admin – The Birth Hour

Supportive Hospital Birth Stories after Miscarriage with MTHFR Gene Mutation

Posted on June 18, 2024 - 2:00 am by admin

Allie Allemand, shares her journey of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experiences on the Birth Hour Podcast. After three years of marriage, Allie and her husband began trying to conceive in 2020, considering her MTHFR gene mutation and hypothyroidism. They experienced a miscarriage at 13 weeks but found compassionate care with a new provider for subsequent pregnancies. Allie’s second pregnancy, with her daughter, was uneventful until labor. Despite initial disappointment with stalled labor progress, spinning baby moves to assist with baby being sunny side up, she eventually opted for an epidural, leading to a positive hospital birth experience with minimal tearing. During postpartum, Allie faced challenges with breastfeeding and her daughter was very fussy due to unknown allergies and eczema. With her third pregnancy, Allie experienced a spontaneous quick labor and delivered her son just hours before a scheduled induction. Allie’s second postpartum period came with better clarity and emphasis on caring for herself and allowing others to support her. Despite nursing challenges due to tongue and lip ties and a milk protein allergy, postpartum journey is going well. Throughout her journey, Allie emphasizes the importance of compassionate care, self-care and awareness, and support from her community.

Allie Allemand Bio

Allie resides in North Houston with her sweet and goofy husband, daughter (affectionately known as “girl dragon”), sweet and smiley son, and furry companion named Neville Longbottom. As a mother and professional, she is deeply passionate about ensuring children with disabilities receive the services and support they need to reach their unique potential. When she’s not engaging in imaginative play or having a dance party with her family, Allie leads a weekly family storytime at her church’s nonprofit organization. In her leisure time, Allie finds joy in spending quality moments with her husband and close friends, immersing herself in books, enjoying a warm cup of tea, spending time writing, exercising, and seeking meaningful conversations.

Allie drew strength from the stories and experiences shared by numerous women who openly discussed their birth journeys on The Birth Hour Podcast during her pregnancies. She feels privileged to share her own stories, hoping they resonate with someone else going through a similar experience.

You can connect with her on Facebook (Allie Sherwood Allemand) or Instagram (MrsAllieAllemand).

Resources

SNP Therapeutics

Today’s episode is sponsored by SNP Therapeutics, makers of the Genate Test. Based on over 16 million dollars in NIH grants, and more than 30 years of nutrition and genetic research, SNP Therapeutics is leading the charge in the field of prenatal, precision-nutrition genetic testing.

SNP Therapeutics is committed to providing accurate and usable information to help mothers provide the best possible nutrition to their babies through The Genate Test: a prenatal, precision-nutrition, genetic test that offers personalized dietary adjustments and supplement recommendations based on your DNA.

You can rest easy knowing that your prenatal nutrition has been optimized by tailoring it to your genetic code. Find peace of mind about your prenatal nutrition with the Genate Test by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more at genate.com and Use code BIRTHHOUR15 for 15% off your order.

Unmedicated Hospital Births with a Doula – OB then Midwifery Supported

Posted on June 13, 2024 - 2:00 am by admin

Mariah always knew she wanted to try for an unmedicated birth. Due to rural location and insurance restraints, she was limited to a single hospital option for her births. Armed with as much research as possible, she hired a doula and prepared for an unmedicated hospital birth with an OB group. Mariah and Matt took in person childbirth classes and online Hypnobabies courses to try and make their hospital/OB birth as close to their dream of a birth center/midwife led birth as possible. Mariah relied heavily on her doula and partner during labor, inspiring her nurse to become her advocate as well. After eight hours of intense active labor, their daughter was born safely into the hands of the on-call OB provider, but not before Mariah had to advocate for her intervention free birth several different times. When preparing for the birth of their second child, Mariah was ecstatic to switch care to a midwifery practice that now had privileges at the hospital she had to give birth. Her midwife provided a calm steady presence (a stark difference from her first birth!) during the intense hours of labor in the new natural birth suites the hospital had just opened. Her doula, husband, and even the same nurse as her first birth, once again helped her bring their precious babe earthside.

Mariah Durham Bio

Mariah is an ICU pharmacist in Southern Kentucky. She has combined her love of evidenced based medicine in her professional practice with her love of all things baby to become the ultimate birth nerd. Mariah is married to her high school sweetheart, Matt, and together they have two beautiful children. You can listen to Matt’s version of their first birth on the Partner Pod! You can connect with Mariah on Instagram @mariahrow.

