Rebecca and Jason, repeat clients of mine, welcomed their twin girls, Noelle Elise and Evelynn Rose on July 21, 2021! Their arrival was a far cry from the birth of their big brother, who came barreling into the world quickly via an induction at 38-weeks. Rebecca knew that carrying and birthing twins would be different, but she maintained her desire to birth them vaginally with as little intervention as possible. She was hopeful for the chance to birth them without pain medications too, just as she had done the first time.

However, this pregnancy required a lot of changes for Rebecca. The providers who had taken such excellent care of her during her first pregnancy, were unable to take care of her this time due to a recent type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Rebecca switched providers but was left feeling unheard and unsupported. But that wasn’t even the half of it because a month later, Rebecca and Jason learned that they would be welcoming twins! This catapulted Rebecca’s pregnancy into a completely different high-risk category. Her pregnancy was riddled with extra ultrasounds and NSTs, not to mention elevated concerns that were voiced simply by virtue of the fact that she was growing two babies. Rebecca did not let the risks get to her and she continued the journey of awe and wonder at two new lives, while also feeling the shifting and stretching of her own body to accommodate her girls. There was her firstborn to take care of too, still a toddler himself. Rebecca’s aching body was stretched thin with the daily tasks of mothering in addition to the pregnancy. Jason was a huge help, but he couldn’t carry the babies for her.

Continued red flags inspired Rebecca to switch her providers again. She was 6 months into her pregnancy, but she felt much relieved after making that change. (It’s never too late to follow your instincts, mamas!) Unlike her first pregnancy, Rebecca’s cervix remained closed, a herculean task considering it dilated significantly before labor for her singleton pregnancy! It was especially critical since her uterus housed two babies. Her cervix really stepped up this time and held those babies in nicely.

Then Rebecca was hit with another surprise. Her babies were in the breech position. Both of them. She tried to do everything within her power to encourage them to rotate head down, but they simply wouldn’t budge. And the more time passed, the bigger they grew, and the less likely they were to turn. Rebecca had to face the reality of a c-section for the birth of her girls, a very different birth than the one she imagined for them. She did great job of embracing the change in plans and marveled in the miracle of growing and birthing two babies, by whatever means. Her cervix remained closed for the twins, unlike with her first, and she managed even better bloodwork too. As the weeks ticked by with no change in position, the c-section was scheduled for July 21.

Just prior to 37-weeks, Rebecca’s blood pressure was high at a prenatal appointment. Thankfully the labs came back fine, and she went home to wait out the last couple of days before the scheduled c-section. She was left waiting all the way to the end! Then on the day of the c-section the labor and delivery unit was hopping. It was a popular birthday! And another woman requiring a more urgent c-section cut in front of Rebecca, leaving her waiting even longer to meet her babies. But she was so patient. After all, she had already waited months, what was another couple of hours?

Finally, the OR was available, and it was Rebecca’s turn. Baby A, Noelle Elise, was born first at 3:57 pm. She was smaller but very strong. Evelynn Rose, Baby B, was born second at 3:59 pm. She was larger but had some breathing struggles at first. And the babies were two very different weights! Noelle was 5 lb. 12 oz. and Evelynn was a whopping 7 lb. 12 oz.! Turns out there was a very big reason why their weights were so disproportionate. Noelle’s umbilical cord was attached to the placenta by a velamentous cord insertion, which means the veins were attached to the membranes of the amniotic sac before they joined the placenta. This meant that Noelle was close to potential danger the entire pregnancy with her lifeline extremely vulnerable to a kick or really anything, and it also helped explain the 2-pound difference in their weights. It was a very good thing she was born by c-section and there were no attempts to rotate her externally. In the end, it was a godsend really, because it kept one more risk factor out of the picture and out of Rebecca’s (and her providers’) mind. And as if that wasn’t enough, Evelynn’s cord was a marginal insertion to the placenta, which isn’t the sturdiest by any means. Two babies. Two miracles for so many reasons!

Noelle snuggled with her mom in the PACU while Evelynn got the breathing support she needed in the special care nursery. She remained there for several days but made it home with her family that first week. The first night at home with everyone was an experience indeed. Family support and flexibility would be their best resources in the early weeks, much like during the pregnancy.

Rebecca struck a balance between advocating for her preferences and making decisions for the safety of her babies. She relinquished control and let go of a lot. She sacrificed so much growing two babies and even ended up with a very different birth experience. But at our postpartum visit, she was tired but happy. She had family at home to help, and her babies were thriving—all three. And to this day she is still breastfeeding. I am so proud of this mom! And I will not soon forget her story and how both of her babies were miracles who were protected from potential grave harm the entire time. Now that is a true miracle!

Welcome to the world, Brantley Taylor, born to Ashley and Mike on July 12, 2021. Ashley was motivated to have an unmedicated birth and prepared with childbirth education and hired a doula. She also sought out a practice that favored the midwifery model of care and had a low c-section rate, knowing that correlation would bring her much reassurance as a patient in their care. 

The next update came the following night around 2:30 am. Contractions were every 6 minutes and unaffected by a soak in the tub. Ashley was also having a lot of lower back pain which had us wondering if perhaps baby’s position was not quite right. I recommended some positional things, but Ashley was in such pain she was ready to call her midwives and head to the hospital. And within an hour they were on their way.

