Sharing birth stories is an important component of preparing for community birth, and is one of the activities our clients participate in when they choose group prenatal care. Last fall and winter, we featured a running birth story section in our newsletter. We’re excited to bring birth stories back to our blog this fall. Without further ado, you won’t want to miss Juliet’s super quick first birth story!
How did your labor start?
I lost my bloody show on the 14th, but knew it could still be a while before labor started. I woke up at 3am on St. Patrick’s Day with some contractions, enough where I couldn’t go to sleep, but not enough where I had to get up. My water broke at 6:15am!
How did your labor go? How did you feel during labor?
It was very intense very fast, but being a first time mom, I didn’t know what to expect. It was wild just letting my body do what it needed to do. It was a little scary at times knowing my body was just doing what it knew to do, without any intervention from me!
Who was with you and how did they offer support?
My husband was with me the entire time. At first, I was able to manage contractions on my own, but as labor progressed I needed to lean on him for every contraction. He stood by my face, held my hands and told me what a great job I was doing.
What was it like to meet your baby?
I couldn’t believe it! After 4 hours of labor, I was meeting my baby. He needed a little help at first to start breathing, but Maura coached us and kept us calm. I couldn’t believe how small he was! (7lbs, I was expecting a huge baby for some reason)
How did your experience of giving birth compare to your expectations?
I was expecting a long labor and to give birth late. Just goes to show that every mom/labor/baby is unique. He was born in 4 hours, 4 days before my due date!
What were the first few weeks with a newborn like for you?
A beautiful, wonderful, magical blur. Being at home, and after giving birth being in my own bed was the best thing I could have imagined. I didn’t want to sleep because I couldn’t believe I just gave birth and I had the most perfect baby in the world!
Is there anything else you want to share?
The most helpful thing for us as first time parents was just learning our baby and taking things day by day. No point in worrying about how baby will sleep a day/week/month from now, etc. just enjoying/surviving the day ahead.
Fika Midwifery is collecting birth stories from our clients to feature in our newsletter, blog, and/or on social media. Sharing your unique birth story is one of the most powerful things you can do to help prepare and support families planning a community birth. Fill out this brief questionnaire and let us know how you felt, who was with you, and what you want expecting families to know. Share as much or as little as you want. If you have any questions, you can reach out to maura@coitbc.com. By filling out the form you consent to the sharing of your words and experiences in our newsletter, blog, social media, and general marketing.