Resources

Evidenced Based Birth
Kellymom.com
Lactmed – evidence for medication safety during lactation
InfantRisk Center – staffed resource for questions on medications during pregnancy/lactation
Doulamatch.net

Mountain Meadow Herbs

Today’s episode is sponsored by Mountain Meadow Herbs. Help prepare your body for birth with their leading herbal birth prep supplement called Gentle Birth. Gentle Birth is a midwife approved, time-tested liquid herbal formula that more than 100,000 women have chosen to help prepare their bodies for birth. Gentle Birth is a perfect blend of herbs formulated with the wisdom of Amish midwifery, like red raspberry leaf, milk thistle, wild yam root, and nine more thoughtfully blended herbs known to help lessen labor pains, improve uterine muscle tone, manage bleeding, and even ease you and baby into nursing by reducing postpartum letdown.

Trusted for over 20 years and earning thousands of rave reviews and testimonials from midwives and mothers alike, Gentle Birth is Mountain Meadow Herbs signature product. But they also have a full range of herbal remedies for all your family’s needs, from infants to adults of all ages. Find out more at mmmherbs.com and take advantage of this special offer by using code BIRTHHOUR for 10% off and free shipping on your first order.

Redemptive VBAC After a Traumatic C-Section Birth Story

Posted on June 11, 2024 - 2:36 am by admin

Leslie’s VBAC was both challenging and redemptive. After a traumatic emergency c-section with her first birth, she was determined to try for a VBAC with her second birth nearly four years later. She surrounded herself with a team of women (The Birth Hour’s Know Your Options course, an all-women’s provider team of OBs and midwives, a doula, a personal trainer, a chiropractor, and a therapist) to prepare her in every way for the marathon of childbirth. She also had some major goals or steps that she felt would move her toward accomplishing a VBAC, including avoiding induction, laboring at home as long as possible, and delaying an epidural as long as possible. In the end, she went into labor the night before her induction was scheduled (at 41 weeks and 4 days), she labored at home for 3 of 12 hours, and she got an epidural exactly when she needed to. With the help of her doula, her ever-supportive partner, and two incredible midwives, her baby boy was born via VBAC after almost 12 hours of labor and nearly 2 hours of pushing. Although laboring all night and pushing for so long made for an exhausting experience, the birth was redemptive in every way and Leslie credits her powerhouse team of women with helping her achieve the birth she’d always imagined.

Leslie Reynolds Bio

Leslie is a mid-30s working mom of two boys (ages 1 and 5). She works in the international education field, and currently lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband, sons, and giant dog, Boone. Although she grew up in Jacksonville, she spent 15 years living in other states around the Southeast United States, and she claims Charlotte, NC as her other home. She has a Bachelor of English degree from Queens University of Charlotte and a Master of Education from the University of South Carolina. When she isn’t working or spending time with her family, she loves listening to audiobooks and podcasts, taking and editing photos (mostly of her kids), and talking herself out of working out. She and her husband love to travel, and they are looking forward to taking their first vacation as a family of four to Yellowstone and the Tetons this summer. Connect with her on Instagram: @lesterva or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliepreynolds/

Resources

Know Your Options Childbirth Course
@karrie_locher (literally all things mom)
@lowsupplymom (breastfeeding help for low supply mamas!)
@stronger_you_fitness_denver (personal trainer)
@nourishedyoung (holistic breastfeeding and latch support)
@gestational.diabetes.nutrition (GD support)
@pedsdoctalk (all things parenting from a pediatrician)
@thebirthtrauma_mama (birth trauma support, recovery, and community)

Aeroflow Breastpumps

Today’s episode is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps. Aeroflow has helped millions of new and expecting parents discover the breastfeeding and postpartum essentials covered by their insurance including breast pumps, maternity compression, and lactation education & support.

They take care of everything – including all paperwork, working with your insurance company, and explaining your options to get these free essentials shipped straight to your door. Aeroflow offers all major breast pump brands including Medela, Spectra, Motif, Lansinoh, Ameda, Elvie, Willow and more.

All you have to do is go to the Aeroflow Breastpumps website and fill out their free and easy Qualify Through Insurance form. Be sure to go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour so they will know we sent you! Bonus — use the promo code “BIRTHHOUR15” in their online shop for 15% off all supplies and accessories.

Preeclampsia, Prodromal Labor, and Spinal Headache from Epidural

Posted on June 4, 2024 - 3:00 am by admin

Hannah found out she was expecting her first baby very unexpectedly two days after her husband left for a six-month-long deployment. After an easy pregnancy, she was again surprised to find out she had developed preeclampsia at 34 weeks. She had a three-day long induction at 37 weeks that neither she nor her husband felt fully educated or prepared for.