Ashley was dilated a nice 5.5 cm on arrival to the hospital just before 5:00 am. She had done a lot of work! The next challenge was getting into a room. An hour and a half later, with intensifying contractions, Ashley requested some iv pain medication to take the edge off as she worked to avoid an epidural. 

By 7:00 am she was dilated 6.5 cm, 100% effaced, and had a bulging bag, and still in triage. Ashley labored well in the small room, focusing on her body, and breathing through each one. And about 90 minutes later her L&D room was ready, and we made the move. 

Her medicine was wearing off, bring the return of her low back pain in its place. Mike did counter pressure on her sacrum which really helped Ashley to stay focused through the contractions. And she moved in a myriad of ways to help her baby turn. She labored on her hands and knees over the peanut ball and lunged one way and then the other. We positioned the bed upright like a throne and she labored like that.

A bite of orange popsicle just past 9:00 was just the pick me up she needed, and the warm rice sock on her hips helped too. Around 9:30 she got in the shower and allowed some citrus essential oil fill the shower with uplifting aromatherapy. She remained in the shower about 45 minutes and emerged in a completely different place in her labor.

Ashley was 9 cm dilated, 100% effaced, and her baby was at -1 station. She still had that bulging bag too. Full of renewed vigor knowing she was nearly ready to push, Ashley squatted with the squat bar on the bed to bring her baby down. She moved back to her hands and knees, and even labored on the toilet. She grew nauseous and without the telltale sign of pressure to push, Ashley returned her labor to the shower at 10:38 am. Twenty minutes later Ashley felt a shift, and 25 minutes later she was out of the shower again.

I pushed on her hips and back as Ashley dozed between contractions. She lay in runners’ position to encourage her baby to rotate while she rested. And then at 11:44 am she was completely dilated, 100% effaced, and her baby had moved to +1 station! Oh, and that bulging bag was still there. Ashley gave bearing down a try during her contractions. She lay over the peanut ball next to rest her arms and help her baby navigate southward. Then she labored standing up and returned to runners. She got some rest, believe it or not. But her contractions spaced out, so Ashley opted to have her water broken. At 12:40 pm the waters ran clear, and Ashley felt the relief that comes with that pressure release. 

Ashley moved right into second stage, pushing on her left side and then her right. But she preferred pushing more upright. The squat bar was a great tool for Ashley, but the sensation of tremendous pressure did not feel good to push into. And after an elaborate description of pushing like you are constipated, Ashley got it! And her pushes were moving her baby. In fact, by 1:22 pm she felt some burning and we could see some head coming forth. We called her nurse, and she came in followed by a different midwife who heard a baby was crowning. Ashley’s midwife arrived shortly after with plenty of time before baby. And after another round or two of pushing, Ashley brought her hands down to catch her own baby, and Brantley Taylor into the world at 1:42 pm on July 12, 2021! 

Brantley came out in the OA (best!) position, having taken his own sweet time to rotate. He weighed 7 lb. 4 oz. and was 19.75 in. long. Ashley was all smiles as she held her son as the reality set in of what she had just done. Her life was forever changed in a wonderful way. She was a mother. Mike was a doting father, taking care to carefully put Brantley’s hat on his head. He also got in some skin to skin too.

These young parents were patient, loving, and wise as they brought their son into the world. Ashley listened to her body and stayed focused. She was not afraid to labor in all sorts of positions to encourage her son on the best path. That job will continue as a mother—encouraging Brantley on the best path. And Ashley has done a great job so far, now hasn’t she? Congratulations again!

Grace and Robert welcomed their daughter, on Jul 11, 2021! This was not Grace’s first birth; she and her husband had a young daughter already. So she knew what was coming. And so did her body. She felt bouts of Braxton hicks contractions and her cervix even dilated some ahead of time. At her 40-week appointment she was dilated 2 cm. Unfortunately, at that appointment she also confirmed that her baby was in the OP position (sunny side up) So she spent a lot of time on her hands and knees to encourage her baby to rotate. The next day her body contracted for many hours, but never increased in intensity. Eventually, her contractions subsided and she was able to fall asleep.

Then at 11:30 am the next morning, July 11, Grace texted that she was “definitely having labor contractions.” They had started 3 ½ hours earlier and were escalating in intensity. They were not very close yet, however, so she planned to wait it out before heading to the hospital. Her contractions grew stronger, longer and closer to the point that by 3:15 pm she was ready to call her midwives and endure the drive to the hospital. (Depending on who you ask, they may claim that’s the worst part of labor!) We met up at the hospital about 20 minutes later.

Grace labored through the required 20-minute NST, breathing and moving to best cope with the intensity of the surges. And it’s no wonder because was arrived dilated 6 cm. She had done a lot of work at home and was in the thick of it. Grace shed some tears of relief knowing how far she had already come. Transition was just around the corner.

She stood beside the bed during the blood draw, and Robert lightly rubbed her arms and pressed her hips. He was always by her side, very attentive and willing to do whatever would help. Once the admissions details were completed, Grace headed to the shower. It was just before 5:00 pm, and she told us (as she entered the shower) that she felt like she wanted an epidural. After just 15 minutes she got out and returned to the bed for an exam. Grace was seriously thinking about the epidural and an exam would give her information to make the decision.

