Skip to main content

Author Archives: admin

Single Mom by Choice Shares Hospital Birth Story after International IVF Pregnancy during Wartime

Posted on March 7, 2024 - 1:46 am by
head bumps on newborn

Pregnant via IVF at age 40, Angelina traveled from Russia (via Finland) to the United States to give birth in a city with family support. The physical aspects of pregnancy had been uneventful, save for a low lying placenta that resolved itself well before labor. Labor started naturally at 38 weeks and 6 days with the early morning loss of her mucus plug. Patterned contractions soon set in, but after being admitted to labor and delivery at 4 cm, things stalled out. With the introduction of Pitocin and an epidural, labor once again progressed swiftly, but took a serious downturn during the second and third stages. Fetal distress, a third degree tear, a massive hemorrhage from an “oddly adherent” IVF placenta, and newborn meconium aspiration syndrome with a thirteen day NICU stay, led to a challenging postpartum that Angelina describes as “a tangled bundle of trauma, grief, beauty, and humor.” 

angelina lucento birth story

Angelina Lucento Bio

Angelina lives in Durham, North Carolina and Eastern Europe with her son Solomon (9 months). Connect with her via Instagram @angelinalucento.

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. 

Advocating for a VBAC after Two Cesarean Births

Posted on March 5, 2024 - 1:03 am by
kara swanson vbac

Kara shares the story of her son’s vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) birth after the two cesarean births of her daughters. She ended up having to drive two hours to find a care provider who was supportive of her decision to VBAC. She also discusses the difference in postpartum recovery, both physically and mentally, between her three different births.

Kara Swanson Bio

Kara is a proud mom of three, a certified nutritionist, and the founder of Life Well Lived. She shows women how to get to the root of their health problems by overcoming inflammation in a lasting way. This allows them to go from stuck to thriving so they feel good now and ten years from now! Connect with Kara on IG at @karaswanson or her website: lifewelllived.fitness.

kara swanson birth story

Resources

Needed

Today’s episode is sponsored by Needed. Needed is the leading women’s health supplement brand recommended by nutritionally-trained practitioners. While most perinatal supplements include the bare minimum of the nutrients needed during pregnancy, Needed’s products are based on the latest clinical research and in-practice experience of nearly 4000 practitioners. Needed has all your needs covered, from your prenatal vitamin to pregnancy-specific Pre/ and Probiotics, to egg quality support, sleep, stress, immune and hydration support, as well as your protein needs for blood sugar balance and postpartum healing. Needed’s Complete Plan delivers unparalleled nourishment for every phase — whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum! Instead of having to pair 6 different products together to meet your needs, I love that Needed has simplified things by bundling together four core products you need, in an easy and flexible monthly plan. Save 20% off your first order of Needed’s Complete Plan or any of their other perinatal nutrition products at thisisneeded.com with code BIRTHHOUR.

Precipitous Birth at 36 Weeks in the UK and Difficult Postpartum and Breastfeeding Journey

Posted on February 29, 2024 - 2:10 am by
Sruthi Ramesh birth story

After a tough pregnancy and a low Papp-A diagnosis, Sruthi’s water broke unexpectedly at 36 weeks. On the bus to the hospital, her contractions intensified, and by the time she had her first cervical check, she was fully dilated. She pushed for 30 minutes before her healthy baby boy was born. Even though she found birth empowering, postpartum and the fourth trimester was unexpectedly rough with a painful physical recovery from birth and breastfeeding issues. 

laboring-on-the-tube

Sruthi Ramesh Bio

Sruthi is originally from California but has been living in London for 4 years with her husband, cat, and 5 month old son. You can contact her on her Instagram at @sruthi.co

Resources

Sleepybelly

Today’s episode is brought to you by the Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow which is guaranteed to give you better sleep in 30-nights or they will give you a full refund! Sleepybelly is a three piece, adjustable pregnancy pillow designed to prevent back sleeping, whilst giving you support for your growing bump and helps align your hips to reduce hip and back pain. Being an adjustable set, it grows with you on your pregnancy journey and can be used in 5 different configurations – it is even used as a breastfeeding pillow postpartum.