For their second child, Hannah wanted a different experience than her first, namely an unmediated spontaneous labor. She sought out different providers who had a reputation for low-intervention births in her area. She hired a doula and took an extensive in person 7 week childbirth course. She got half of her wish when she went into labor naturally on December 22, but it stalled out overnight and she had prodromal labor for several days. She decided to opt for an epidural when she finally did go into active labor late on Christmas Eve 2021, after several nights of prodromal labor with no rest.

During her third pregnancy, she again desired a low intervention, unmedicated, spontaneous birth, but her care was much different this time. After a blood pressure issue at around 32 weeks, she was cleared when her pressures returned to normal. However, at her 38-week appointment, her blood pressure was in the severe range and did not come down. Her providers recommended an immediate induction due to gestational hypertension. Many issues from her first induction were present again this time, and she also developed a postpartum complication from her epidural by way of a spinal headache. After two trips back to L & D at three and four days postpartum, she finally received a blood patch to fix the spinal headache. It was not the redemptive birth she had hoped for, but she hopes that by sharing her story more parents can be inspired to advocate for themselves with their providers.

Hannah Garguilo Bio

Hannah and her husband Nick live in Virginia Beach, VA with their three daughters. They are avid Philadelphia sports fans and enjoy traveling in their downtime. You can connect with her via Instagram at @hannahabigaill.

Resources

Motif Medical

This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour.

SNP Therapeutics

Overcoming Medical Anxieties for an Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Doula + Breastfeeding Challenges

Posted on May 30, 2024 - 3:00 am by admin

For a long time, Kathleen had many medical anxieties and fears that kept her from even wanting a child as it felt too scary and daunting to go through all the medical tests, blood draws, and ultimately a birth. But her feelings started to shift leading up to her 35th birthday. She used hypnobirthing to prepare for labor with the goal of an unmedicated birth in the hospital. She had a very peaceful hospital birth after a long early labor across two and half days at home with her husband by her side the entire time and mom as well present. The postpartum period was definitely challenging. In particular breastfeeding was even harder than expected due to latch issues and low milk supply along with postpartum anxiety.

Kathleen Daly Bio

Kathleen lives in Austin, Texas with her German husband, her 4 month old daughter, and border collie rescue dog. She met her husband after living in Germany for several years. They moved to Austin together in 2014 and welcomed their first daughter in 2023. She works in tech, managing an Operations team. You can reach her at kathleen.daly37@gmail.com

Resources

Ergobaby

This episode is sponsored by Ergobaby. Founded in 2003, Ergobaby has pioneered the gold standard for comfortable, ergonomic soft structured carriers. Their commitment to providing parents with the foundation to thrive has launched the company into creating a broad range of award-winning products that fit into families’ daily lives seamlessly, comfortably, and safely – where function and quality are not compromised. In 2020, they launched Everlove by Ergobaby, a first of its kind baby carrier buy back and resale program, a sustainability effort to support families and the planet. Check out Ergobaby’s new Life with Baby Podcast and follow Ergobaby on Instagram and Brandi Sellers-Jackson (host of their podcast) as well! Use code BIRTHHOUR for 15% off at ergobaby.com.

Emergency Cesarean Section & NICU Stay Followed by Two Healing VBACs

Posted on May 28, 2024 - 2:01 am by admin

Things went smoothly for Anna during her first pregnancy so she was surprised in Labour when everything stalled at the 10cm. After almost 5 hours at 10cm Anna was given an emergency c-section.
After the birth Anna’s daughter Elara was very unwell with dangerously low blood sugars. Eventually she was diagnosed with hyperinsulinism. Anna and Andy navigated life with a baby in SCBU and Elara was eventually discharged after a month. She had also suffered a stroke in that time.
2.5 years later Anna was preparing for a VBAC. Her son Jowan ended up being overdue and the consultant felt it was best she had a c-section. However with a determined midwife advocating for her, despite being already at the hospital for a c-section, Anna had her waters broken and went into labour. Using hypnobirth techniques Anna had the vaginal birth she wanted.
Baby number 3 was at the very start of lockdown in the U.K. It was an uncertain time and Anna’s 3rd baby came 5 days early and very quickly. Anna delivered him on the bathroom floor of the hospital 5 minutes after they told her she was 10cm. Anna and Andy then navigated a short NICU stay and the Covid lockdown together as a new family of 5.