And lo and behold Grace was dilated 8 cm! This complicated things a bit because she still felt like she wanted an epidural. There was some strategizing on the part of her birth team. Robert knew Grace’s wishes and asked, “If her water gets broken will the baby come?” And we all said, “YES.” Grace was not opposed to it and thought it would be a good idea, but still wanted anesthesia to be called in for the epidural. It would be a race. Who would come first? Her baby or anesthesia? Her water was broken by the midwife at 5:20 pm and the race was on. 

Grace rolled over to her hands and knees and labored with courage and strength. She did not act as though she was overwhelmed and desperate for relief. She did not lose a grip on her coping mechanisms as she waited for the epidural. And it’s a good thing too because the anesthesiologist was busy and not available right away. And just four minutes later, Grace’s exhale moans turned to growls as her body moved headlong into second stage. She pushed with the next contraction full on and it didn’t take long before her baby was crowning. Once the head was out, her baby opened her mouth to cry! Of course, she couldn’t until the rest of her came out, that birth canal compresses those lungs something fierce!) But at 5:39 pm Birdie Banks was born! Her gender was made official in that moment since it had been a surprise all along. And for those who have been paying attention, she did rotate into the OA position before birth.

Grace lay back in the bed with her sweet baby in her arms. She stroked her daughter’s cheeks and kissed her head and celebrated the incredible journey. She reveled in her chunks and head full of dark hair and savored every little detail. Both Grace and Robert cherished every minute of bonding with their sweet girl. Snuggles with mommy and skin to skin with daddy, and even a first latch filled the magic hour. And it wouldn’t be until the end of that hour that Birdie weighed 8 lb. 6 oz. and measured 19.25 in. long.

Robert was so involved even Grace’s nurse was bragging on him at the nurses’ station. Panera was ordered for dinner, and we all celebrated the fortuitous timing of Birdie being born on 7-Eleven Day! She would always get free Slurpee’s on her birthday! In the end, Grace did not get the epidural she requested. But she DID get the unmedicated birth she had envisioned. What a timely coincidence that anesthesia was not available immediately, and that Grace’s baby was ready to come moments later. It didn’t hurt that Grace had such solid support to keep her on track with her goals too. Sometimes it all comes down to timing. Like being born on Free Slurpee Day! Congratulations again!

Katie and William are parents now, having welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Aria Jamey on July 7, 2021! From our initial meeting, I got the feeling Katie was mature for her age. She also had a strong desire to do the best for her daughter, embracing the pregnancy as her first responsibility as a mother, and keeping her daughter’s well-being in the forefront of her mind. After all, the fact that Katie got pregnant was a miracle since she had been told by her doctor that it wouldn’t ever happen! So this pregnancy was an extra precious gift. Katie and Will attended an intensive one-on-one class with me in their home to learn all they could about pregnancy and the birth process. They wanted to be sure they were prepared for welcoming their baby girl.

But when Katie noticed reduced movement in the final month of pregnancy that brought her to the hospital twice, she and her providers agreed that it was a prudent decision to induce labor. Better to be safe in that regard since she was just a few days shy of her due date. Katie and William understood that an induction is typically a long and drawn out process, especially when the cervix is not very dilated. Katie’s midwife encouraged her to eat, and after determining cytotec for ripening, the potential for another food break hours later between doses.

At 10:00 pm Katie was dilated 3 cm so her providers felt it was a good time to begin pitocin. She was thankful for a good night’s sleep and a nap that afternoon! Several hours (and several increases to the pitocin level) later, Katie was feeling erratic contractions. But she was feeling them in her back and they were surprisingly painful. She labored in various positions and made use of the birth ball and dilated to 4 cm over the next couple of hours. Her contractions got close and intense quickly, and Katie had a difficult time relaxing and staying focused through the intensity. After back to back contractions, and even some dry heaving, Katie requested an epidural. Her hope was that she would be able to regain her focus and rest up for pushing. However, the epidural was not as straightforward as it usually is, and ended up taking several tries to get the needle placed properly. 

Once that was sorted out and Katie’s pain was managed a bit better, her contractions had spaced out and needed some oomph. Pitocin was the plan for intensifying her labor so it was initiated at 11:45 am. And it was incrementally increased until her contractions were more consistent. Katie’s cervix dilated to 6 cm and then her water broke. This was an emotional moment for Katie. Suddenly it all really got real. She would be meeting her baby soon!

Her contractions came on more consistently but they brought with them some nausea as well as hip pain. Katie focused and breathed through them and used her PCA button as necessary for the breakthrough pain. And by 2:30 she was fully dilated! No wonder her sensations were intensifying! Katie’s first push came five minutes later and we could already see the baby’s head. A mirror helped to motivate her along with reaching down and actually feeling her baby’s head. That’s a tried and true inspiration to push well, if you ask me! And ten minutes later the midwife was uncovering the delivery cart. Needless to say Katie pushed very well. Aria was born at 2:51 pm, after just 15 minutes of pushing! 

Katie held her daughter close and spoke directly to her about all the people (and pets) who already loved her and couldn’t wait to meet her. “You’re the most perfect thing I’ve ever done,” she said sweetly. Will said, “There is a world of people waiting to meet you.” It was precious to hear the loving words these new parents lavished on their newborn in her first moments. She was born on 7-7 in room 7. How lucky is that?

Katie went about sending pictures of her sweet princess to loved ones and settled into her new role as mother. She took to it well and Will was likewise a doting father from the very start, gazing into his daughter’s eyes, and bragging to his excited mom about how perfect Aria was. There is no doubt this little girl was surrounded in love through and through. And to think there was a time when Katie believed she might have a difficult time getting pregnant. And then she had Aria without trying! What a perfect unexpected gift with a lifetime of joys to come.