Sleepybelly has offered listeners of The Birth Hour an exclusive promo, use the code THEBIRTHHOUR10 for 10% off your order, at sleepybelly.co for a more comfortable night’s sleep! With free shipping and a 30-night money back guarantee, try the Sleepybelly today! 

Hospital Vaginal Birth with Long Transition during Omicron Wave of COVID

Posted on February 27, 2024 - 2:00 am by
Caitlin Smigelski birth story

When Caitlin became pregnant in 2021 she hoped COVID restrictions would be minimal however, her husband was not allowed to attend many of her prenatal visits. At 20 weeks she was diagnosed with placenta previa which luckily resolved, albeit late, at 36 weeks. She stayed active throughout her pregnancy by hiking, rock climbing and bike commuting. She went into labor a week before Christmas at 41w4d, shortly after developing gestational hypertension. To her surprise, labor progressed quickly. Her husband and sister-in-law provided loving support. However, since it was the peak of the Omicron variant she received minimal support from hospital staff. Her labor stalled in the transition phase which lasted over 5 hours. After most pain management strategies were either unhelpful or intensified her pain, Caitlin opted for an epidural. This reduced her pain to a point where she could again cope and she quickly became fully dilated.  After some scares about the baby’s heart rate, she delivered a healthy boy exactly 12 hours after labor started. 

Rock climbing at 35wk on halloween

Caitlin Smigelski Bio

Caitlin is a pelvic physical therapist in Portland, Oregon who specializes in obstetrics and transgender health. She has a Certificate of Achievement in Obstetric Physical Therapy and is a faculty member of the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Pelvic Health. She and her husband love being active outdoors and look forward to showing their son the beauty of the PNW. You can connect with Caitlin on Instagram at @caitsmig

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.

Getting Pregnant due to a Failed IUD + Becoming a Young Mom

Posted on February 22, 2024 - 1:48 am by
mandy davis birth story

Mandy had just graduated from college, was in a long distance relationship, and was teaching math at a Title I middle school in Idaho through Teach For America when she shockingly found out she was pregnant—despite having an IUD. 

The following months leading up to the birth of her son were a whirlwind of major life changes. She had a pretty standard hospital induction and healthy birth with an epidural and just 30 minutes of pushing. Mandy dealt with an oversupply and became a breastmilk donor. Under the guidance of her doctor, Mandy decided to give an IUD another try and this time, the IUD perforated her uterus leading to surgery at 10 weeks postpartum. 

Especially living in Chicago, a city where a lot of people don’t become parents until their mid-or-late thirties, Mandy often finds it isolating to be a young mom. Mandy hopes her story will reach other young moms or moms with unplanned pregnancies who need to hear a story similar to their own. She also hopes to start a conversation about how we talk about birth control and birth control efficacy statistics. 

pregnant with iud

Mandy Davis Bio

Mandy lives in Chicago with her partner and their now 16 month old son. For her day job, she does digital consulting to help make federal government websites and services easier to use. Mandy loves being outside, running, and discovered the joy of rock climbing after becoming a mom. Mandy is abundantly grateful for the green spaces throughout the city and the Chicago Public Library. Mandy recently won a Moth StorySLAM and is excited to grow as a storyteller and writer. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at mandydavi3 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Resources

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.

Two Hypnobirthing Home Births – A Water Birth and A Precipitous Toilet Birth Story

Posted on February 20, 2024 - 2:02 am by
surprise-homebirth-before-midwife-arrives

Jen is obsessed with pregnancy and birth. She is passionate about sharing her birth stories, and  discussing all things birth, so more women can have empowering, beautiful, powerful, and  transformative birth experiences. 

Jen and her husband got pregnant on their honeymoon in Bora Bora about 3-4 months after they started  trying to conceive. They were living in Australia at the time, and when Jen was 23 weeks pregnant they  came back to the US to give birth and be near Jen’s family. Jen had transitioned from midwife in Australia  to a midwife in the US. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy in Sunriver, Oregon in her parents’ house  after 24 hours of early labor and about 5-7 hours of active labor. She was adamant about breastfeeding  but nervous on how it would go because she had a breast reduction when she was 21. Surprisingly, all  went better than expected and she was able to exclusively breastfeed. She weaned her son when he  turned two. 

