Well, it’s finally here! The very first birth story in the Fall birth story series. I’ve wanted to start this series for so long, and I’m so glad it’s finally happening. If you are anything like I was as a new mom, you are obsessed with all things pregnancy, birth, and of course that includes birth stories. I found myself scouring forums on The Bump and Baby Center, and looking through several blogs to find and read birth stories. It’s completely true when people tell you (when you are a first time mom) that birth is nothing like it is portrayed in the movies. The loud breathing, horrifying pain, and lack of control seems so overwhelming, but for some, birth can actually be quite a peaceful and empowering experience.
If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know that although Grace is two years old now I’m still fascinated by birth and all it entails. For this reason I’ve created the Birth Story Series. My goal in creating this series is three things. First, to empower women, and to change how we feel about birth. For so long I felt such fear. I want other women to feel confident in their birthing abilities, especially since I know how it feels to not feel confident. Secondly, I want to let women know that they have options. When I gave birth I didn’t know what a midwife was. I had no clue what a doula was. I want that to be different for you. I want you to know that you have choices. And finally, I want you to know this: whatever your story was, or ends up being… it’s yours. I want to demonstrate through these women’s beautiful stories that each and every birth is unique. No two stories are alike.
Disclaimer: These stories are not meant to serve as medical advice. The only person that can decide what’s right for you and your birth is you, your partner, AND your health care professional. So please consult them appropriately. I do however, want you to enjoy these stories. I cry almost every time I read them, and I’m sure you will too.
KAILYN’S WATER BIRTH STORY
Friday June 10th, 2017:
It started out as a normal day at work. My shift was coming to an end and I started to have long braxton hick contractions. I brushed them off as not drinking enough water through out the day. As I’m driving home from work I still continue to have them. When I get home I take my usual 2 hour nap, had dinner, and started to have stronger contractions. And that’s when I started to realize they weren’t braxton hick contractions anymore.
I went to the bathroom and saw a little bloody show. I called my midwife at 9:00 pm and advised me to take a warm bath with epsom salt and try to get a couple hours of sleep. I couldn’t sleep because my contractions were so strong.
I called the midwives again at 3 am and they told me to relax and try to get some sleep and even eat something. Couldn’t sleep. I called the midwife for the last time at 6:30 am. I was told to come in, so I could be checked, but if I wasn’t dilated enough, I’d have to be sent home.
Saturday June 11th, 2017:
We arrived at the birth center around 7:40 am. My husband and mother were with me. I was checked for the first time and was dilated 4 cm. They got the tub ready for me and I sat in the tub, focusing on every single breath and “keeping my bottom soft”. Something my midwife told me to do, which helped with the pain.
Around 12 pm I got out of the tub and walked around for a bit. I was dilated 7 cm. Before I was able to get back in the tub, I spent some time sitting on a birthing stool.
At around 3 pm I was checked one last time. I was dilated 9 cm. My midwife accidentally broke my water and contractions became much stronger and were closer together. I was having a hard time getting to 10 cm so my midwives had me lay on my side for about 30 minutes to help move him down. I started to feel the urge to push so I started to push. At this point I really started to lose myself. The pain was so overwhelming and I started tensing up.
Finally at 4:54 pm I was starting to push. I first started out on the birthing stool and got to see the first part. The tub was finally ready for me and I was able to finish pushing in the tub. It was hard finding the right position at first, but I was able to get in a groove.
I pushed for a total of 57 minutes. Clyde was born at 5:51 pm June 11th, 2016. 5 days before his due date. It was the most amazing experience. I am very thankful for my husband, my mom, and the midwives that helped me through the whole thing.
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:
1. What was your favorite memory from your pregnancy?
My favorite memory from my pregnancy is feeling my sons first kicks and movements.
2. Did you do anything specific to prepare for your birth?
In preparation for birth I read 3 books. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Mindful Birthing, and Th Birth Partner. All were recommendations from my midwife. I also put together a birth plan at 34 weeks.
3. Who served as your support system?
My husband and mom were with me the entire time. They both did an amazing job supporting me through it all.
4. What is your fondest memory of giving birth? (Other than the moment where you met your baby.)
I feel like this is a weird answer, but pushing. Just knowing at the end of all the pushing, i’d finally be able to see my son for the first time. As painful as it was, it was worth it.
5. Is there anything you wish you could change about your birth story?
I wish I would’ve made my birthing playlist longer. It looped about 3 times and some songs did not fit for certain moments. Lol
6. What advice would you give to first time moms or moms who desire a natural birth?
My advice would be to set low expectations and to be prepared for anything to happen. I had always hoped for a water birth, but I also made sure to prepare myself for any type of birth. Another piece of advice would be to choose a meditation practice halfway through your pregnancy.
Thank you, Kailyn, for sharing your beautiful story and photos. If you enjoyed reading Kailyn’s story, consider sharing this article so other families can find it and enjoy it too!
Thank you so much for reading!
One Comment