Kelsey and Andrew welcomed their second baby, Elliott Andrew, on June 30, 2021! Kelsey’s body prepared for labor with cramps and contractions especially in the last week or so. She was dilated 2-3 cm at her 39-week appointment and decided to forego a membrane sweep and see what her body might do. Kelsey preferred not to introduce any risks and was curious if her midwife’s prediction of labor within 72 hours would hold true. (It would.)

Two days later, on June 30, just before 5:00 am, Kelsey texted to tell me she thought she was up with regular contractions, she thought. Even after previously giving birth, labor can be confusing and challenging to decode. Kelsey had been up with the contractions a couple of hours, and her app recommended she go to the hospital. But Kelsey desired a birth free of medications and knew that establishing active labor at home was a wise idea. Besides, in her words, she wasn’t dying, and going to the hospital didn’t feel right yet. 

An hour and a half later she was definitely having to stop for each contraction and even felt nauseous at the peaks. It all felt a bit fast to Kelsey, but in order to avoid a extra difficult hour-long drive to the hospital, they decided to leave with the plan of a hotel room as backup should she get sent home. Suffice it to say, Kelsey was either in denial, or just very adept at minimizing her labor. Kelsey got sick in the car and then after taking time to gather herself, they made their way up to the Family Maternity Center at Sentara Leigh Hospital. 

There were no available rooms but in triage her midwife came in to greet her and confirm that she would be staying to have a baby. She was dilated 4-5 cm, just about perfect to avoid a very unpleasant car ride. We added some pillows to the underwhelming triage bed in an effort to make it plusher like a labor and delivery bed. And if you are familiar with labor and delivery beds, the fact that we were trying to improve the condition of her bed to match a L&D bed was laughable. Kelsey breathed calmly through her contractions and got settled in the room as her nurse strapped the monitors to her belly for the initial NST. Thankfully, baby looked great so Kelsey was off the monitor 20 or so minutes later. She promptly threw up and then rolled over to her hands and knees to labor. She lay down after a while to get some rest between. She said she felt tired and week, and still a bit nauseous. Peppermint aromatherapy helped assuage the nausea, and we helped her to relax and rest with music and backrubs. 

Her nurse returned to listen to baby’s heartbeat with the doppler ever so often, but in general she tried not to disrupt Kelsey’s labor groove. Kelsey labored beautifully while her midwife and nurse tried to coordinate a room change. Finally, a larger triage room was available; one with a shower! So we moved Kelsey into it quickly and turned on the water asap. Kelsey labored an hour under the warm water and returned to the bed to rest a bit and energize with some juice. A few minutes later, just past 2:00 pm, she was 8 cm dilated and her baby was at 0 station. Her progress was great encouragement, and Kelsey continued to labor confidently. Ten minutes later her water broke, causing Kelsey to gasp in surprise. And her baby moved down bringing a lot of pressure. 

Kesley breathed her baby down, allowing the urge to push to grow naturally. Her midwife sat nearby, and the nurse shifted things around the room to make a clear path to the warmer. The fact that the warmer was already in triage, spoke to their incredible busy-ness. I noticed Kelsey holding an emesis bag in one hand, and holding Andrew’s hand with the other. It was definitely a snapshot of labor. 

 By 2:45 pm, Kelsey was pushing gradually. She blew through the end of her contractions until she couldn’t anymore. Hands and knees is where she felt led to go and she made significant changes there. In fact, her midwife saw baby’s hair almost immediately and called for nursery. Two minutes later, her baby’s head was crowning as she pushed gradually. Kelsey did an amazing job of pushing just enough to advance her baby and allow everything to stretch so she wouldn’t tear. And at 3:11 pm, Elliot Andrew made his appearance! (And yes, he was born over an intact perineum!) Elliot cried immediately at birth but quickly settled down. He had a very long cord that was wrapped loosely around his neck and caused no problems whatsoever. He snuggled with his mom as he awakened to the world outside of her, showing us the cutest dimple in his right cheek.

By 3:40, Elliot was latched, and Kelsey enjoyed a granola bar and some Oreo cookies for a snack. Peanut butter on saltines was the next snack, along with orange juice. Kelsey ate it all and was grateful for the energy and the return of full stomach capacity. She was eating snacks as if it was an ordinary day. Kelsey and Andrew got familiar with their son and spread the happy news of his arrival to loved ones. It was a lovely birth, one in which Kelsey had autonomy, support, and a team that trusted her intuition and ability. It all came together nicely in triage, and by the time Elliot was born we hardly noticed where we were. It didn’t much matter, after all. Birth can happen anywhere. Congratulations to this couple again for partnering and journeying together to welcome their second son to the family. 

Ellie and Sean are parents again! Jameson George Gordon Burke was born on June 26, 2021! Ellie had a strong desire to have a different birth experience than her first, one in which she did not let fear drive her decisions, and with minimal interventions. She selected a practice with midwives known for trusting women and the process of birth, and she felt heard. This was very important to her this time around and would help her to feel more confident following her intuition as well. This would be the first time Sean attended a birth since he had been deployed during the birth of their first child. So he was especially eager and excited.