They knew they wanted more children, so when Jen’s cycle returned at 17 months postpartum, they  started trying again. Jen got pregnant with her second child and planned another home birth with the  same birth team. Her first birth went so well that she was nervous that her next birth wouldn’t be as  good. At 39 weeks and two days, to her surprise, she had a precipitous labor and birth and experienced  the Fetal Ejection Reflex. Her mom, midwife, and birth photographer all missed the birth! Jen and her  husband hope to expand their family further in the future. 

waterbirth-at-home-sunriver-oregon

Jennifer Burzic Bio 

Jen has been with her husband, Jasin, for 12 years. They fell in love while she was studying abroad in  Australia. They have two incredible children, Walker who is 4, and Summer, who is 21 months. Jen has  known she wanted to be a mother since she was 3 years old. An OG listener of the birth hour, she  decided years before she was pregnant that as long as she was low risk, she wanted to pursue a home  birth. Prior to becoming a mom, she worked as a nurse, and then on research at The University of  Queensland in the School of Public Health. She loves good vegan food, warm tropical vacations, and  spending time with her family and friends. Reach out to her with any questions or to connect at  jenburzic@gmail.com or on Instagram @jenburzic.

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.

Two Positive Unmedicated Birth Stories: Birth Center to Hospital Transfer & Fast 2nd Birth in a Moving Car

Posted on February 15, 2024 - 1:46 am by
giving birth in car

Sarah’s first labor was over 24 hours long with extreme nausea, an early urge to push, a transfer from birth center to L&D during transition, long pushing stage, and delivery with nuchal hand. After experiencing PPD and PPA, Sarah found help

and connection within her community. A miscarriage at the end of the first trimester while alone out-of-town and poor hospital care followed. After conceiving again, Sarah worked to prepare for another long labor and challenging postpartum. Surprisingly, Sarah’s second labor was a fast and furious precipitous labor, where she ultimately delivered her baby by herself while her husband pulled up to the birth center entrance. 

laboring at home

Sarah McGuirk Bio

Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO, with her husband, two daughters, and rescue pit mix dog. Sarah is back in school working to become a board certified music therapist after a decade working as a freelance collaborative pianist and music educator.

Resources

Redd Remedies

Today’s episode is sponsored by Redd Remedies. Redd Remedies has strong roots in the natural product industry and crafts Master Herbalist formulated supplements from premium ingredients, ensuring natural and effective solutions for life’s physical and emotional challenges. Peaceful Mama, one of their star products, provides stress support to all moms, including pregnant and nursing women!

To learn more about Peaceful Mama, Rhythm and Flo, and Redd Remedies and to view testimonials, head to www.reddremedies.com and use code BIRTHHOUR at checkout to get 20% off any 2 or
more items. 

Unintentional Unmedicated Birth Followed by Induction for Cholestasis and Postpartum Pre-eclampsia

Posted on February 13, 2024 - 1:00 am by
Jeneba McKnight birth story

Jeneba’s  pregnancy with her first daughter was pretty textbook and she planned for a  hospital birth with pain management. Unfortunately, Jeneba labored at home not realizing how far she had progressed and gave birth within minutes of arriving to the hospital, completely unprepared for a non-medicated birth. Jeneba experienced a mound of complications with the pregnancy and birth of her second daughter: A Covid diagnoses at 15 weeks, a diagnoses of Cholestasis at 33 weeks, gestational hypertension diagnosed during her 37 week induction and subsequently, postpartum pre-eclampsia with a 5 day hospital stay three months after her daughters birth.

Jeneba McKnight Bio

Jeneba is a married mother of four children: Ten year old Jeremiah, six year old Jaala, two year old Josephine and 8 week old Judah. Jeneba and her husband Jeromie live in Woodbridge, VA, a suburb  45 minutes outside of Washington, DC. Jeneba works as a Behavioral Health Specialist for a local county government and Jeromie owns a  home improvement business. Instagram: @BonafideLove080410

Resources

  • The Birth Hour Podcast
  • Don’t ignore itching and headaches!