Anna Caldwell Bio

Anna is a trauma informed yoga teacher and hypnobirth coach. Anna and Andy live in Bath in England with 3 children and a new puppy. Our kids are 10, 7 and 3. Connect with Anna via email Anna@activestillness.org or IG @Annacaldwelladventures or Activestillnesscoaching

Resources

Katherine Graves Hypnobirth (London)
The Naked Doula on Instagram
The Freya App
The Birth Hour

BabyPeek

Have you ever wondered whether your baby will inherit your partner’s eye color, or if their hair will be curly or straight, or maybe they will prefer sweet food over salty? Enter BabyPeek, the revolutionary genetic test that unveils your baby’s potential traits as early as 10 weeks gestation.

With BabyPeek, you can discover 12 distinctive traits before they’re born, from the color of their eyes to whether they’ll have a sweet tooth. For example, you might learn that your baby has a 72% chance of dark brown hair, 18% chance of dark blonde hair, and 11% chance of black hair… or that your baby has just a 12% chance of thinking cilantro tastes like soap!

What sets BabyPeek apart is that it’s the first and only genetic test of its kind, brought to you by BillionToOne’s cutting-edge technology and backed by extensive research. BabyPeek is available exclusively as an add-on to Unity Complete, a routinely offered first trimester prenatal test that screens for genetic disorders. Unity is the only version of this test that sequences your baby’s DNA directly from one maternal blood sample taken at your doctor’s office. BabyPeek uses that same sample and cutting-edge technology to give you a fun sneak peek into your baby’s genetic makeup before birth—for the first time ever.

Visit babypeek.com/birthhour now to request access and learn more about how BabyPeek is transforming the way we connect with our little ones even before they arrive.

Choosing a Hospital Induction after Three Homebirths

Posted on May 21, 2024 - 2:01 am by admin

Karsyn shares three of her four birth stories in this episode. After her son Phoenix’s successful homebirth in 2017, Karsyn pursued two more homebirths with her second and third babies, describing them all as having their ups and downs, but overall being positive experiences. Karsyn shares her love for pregnancy, postpartum and birth and the range of emotions and challenges she experienced when she became pregnant with her surprise fourth baby. After three homebirths, Karsyn shares her decision to pursue a hospital birth with options for pain relief as well as her experience with postpartum anxiety.

Karsyn DuPree Bio

Karsyn lives in Tyler, Texas, where she blends her creative life as a lifestyle content creator with the joyful adventures of raising four beautiful children. Her days are filled with the boundless energy of her crew: Phoenix, Sage, Dove and Clementine, ages 6 to 3 months. She’s currently breathing new life into a mid-century modern home through DIY projects and when she finds a rare moment of peace, she escapes to her flourishing Texas garden. Connect with her via email at karsyndupree@gmail.com or on instagram.com/karsynkdupree and tiktok at tiktok.com/karsynkdupree.

Resources

SNP Therapeutics

Ergobaby

This episode is sponsored by Ergobaby. Founded in 2003, Ergobaby has pioneered the gold standard for comfortable, ergonomic soft structured carriers. Their commitment to providing parents with the foundation to thrive has launched the company into creating a broad range of award-winning products that fit into families’ daily lives seamlessly, comfortably, and safely – where function and quality are not compromised. In 2020, they launched Everlove by Ergobaby, a first of its kind baby carrier buy back and resale program, a sustainability effort to support families and the planet. Check out Ergobaby’s Embrace in Soft Air Mesh and new Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer that we discussed on the podcast!

Birth Center Birth after Miscarriage and Navigating Grief and Joy after Sudden Loss of Parent

Posted on May 16, 2024 - 2:06 am by admin

A brief trigger warning: Maggie’s birth story also deals with death.

After having a miscarriage in September 2022, Maggie and Peter knew for certain they wanted to have a baby. After being quarantined with Covid in a hotel in Brooklyn during a work trip for 10 days in October 2022 – Peter joined Maggie and they ended up getting pregnant.

During the pregnancy Maggie started the journey as a person deeply scared of giving birth and wanting a medicated hospital birth to becoming curious and open to other ideas. After visiting a new birth center in South Pasadena and meeting the OB and the midwife Maggie knew this was the team and place she wanted to give birth, despite the fact that it would be an unmedicated birth.

After moving into a new house in the middle of the summer, at a LONG 40 + 5 days Maggie’s water broke. They labored at home for 13 hours and arrived at the birth center and Maggie was 7 cm dilated. Thanks to the warm waters of the tub, the incredible team at Moxie, some laughing gas, a GREAT playlist and the love of Peter – Maya roared into the world at 1:18 am.