Ellie’s last weeks were uneventful, which is a good thing. Her appointments went well, baby was positioned perfectly, and her blood pressure was beautiful. It was just a waiting game. She actually hoped to hold on until her mom arrived so she would have the necessary help at home. Thankfully, she did, which helped Ellie to feel less anxious. Leaving for the hospital can be especially stressful when there is childcare to coordinate!

Ellie’s due date came and went. She was 70% effaced but not yet dilated. Her baby remained in a perfect position though, locked and loaded. Whenever things unfolded he would be ready. And so would Ellie. 

Then on Saturday, June 26, around 2:00 pm, Ellie texted me about persistent menstrual-like cramps and shooting pelvic pain. She was in the middle of making donuts! Yes, donuts from scratch! I think Ellie was doing a bit of nesting.  She would try to hydrate, lay down, and get in a warm bath to see if this was the real deal. 

 A couple of hours later, Ellie checked in to say she was having loose stool and constant Braxton-Hicks contractions that were not coming and going. It was suspicious, and appeared like her body was getting itself organized into labor. And around 5:30 pm when Ellie texted, she had timed and discovered regular contractions coming 5-6 minutes apart. Over the next couple of hours (and after ordering Chipotle for dinner), Ellie could feel the contractions intensifying. She was drawn in to breathe and focus through each one and had called her midwife. Thirty minutes later, close to 8:30 they decided it was time to go to the hospital. The contractions were getting much more intense. 

We met up at the front door and proceeded up to the Family Maternity Center at Sentara Leigh Hospital. Just past 9:00 that night, her midwife did an initial exam to find Ellie was 5 cm and 100% effaced. We hung handwritten affirmations around the wall that Ellie had prepared herself. It was a touching way to make the space hers. Once her initial time on the monitor was completed, Ellie moved her labor to the shower. Meditations played; Sean remarked how they helped him to stay calm too. Ellie felt increased pressure in her bottom, and I reminded her to soften around her baby who was descending into that place. It was a struggle to be soft against such intensity, but Ellie recognized that, and she knew what she had to do.

 A popsicle at 10:00 that night game a little energy boost, and the midwife stopped in a short time later to find Ellie was working harder. Sean rubbed Ellie’s back to help her soften there. And he was so encouraging, telling her he believed in her and knew she could do it. Ellie kneeled on the floor through some contractions and then leaned onto the bed. And at 11:00 that night she confessed she didn’t know how long she could last. This was code for “I’m in transition!” We were excited, but we also knew our support and encouragement couldn’t waver at that critical point. I looked reassuringly at Sean and we stepped up our affirming language and reminded Ellie of her wishes for an unmedicated birth. She was very nearly there!

 Ellie labored on her hands and knees over the ball at 11:02 pm, a very effective position for traversing transition and moving into pushing. And sure enough, at 11:05 pm Ellie began involuntarily pushing and her water broke! It was an overwhelming sensation and Ellie needed some reminders to slow her breath and focus. She slowed and deepened her breaths which helped. She was fully dilated by 11:11 and pushing intentionally by 11:20. Sean held a leg when possible, and it was heartwarming to see his excitement. Ellie pushed in several positions, although she didn’t push long. At 11:45 pm she welcomed Jameson into the world! He would have been born even sooner but he had a hand by his face! He weighed in at 7 lb. 12 oz. and measured 20.5 in. long.

Ellie kissed her son’s nose and he settled down immediately. Isn’t it beautiful how babies just know their mothers? Reflecting on her birth, Ellie felt like she could do it because her mom was so strong, a lovely reminder of how important and inspirational mothers can be. And Jameson’s name was a family name after many Scottish George Gordon’s on Ellie’s dad’s side.

Start to finish, Ellie’s birth was a testament to the fact that every birth is different. She listened to her body and followed where it led, and she also surrounded herself with supportive people, and birth affirmations! It all came together for a beautiful experience, and I am so grateful to have been there. 

Kayse and Parker welcomed their sweet baby girl, Indy Lauren, on June 25, 2021! Kayse’s first birth was a c-section and she was very motivated for a vaginal birth this time. She chose providers who were supportive of VBACs and enlisted a doula as part of her team. She also made sure her body was healthy and fit, knowing labor would require it. 

Kayse’s body was giving her signs labor was coming, but she tried not to get invested too early, monitoring her hydration and rest. Then a few days later she felt contractions that were different and they didn’t subside when she did “all of the things.” Her contractions were ranging between 5-8 minutes the night of June 24, and when rest was no longer possible, she spent some time in the shower and moved into positions that made the contractions more bearable. 

Her contractions were on the short side, so she did the Miles Circuit to see if that might get her labor on track. And sometime during the process her water broke! And soon after that her contractions were coming steadily at 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes apart, lasting 45 seconds. They called, and the midwife recommended Kayse make her way to the hospital. And once they were settled in the triage room, Kayse’s midwife confirmed she was dilated 4-5 cm and 90% effaced. She had done some great work at home in a few short hours! 

Kayse was experiencing back pain with her contractions so we did counter pressure and used a warm rice sock to alleviate it. Once in her rightful room, Kayse labored on her hands and knees over the peanut ball as things continued to escalate. She got some quick sugar from a popsicle and then moved her labor to the shower around 1:45 am. Music set the tone as the water beat down, and a lavender infused washcloth also helped her to relax and stay in the zone. Her pain migrated from her back to her bottom and hips and brought some pressure that indicated her baby was moving down.

