deprived and have an uncanny understanding of breastfeeding and pumping. Levi is growing and he is getting caught up on his milestones too. He does have another surgery, but the future looks very bright!)