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.

Two Unplanned Cesarean Births, Navigating Emotional Challenges and Redemptive 2nd Birth

Posted on February 8, 2024 - 2:57 am by
ananda demaio birth story

Planning for an intervention free hospital birth in the Summer of 2020, Ananda dealt with several curveballs to the first pregnancy experience she always dreamed she would have. These include a risk for a genetic condition identified during NIPT screening, a global pandemic, switching care at 34 weeks, and stubborn breech positioning. After going to almost 42 weeks, labor stalled and for a variety of reasons ended in an unplanned c-section that felt traumatic. All of these factors during her pregnancy led to some prenatal anxiety/depression that carried through her postpartum experience. 

With her second pregnancy in 2023, Ananda chose to prepare for a VBAC and made changes to her care team and hospital to support that. Gestational Diabetes led to a marathon induction at 39 weeks that lasted almost 5 days but ended in a positive and redemptive repeat c-section. 

Ananda DeMaio Bio 

My name is Ananda, I’m 36 years old and I live in Providence, RI with my husband Jason, our three year old daughter Ramona, and our seven week old son Laszlo. I am a therapist and have  a private practice and Jason is a Chef and used to own a restaurant here but switched careers after our daughter was born and is now an apprentice electrician. Connect with her on Facebook: Ananda Hegedus or Instagram: @Aday8787

two cesarean birth stories

Resources

Needed

Today’s episode is sponsored by Needed. Needed is the leading women’s health supplement brand recommended by nutritionally-trained practitioners. While most perinatal supplements include the bare minimum of the nutrients needed during pregnancy, Needed’s products are based on the latest clinical research and in-practice experience of nearly 4000 practitioners. Needed has all your needs covered, from your prenatal vitamin to pregnancy-specific Pre/ and Probiotics, to egg quality support, sleep, stress, immune and hydration support, as well as your protein needs for blood sugar balance and postpartum healing. Needed’s Complete Plan delivers unparalleled nourishment for every phase — whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum! Instead of having to pair 6 different products together to meet your needs, I love that Needed has simplified things by bundling together four core products you need, in an easy and flexible monthly plan. Save 20% off your first order of Needed’s Complete Plan or any of their other perinatal nutrition products at thisisneeded.com with code BIRTHHOUR.

Navigating 2 Births Stationed Overseas in Japan

Posted on February 6, 2024 - 1:00 am by
giving birth in japan

After several years of infertility, Alexandria and her husband had become pregnant abroad in Okinawa, Japan. Her first birth was a planned induction due health complications. But when intervention takes place, she is left to navigate Postpartum Depression at the start of the Covid lockdown abroad in Japan in 2020.

Her experience leads her on a search to understand what had happened and sparks an interest in birth work. As a result, she and her husband seek support for a second pregnancy on island. However, navigating the military and local landscape is difficult at its best and something else entirely when international relations are experiencing a sudden healthcare crisis.

Her second birth starts as a home birth on base through a local clinic and culminates in a voluntary transfer during the push phase to a local clinic against her team’s advice. An action that ultimately saves her and her child’s life.

Alexandria Parks Bio

Alexandria currently lives in New Mexico with her husband and two daughters. She is an english teacher by trade but currently a stay at home mom to their one and three year old girls. They are a military family and were stationed in Okinawa, Japan when Alexandria gave birth. If you’d like to connect, you can leave a comment for Alexandria here and we will make sure she sees it.

birth center in japan

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. 