By 2:15 am, Kayse got out of the shower to cool herself down. It can get stuffy in there! A cold washcloth on her neck and back helped. And when she was hit with waves of nausea, the washcloths and peppermint essential oil helped somewhat, although she did end up vomiting. She was hitting a rough spot and wanted to know her progress and options. Her midwife checked her again and she was dilated 6 cm, 90% effaced, and her baby was at 0 station. She opted from some iv medication to help her relax for a bit. But unfortunately, it did nothing!

Kayse continued to labor with the pain and was open to staying active and upright. Parker was so loving and attentive to her. He provided love and comfort, and a sounding board for every decision. This was Parker’s first baby so the journey was every bit as surprising and new as it would be for any first-time father. Kayse’s previous birth experience and confidence in her body were a beautiful pairing with Parker’s wide-eyed wonder and eagerness to help.

We used a heating pad on Kayse’s hip, taking turns providing comfort measures, Parker and I, and tried various positions we hadn’t earlier. She sat upright in the bed and then labored on her right side and then her left. The pain was overwhelming though, and the iv meds were just not providing enough relief. Kayse requested an epidural and had relief within half an hour. It was 5:55 am when the epidural was completed, and by 6:55 Kayse was fully dilated! 

But full dilation doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to push and Kayse had hoped to get some benefit from the epidural. So she rested and labored down to conserve her energy for pushing. She reached out to update loved ones and then tried to rest. Every thirty minutes we changed her position. She sat upright in the throne position to bring baby lower, and then she labored on her right side. Next she leaned back in the bed with a peanut ball under one leg to change the angle of her pelvis. 

She felt some pain return but was not afraid of it. She wanted to use it to help her know when to push. At 9:50 am she was checked and baby was at +2 station! And ten minutes later she gave her first push. This is where Kayse’s strength and endurance kicked in for her. She pushed well and her baby had so much hair we could see it by 10:18! Her midwife joined us and encouraged her with each push. She had a team of support that included a student midwife and a student nurse whom she welcomed. And then, the fateful push brought forth Indy Lauren at 11:00 am! She had the cord around her neck but it didn’t slow her down. She was born healthy and perfect and vaginally! 

Kayse cried as she held Indy. All of the emotions flowed: the overwhelming love upon meeting her baby, the sense of accomplishment in achieving a VBAC, knowing that it was done and she DID IT! We were all so proud of Kayse! And not to be overlooked, Indy grabbed tightly to her daddy’s finger, showing she was strong like her mom. And her daddy just melted. After her first hour with her parents, she was weighed and measured. Indy was 6 lb. 14 oz. and 20 in. long. She was adorable and perfect in her parents’ eyes, but in our eyes as well. She truly was beautiful.  

Every birth is special but there is just something extra special about a VBAC. Kudos to Kayse for doing the work to align herself with truly VBAC supportive providers and for doing the physical and mental preparation to give herself the best chance for success. It all came together, and she rocked it!

Laura and Chris welcomed their second child, this time a girl!, on June 17, 2021! We had walked this road before as doula and clients and hoped this time Laura might not have to work as hard or long to meet her baby. She was ready though, and she also knew she had tools should she need them. They attended my 2-week refresher class over Zoom, carving out those hours to really think about and prepare for this birth. It’s a difficult task when you have a young child at home. Of course, this was during the COVID-19 pandemic so worries were heightened and there were added measures taken at the hospital that while had health and safety in mind, weren’t ideal for labor. Still, Laura felt good knowing she had the same providers as last time. And she knew the end result was what was most important, finally meeting her sweet Eliza Rose!

Laura’s body had warm up contractions that had her wondering if it might be labor. She struggled with the idea of leaving her son behind to go to the hospital for birth since it would be his first overnight without them, but she understood that this anxiety was not helping her labor. And wouldn’t you know it, once she finally felt at peace with that reality, her body was able to let go. On Thursday, June 17, I got a text at 12:38 am telling me that Laura’s body had been contracting at a regular interval for the past hour and a half. The rapidly moved to 4 ½ minutes apart and since she suspected her water might have broken, they thought it best to call the midwife. It was a busy night so they waited for that call back, but her midwife agreed that it was a good time to come to the hospital.

Once settled in her room, an exam confirmed that Laura was dilated 4 cm and 80% effaced. Her baby’s head was low at 0 station too! It was just past 1:30 am and Laura found herself doubting her baby would come that day. “She’s coming today, right?” she asked us and we responded with a resounding YES! Laura was concerned about her energy after some sleepless nights, and remembering how her first labor went on and on, she opted to get an epidural. The CRNA was in the room within minutes and Laura was comfortable by 2:30 am. What’s more, about 20 minutes later she was already dilated to 7 cm and 90% effaced! We made sure to keep her moving to allow her baby to continue to traverse her pelvis. Some bouts with nausea were unpleasant but Laura also knew it was part of labor and would help her baby move down. 

Sometimes an epidural can slow things down which was the case with Laura. But she was patient and things were still moving along at a much quicker pace than last time. She was dilated 9 cm by 5:28 am and she had also managed to get some rest here and there. Shift change brought in a new nurse and midwife, and since her water hadn’t yet completely broken, Laura agreed that it was a good next step to break it completely. It seemed the only thing keeping her baby in, after all! And within 30 minutes she was completely dilated!