By 5:00 am they were back in bed at their house. They had a beautiful day as a family of three until about 8pm when Maggie’s mom came in from Connecticut to help them. At 6:00 am the following day Maggie got the tragic news that her father had suddenly passed away. Becoming a mother while losing a beloved parent was the hardest experience of Maggie’s life, but the gift of being present and care-taking the baby helped her navigate the grief slowly and gracefully.

Maggie Davis Bio

After 12 years living in Los Angeles without a child, Maggie and her husband Peter decided they wanted to try having a baby. They now have their 8 month old daughter Maya, and 8 (ish) year old dog Hopper. Maggie loves all things comedy and entertainment and works her dream job in late-night television. Maggie loves exploring her city, traveling, reading, astrology and spending time with the people she loves. Having a baby was the best decision she ever made, and has made her fall in love with all things birth. You can connect with Maggie via email Mardavis124@gmail.com or DM me at @MarvinMarge on Instagram. She would love to hear from anyone who wants to talk about birth or grief.

Resources

Pregnancy Pathways in LA
TheBusinessofBeingBorn
Moxie Birth in South Pasadena
The Birth Hour
Ina May Guide to Child Birth
Birth Comb – MVP of my birth
Encapsulated Placenta

Baby Tula

This episode is sponsored by Baby Tula. Baby Tula creates unique and expressive carriers that help parents keep doing what they love while connecting with their little ones. Baby carriers are so much more than a parenting tool! When you wear your baby, you support the emotional, social, and physical well-being of your baby as well as your own! With a variety of unique prints, small batch and handwoven fabrics, inclusive sizing, and carriers for older babies too, you can find a carrier that’s distinctly you! You can use the code BIRTHHOUR at BabyTula.com and BabyTula.Co.UK.

Accidental Unassisted Home Birth Followed by Supported Homebirth and Easier Postpartum

Posted on May 14, 2024 - 3:00 am by admin

In this episode, you’ll hear the two birth stories. The first story is of a planned home birth gone slightly awry when the midwife didn’t make it in time, leaving first time parents Sierra & Jason alone with their doula for the better part of an hour. In the second story, you’ll hear about their next home birth, this time fully assisted. A better supported birth created a vastly different postpartum experience.

Sierra Lynch Bio

Sierra (she/her) lives in central South Carolina with her partner Jason (they/them) and their two kids. After discovering the Birth Hour when she was pregnant with her first child, she became a years-long listener and patron. You can typically find Sierra in the kitchen testing a new recipe, or momming around town in the minivan. Sierra and Jason love playing board games with their kids and strive to raise them as compassionate, loving, and thoughtful little humans. You can find Sierra on Facebook under Sierra Lynch or on Instagram @sierrathelynch.

Resources

Mountain Meadow Herbs

IUI, Positive Medical Induction with Epidural after Cholestasis Diagnosis

Posted on May 11, 2024 - 2:12 am by admin

After conceiving via IUI, Rosie had a fairly straightforward pregnancy until she was diagnosed with Cholestasis at 36 weeks. She had a medical induction at 38+2, and despite many interventions including misoprostal, a foley bulb, pitocin, internal fetal monitoring, and an amnioinfusion, it was a very positive experience. She delivered her daughter after about 20 hours of labor and just 30 minutes of pushing, with the help of an epidural and an amazing healthcare team. Early breastfeeding and postpartum were hard, but she settled into both and has had a wonderful journey with motherhood thus far.

Rosie Ingebritson Bio

Rosie lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with her husband Andy and her two-year-old daughter. She’s a social worker turned stay at home mom and Andy is an attorney. Rosie loves making art, cooking, singing, going on everyday adventures with her family, and spending every day goofing around with her sweet girl. Connect with Rose on IG @rosieing.

Resources

Due date groups on Reddit
Jen Hamilton on TikTok
The Birth Hour podcast

FamilyAlbum

Today’s episode is sponsored by FamilyAlbum. I’ve been using The FamilyAlbum app for the last year ever since my brother and sister-in-law adopted my baby nephew! My whole family became obsessed with the usability of this app and it brought our entire extended family closer together as we could each leave comments on the photos and give our accounts fun nicknames. I might have teared up when I created that “Aunt Bryn” name for the first time!! The FamilyAlbum app is totally secure and I love that there’s no third-party ads or unwanted eyes, unlimited storage, and it’s totally free!