Redemptive 2nd Birth of a Large Baby following Change of Care + Dealing with PPD & PPA

Posted on February 1, 2024 - 2:00 am by
hospital birth induction

During Sarah’s second pregnancy and birth experience, she made significant changes in her healthcare providers and hospital preferences, transitioning from a regular OB practice to a midwifery group. With the support of an amazing doula and her husband, she had a truly redemptive birth experience. Sarah reached 41+1 weeks before inducing contractions through pumping, a method she reconsidered after reviewing the KYO inductions class, after initially resigning herself to another induction. Although her goal was to avoid an epidural, her long labor led her to opt for one after utilizing nitrous oxide for pain management and she peacefully delivered at 41+2 weeks. Her baby, Ellison, had consistently measured big throughout the pregnancy and weighed 10lbs 2oz at birth. Sarah received slight pressure to consider a C-section around 40+6 due to Ellison’s size, but her midwife wasn’t overly concerned as her previous child, Grace, was 9lbs 2oz, and she had no complications during that birth.

Breastfeeding went smoothly this time, and Sarah’s recovery was easier compared to her previous experience. Unexpectedly, she started experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety (PPD/PPA) around 9 weeks postpartum. This was a surprising development for Sarah, as she didn’t encounter such issues after her first child. Seeking pharmacological treatment proved immensely helpful in alleviating her symptoms and aiding her mental health during this challenging time.

Sarah Sushchyk Bio

Sarah lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, Joe, 3-year-old Grace, almost 1 year old Ellison and their fur -baby Cooper. You can connect with Sarah on Instagram @ssushhythoms

Resources

Needed

Today’s episode is sponsored by Needed. Needed is the leading women’s health supplement brand recommended by nutritionally-trained practitioners. While most perinatal supplements include the bare minimum of the nutrients needed during pregnancy, Needed’s products are based on the latest clinical research and in-practice experience of nearly 4000 practitioners. Needed has all your needs covered, from your prenatal vitamin to pregnancy-specific Pre/ and Probiotics, to egg quality support, sleep, stress, immune and hydration support, as well as your protein needs for blood sugar balance and postpartum healing. Needed’s Complete Plan delivers unparalleled nourishment for every phase — whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum! Instead of having to pair 6 different products together to meet your needs, I love that Needed has simplified things by bundling together four core products you need, in an easy and flexible monthly plan. Save 20% off your first order of Needed’s Complete Plan or any of their other perinatal nutrition products at thisisneeded.com with code BIRTHHOUR.

Unexpected and Positive Home Birth Story in Canada

Posted on January 30, 2024 - 12:19 pm by
amanda fonesca birth story

Amanda overcame a deep fear of childbirth by working to become as educated about labour and birth as possible. Once pregnant, she planned for an unmedicated birth at an independent birth centre.

Amanda went into labor on her due date and progressed quickly. Her midwife, initially evaluating the situation over the phone, did not feel Amanda was far enough along to warrant leaving for the birth center. When the midwife finally arrived at Amanda’s home to assess her in person, she was already 8 cm dilated. Given that the birth center was at least an hour away, Amanda and her husband felt it was safest to transition to a home birth. Amanda’s baby boy was born after 3 hours of pushing, about 11 hours after labor began. She describes the day as being incredibly positive, empowering, and the best day of her life.    

Amanda Fonesca Bio

Amanda lives outside of Toronto with her husband, son, and loyal dog. She is a certified clinical research professional (CCRP) and has focused her work in the area of oncology. Her efforts to overcome an initial fear of childbirth has led to a great passion for all things related to pregnancy, labour, and birth. Amanda enjoys cooking, literature, and music. You can connect with her via email at amandafonzie@gmail.com .

Resources

Sleepybelly

Today’s episode is brought to you by the Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow which is guaranteed to give you better sleep in 30-nights or they will give you a full refund! Sleepybelly is a three piece, adjustable pregnancy pillow designed to prevent back sleeping, whilst giving you support for your growing bump and helps align your hips to reduce hip and back pain. Being an adjustable set, it grows with you on your pregnancy journey and can be used in 5 different configurations – it is even used as a breastfeeding pillow postpartum.

Sleepybelly has offered listeners of The Birth Hour an exclusive promo, use the code THEBIRTHHOUR10 for 10% off your order, at sleepybelly.co for a more comfortable night’s sleep! With free shipping and a 30-night money back guarantee, try the Sleepybelly today!