Laura waited until she felt such pressure she needed to push. It grew at 9:05 am to that point and at 9:09 she was dilated complete with her baby’s head low at +2 station! Laura gave her first push at 9:11 am and it was immediately clear she would not have to push for 4 hours like last time. In fact, it was hardly 4 pushes! The midwife pulled the cart up beside the table and with the second pushing contraction nursery was called to delivery. Laura welcomed Eliza Rose after just 6 minutes of pushing at 9:22 am on June 17, 2021! What a difference a birth makes!

Chris was crying at the sight of their baby girl, overwhelmed with a father’s love. But this daughter was extra special because she was the first daughter born after 13 boys on Chris’ side of the family! And another fun fact—the last girl born on his side of the family was born in the 1800s and her name was Eliza! And NO, they didn’t know this when they named their daughter Eliza! Isn’t that amazing?!

Eliza was born weighing 7 lb. 7 oz. and measured 20 in. long. She was just perfect and a wonderful juxtaposition to her brother’s birth. I am so pleased that Laura and Chris had the opportunity to experience how unique each birth can be. And I’m also proud of how they navigated this birth as a team, just like last time, taking labor contraction by contraction, and making decisions that were the best for their family. Great job to you both!

Julia and Erich, repeat clients of mine, welcomed their second COVID baby on June 10, 2021! (Yes, you read that right! They welcomed their first baby just a few weeks into the pandemic!) Julia was well aware of the changes to hospital policy that followed in the wake of COVID-19. She had an unmedicated birth in the hospital, however she had a virtual doula, a mask on her face, mandatory COVID test, and hospital staff all decked out in layers of PPE. This time around she desired a less medical experience and she also wanted more choice. So she brought her birth to the place where she knew she would be most comfortable, feel safest, and make all of the decisions that were important to her. And that place was home.

Her second baby proved to be different in when she came as well, because she surprised her parents by coming weeks earlier than her sister did! Her first baby came 3 days before her due date, but baby #2 came over 2 weeks before her date. Her first labor text came after 10:00 pm on June 9. She was having contractions but they were far apart. By the next morning they had not subsided but were still spaced. Julia had an in-home appointment with her midwife that afternoon and she hoped to get more info then unless things picked up before.

Julia’s labor was confusing and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. She stayed hydrated and she even went through multiple rounds of the Miles Circuit to encourage her baby to move into an optimal position to help labor progress more regularly. And it was after the second round that her contractions jumped to every 3 minutes and longer and stronger. It was around 12:15 pm and I headed to her home. I arrived to find Julia laboring in various positions but battling her fatigue. She had been up most of the night already and the hardest work lay before her. The contractions spaced out which was actually a grace for it allowed Julia time to rest in between. Her midwife arrived for the appointment around then and was able to do an assessment and leave the equipment for pool setup. Julia got emotional with everyone assembled, and when her midwife asked about them, she confessed she was worried about her firstborn. Who would get her from daycare, when would she be home. She wanted her baby back home in the nest before welcoming her newest baby. Erich was on it and in minutes had made arrangements for a family friend to pickup big sister and get her home asap.

And within the hour, Julia’s labor picked up. This was no surprise since she had addressed her emotional hurdle. Julia labored in her shower while the pool was getting setup. Big sister was safe at home by 5:00 and Julia’s relief was clear as she exhaled and relaxed. Her contractions were requiring more of her, so she stayed upright so she could better cope and move how she needed. By 5:22 the tub was ready and Julia did not hesitate to get in. She naturally moved to her hands and knees, leaning over the edge of the tub with her contractions and exhaling audibly through the peaks. She stepped out for a bathroom trip and labored a few of her contractions there. But she returned to the tub where she desired to welcome her baby.

When she entered at 6:22 pm, an hour after she got in the tub initially, she was feeling pressure as though she would be pushing soon. She waited to feel the undeniable urge to bear down, but it was slow to come. By 6:40 she pushed more intently, shifting from hands and knees to sitting against the wall of the tub. Around 7:00 pm we heard Grandma put big sister to bed. Dinner, bath time, and now bedtime routines were completed. This might be the last thing keeping Julia from birthing. Just in case, I also offered her some sugar in case she was feeling weary. Julia was interested in a cervical exam and her midwife obliged, confirming she was fully dilated with a bulging bag of water. No wonder she felt so much pressure but pushing wasn’t quite happening. She pushed some on the bed using the rebozo to tug-of-war push with her midwife for a bit. Upright positions seemed to be in order, so I recommended Julia return to the shower to make use of the ledge so she could do standing lunges. Surely that would bring her baby’s head down to birth.

Julia returned to the tub at 8:25 pm and that’s when we really saw some progress. She pushed in a squat and after just one or two contractions her water broke. Then her vocalizations changed and we heard the unmistakable guttural sound of a baby coming. Her midwife shined a flashlight but didn’t quite see baby. We continued our words of encouragement, cold cloths, and all of the support. And then Julia leaned forward in silence and reached down for her baby! The midwife said, “Oh!” as Julia leaned back against the wall of the tub, baby in arms. It was 8:43 pm when Aurora Grace was born unbeknownst to the people present. It was a secret between her mom and God, just as it was intended.