A few of the cool features I’ve discovered using the app are that it automatically sorts photos and videos by month, allowing you to swipe back in time and see how your child has grown. Another neat feature is you can order 8 free photo prints every month to be delivered to your home. Level up your family photo game with a free photo sharing app with unlimited storage. Head over to the app store today, search “FamilyAlbum” (one word), download the app and start creating and sharing in the day-to-day joys of those precious early years!

Unexpected Pregnancy with Genetic Diagnoses Leads to Unique IVF Journey

Posted on May 4, 2024 - 3:08 am by admin

Keneisha’s first birth was full of a unique set of challenges, from false negative pregnancy test(s), the diagnosis of a genetic disorder and preterm labor. At 35 weeks, Keneisha was admitted to the hospital for signs of pre-term labor, after an overnight stay she was allowed to go home on a strict order of bedrest until 37 weeks. Despite everyone’s doubts, Keneisha made it to 39 weeks and 5 days when she went into spontaneous labor one Sunday morning. The labor was quick and straight-forward with baby boy being born at 10:55pm that night with no complications.

After having their first, the couple knew that with Keneisha’s diagnosis of being a carrier for Duchenne-Becker Muscular Dystrophy, IVF would be the preferred option for them to extend their family. After one cycle of IVF treatment, they had an embryo transfer which ended in a miscarriage. During the wait for their next transfer, they were surprised to find that they’d accidentally become pregnant! This pregnancy also came with much stress and grief early on based on the uncertainty of baby’s potential to inherit the DMD mutation. After having a heavily medicated 1st pregnancy, Keneisha wanted to have as little medical intervention as possible. Keneisha then changed her care provider to a midwife practice, hired a doula, and focused on keeping both mind and body ready for the journey ahead.

At 39 weeks exactly, Keneisha went into labor and just like her first child, the labor and delivery was extremely quick. Within three hours of making it to the hospital, baby girl Amya was born. However, hours after having an empowering drug-free labor and delivery, Keneisha started having a postpartum hemorrhage, a horrifying experience in which she lost 2 liters of blood in a very short period of time, requiring a blood transfusion. Afterwards, Keneisha realized just how traumatic her experience was, but was able to talk through her emotions and grief with her husband, doula, and midwife. Though everyone made it through that dark hour, Keneisha gave herself time and grace to process the trauma that she had just experienced and that her husband had to sit by and witness.

Keneisha Pennyman Bio

Keneisha and her Husband Phil live in the San Francisco Bay Area with their 4 year-old son Maverik, and 3-month old daughter Amya. Keneisha has temporarily shifted careers from Visual Merchandising to a stay-at-home Mom. Even though she has no plans to have more children she still listens to birth stories religiously!

Connect with her on Instagram: @justpennylane

Email: kpennyma@gmail.com

Resources

FamilyAlbum

Long and Difficult First Birth and Postpartum Followed by Fast Birth and Redemptive Postpartum

Posted on April 26, 2024 - 11:28 am by admin

Blair’s first pregnancy was textbook: some nausea and aches and pains, but overall beautiful and easy. When it came time to give birth, she expected a difficult but straightforward experience as well. Instead, she faced a long labor, a dangerous velamentous cord insertion, a nuchal arm, a retained placenta, a third degree tear, and a severe postpartum hemorrhage. Unfortunately, her postpartum recovery came with its own set of challenges, which resulted in profound depression and anxiety, stitches that wouldn’t heal properly, and three follow-up vaginal surgeries/procedures. It took close to 8 months before she felt “normal” again!

Getting pregnant a second time was a test of faith. Blair went through intensive EMDR therapy to process and heal from the trauma of her first birth and postpartum. Her second pregnancy was harder, but her very quick precipitous labor, smooth water birth, and quick postpartum recovery were incredibly redemptive.

Blair is passionate about women advocating for their health throughout their pregnancies, births, and postpartum journeys and has a special heart for women who are deeply struggling in their postpartum recoveries.

Blair Lamb Bio

Blair is a devoted wife and mother of two. She lives in Texas and runs an online shop, BlairLambDesign.com, shares her life journey with over 74k subscribers on YouTube (youtube.com/c/blairlamb), and has written hundreds of blog posts on her blog, BlairBlogs.com. She’s also on Instagram at @BlairBlogs!

Resources

Pre-Seed Fertility Lubricant (for getting pregnant–helped Blair both times!)
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
EMDR Therapy
The Birth Hour

FamilyAlbum

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