Aurora cried out right away and a towel was gently rubbed on her back to keep the cries and breathing coming as well as keep her warm. Julia embraced her baby calmly and we marveled at how her baby flew under the radar and the flashlight pointed at Julia’s backside. Clearly she preferred not to be in the spotlight when she entered the world. The placenta came 10 minutes later and was placed in a bowl floating beside the mother-baby pair. When she was ready, Julia got out of the tub and proceeded to the bed where she would stay. Grandparents joined her and her mother’s “Wow! Wow! Wow!” said it all. A miracle had transpired upstairs all while they went about their day.

Next on the agenda was food so Julia placed her order and Erich set out on a mission to get it before closing time. Meanwhile, Aurora latched and had her first nursing session as Julia ate some snacks. All was well and there was no rushing any of it. In time, the midwife did the newborn exam so calmly. Homebirth babies rarely cry during the exam, believe it or not. And we confirmed that Aurora weighed in at 7 lb. 2 oz. and 18 ½ in. long. The midwives cleaned up and did some education, while I remained with Julia. And soon it was time to leave. Erich had returned with dinner and she had her parents at home to help. It was time to tuck in for the night. How lovely that she had nowhere to go and she was already home.

This birth was a timely reminder that even as a pandemic swirls about the world, birth can still be intimate and safe, and done at home. I was honored to serve this sweet family as they welcomed both of their babies just 14 months apart. Hopefully by the time they welcome any other babies the pandemic will be a thing of the past. One can hope!

Morgan and Park welcomed their second son on May 28 in a surprising and dramatic way. Even though this was not her first pregnancy and birth, that doesn’t mean Morgan didn’t walk through the same pitfalls of post due date blues, and wondering how everything would unfold. Sometimes it seems that feeling like it will never happen makes it happen because the next day Morgan texted me at 1:00 am that she was having contractions. She had felt some regular bouts of contractions off and on that had her wondering if it was labor. But this time it felt different to her. They began around midnight and hadn’t relented even after drinking tons of water. She hoped to avoid spending early labor at the hospital, an experience she’d like not repeat from her first birth. So she was a bit gun shy about going to the hospital too soon. 

The contractions escalated over several hours and had Morgan convinced the timing was right to head in. They were short, but they were strong and close at just 2 minutes apart. Once Park had the car loaded up they were on the road. But after the car ride, getting to labor and delivery, then the required initial NST, Morgan sensed that her contractions had spaced out and were less intense. She tried to relax and catch some rest but it was disconcerting for sure. She was checked and 3 cm, which wasn’t as much as she had hoped. So it was recommended she go walking for a bit. We began our walk but soon realized it was not optimal to be at the hospital trying to walk into active labor. Morgan wanted so much to be in active labor and not arrive too soon, yet that was the situation she found herself in. When we talked through it, Park and Morgan knew that going home was the best plan. Home was where she could labor freely once things really got going, and she could rest in the meantime. After all, they had both been up all night.

Morgan rested some of the morning and got in the warm bath, and her contractions continued and grew stronger. In fact, they came back with an intensity that left her certain this time that she needed to go to the hospital. It was just before 1:00 pm and they were back on the road and arrived by 1:30 pm. Morgan wasn’t in triage for more than 5 minutes before heading directly to a labor and delivery room. She was definitely staying because she was dilated 8-9 cm! Morgan quickly found her way to the shower to labor. She vocalized through her contractions with strong and deep moans that opened and thinned her cervix nicely. She braced her body with the arm rails in the shower and also had Park right beside her for support.

Morgan felt the pressure grow as her baby descended, building up pressure for her water to break. She blew raspberries to hold off on pushing and continued to labor down. She got out of the shower and made her way toward the bed, pausing for a contraction on the way. And soon after she got onto the bed as the urge to push grew. Park kept Morgan’s hand in his as the room filled with people. She was bearing down with the next contraction “I can do this, I can do this,” was her mantra, reminding herself she was made to birth this baby. Park spoke into Morgan’s ear, “You are strong,” and “You’ve got this,.” His presence and words were just the support Morgan needed. And then her water broke with a splash!

Morgan didn’t push long, but in that short time, the midwife arrived and chimed right in with the encouraging words. Morgan was not asked to move onto her back. Her pushes were not counted out. She bore down with her body’s cues as the midwife applied a warm compress. And Morgan’s baby was crowning in just a few minutes and she gently progressed his head with measured pushes and breaks. And after nearly 10 minutes of crowning, Morgan pushed her baby out into the world at 2:54 pm! They did not know the gender beforehand, but Park triumphantly announced another son! James Michael, named for Park’s dad, took a little bit of time, oxygen, and stimulation to cry out. But when he cried it was robust and strong, and he was breathing well.

Morgan reached her arms out to receive her son and held him close. The cord was technically cut, but Jamie would be tied to his mom forever. He was a big boy and jaws dropped when the scale verified his size. He weighed 9 lb. 12 oz.! Morgan couldn’t believe it and as you might expect, Jamie latched and nursed well. Most big babies do. He also got skin to skin with his daddy and a Facetime introduction to his big brother.

Morgan spent those quiet moments soaking in her son but also processing what had just happened. Her birth turned out just as she had hoped in the end because she wanted to avoid being at the hospital too early for too long. And while she arrived on the early side, she went home with confidence and labored there far into active labor before returning to the hospital. She and Park developed a beautiful labor dance and welcomed their son in the midst of it. I was humbled in this birth, much how I am humbled at every birth. And Morgan showed that listening to her inner voice was the most important voice the entire time. And I love that.