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Perfect Walking Epidural Birth, Undiagnosed Placenta Accreta leading to Asherman’s Syndrome + Breastfeeding Struggles and Secondary Infertility

ashermans birth story

Jenny is from the Pacific Northwest but currently resides in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband Chris and almost 4 year old daughter and 8 week old son. She is a dentist specializing in the treatment of sleep apnea while her husband is an ENT. Jenny gave birth to Maya in April of 2021 after a very routine pregnancy that ended slightly early due to sudden severe preeclampsia at 36 weeks. Morbidly adherent placenta leading to 2 D&Cs within 2 weeks being postpartum and a uterine perforation leading to sepsis and a 7 day hospital stay was only the beginning of a long postpartum healing journey. 5 hysteroscopies, an emergent embolization and 2.5 years of secondary infertility later Jenny recently gave birth to her rainbow baby boy. Connect with Jenny on IG @jennysherpa.

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 6000 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. Use code BIRTHHOUR for up to 40% off including on monthly plans at thisisneeded.com.

Unplanned Hospital Induction and Redemptive Unmedicated Hospital Twin Birth Story

unmedicated twin hospital birth

Meghan went into her first pregnancy equipped with knowledge about the many ways women around the world choose to birth. After initially establishing care at the local teaching hospital with PAs and OB-GYNs, she ultimately decided to pursue a homebirth for the birth of her first daughter. Meghan’s plans flipped on a dime when she was diagnosed with oligohydramnios during a 39-week NST/BPP when she felt less intense movement. Meghan surrendered to a very medicalized birth and greeted her first post-partum journey with intense sleep deprivation, PPA and associated rage, and a slower time to bond with her daughter despite an unexpectedly sweet breastfeeding journey.

When Meghan became pregnant for a second time about two years later, she was excited to establish care with her former homebirth midwife team and manifest the homebirth of her dreams. Around 8-9 weeks of pregnancy, before any provider visits, Meghan snuck a peak at baby on ultrasound at her workplace. She discovered not one but two heartbeats and went through all the emotions accepting she and her husband would be welcoming twins. Meghan had a relatively easy pregnancy and redemptive journey within the hospital system thanks to a phenomenal birth team that contributed to the quick, non-medicated vaginal delivery of her twin girls. Connect with Meghan on Instagram @menellohz.

dad hospital skin to skin

Aeroflow Breastpumps

Did you know breast pumps and milk storage bags, maternity compression garments, even lactation education & support can all be covered by your insurance? Aeroflow helps millions of parents unlock these breastfeeding and postpartum essentials by working directly with your insurance company 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. Visit AeroflowBreastpumps.com/birthhour to fill out their free and easy Qualify Through Insurance form. Don’t forget to use the promo code “BIRTHHOUR15” in their online shop for 15% off all supplies and accessories. You’ve got enough on your plate. Why not let Aeroflow Breastpumps help support you on your breastfeeding journey?

Two Fast Unmedicated Birth Center Birth Stories

birth center birth stories

For her first pregnancy, she initially worried about irregular ovulation, but she conceived quickly. Despite some early spotting, the pregnancy progressed without complications, except for significant anxiety, which she attributed to her extensive research. She transferred care to a midwife-owned birth center, appreciating how her pregnancy was treated as a natural process. Although her husband was initially skeptical about out-of-hospital births, his full-time PhD schedule allowed him to attend all appointments, easing his concerns. Her labor started at 39+1 weeks with water breaking, followed by a day of walking and frustration. Contractions began late in the evening, intensifying quickly, and they made their way to the birth center, where labor continued in a tub. After 45 minutes of pushing, her son, a 9 lb 2 oz baby, was born after only 5 hours of active labor. The postpartum period was challenging with breastfeeding difficulties due to tongue and lip ties, but she persevered, eventually breastfeeding until he was 2 1⁄2 years old. She also dealt with hives and urinary pain, but these issues gradually resolved. Going back to work at 15 weeks postpartum was tough.

For her second pregnancy, Chelsea planned for a three-year age gap between her children and conceived quickly after her son’s second birthday. This pregnancy was less anxiety-inducing, and she felt great, despite caring for a toddler. At 39+4, after some denial, she realized labor had begun. They headed to the birth center in the early morning, where labor progressed calmly and intentionally. The birth was quick,about 7 hours from start to finish, and her daughter, born at 3:35 a.m. on the summer solstice, had her cord wrapped around her neck but was otherwise healthy. Postpartum recovery was smoother than with her son, thanks in part to lessons learned and better management of physical discomforts like pelvic floor spasms. Massachusetts’ paid leave policy allowed her to adjust to life with two children. Reflecting on both experiences, Chelsea feels that her preparation and strong support system—especially her husband and doula—allowed her to feel empowered and confident in her decisions.

Chelsea Mascari Bio

Chelsea is a behavior analyst, avid birth hour listener, and mom to two children ages 3 1⁄2 and 7 months. She shared her journey through two pregnancies, highlighting how each experience was unique and shaped by her preparation and support system. Leave a comment here to connect with Chelsea.

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 6000 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. Use code BIRTHHOUR for up to 40% off including on monthly plans at thisisneeded.com.

Irish Hospital Birth – Induction Without Epidural Using Hypnobirthing Birth Story

american giving birth in ireland hospital

Jennifer and her husband were overjoyed — and more than a little stunned — to find out they were expecting after just one try. Determined to pursue a more holistic approach to birth, Jennifer found the path challenging while living in Ireland, where options like that weren’t widely supported at the time. Navigating a complex healthcare system without the support of her family made the journey even more difficult. But after finding an incredible hypnobirthing instructor, she began to feel empowered and ready for what lay ahead.

Things were cruising along pretty smoothly… until her baby threw a curveball by suddenly not growing as expected. Cue an unexpected induction. Once her waters were broken; it was all systems go — and fast. Without an epidural, and powered by breath and a few curse words, Jennifer delivered her tiny but mighty daughter, Roisín, weighing just 5lbs 6oz.

Jennifer Dennehy Bio

Jennifer lives in North County Dublin with her husband Ciarán, their two children, Róisín and Donnchadh, and their newest (and fluffiest) family member — a 12-week-old puppy named Féile. Originally from a small rural town in Idaho, Jennifer met Ciarán while living in Australia in 2011 and has called Ireland home for the past 13 years.

She works with Tourism Ireland, the government agency responsible for marketing the island of Ireland to the world — a job that aligns perfectly with her love for travel and the outdoors. When she’s not wrangling small humans or planning travel campaigns, Jennifer enjoys camping, boating, and escaping into the beauty of Irish nature.

You can follow her adventures on Instagram at @amateur_travelers.Connect with her on Instagram at @amateur_travelers.

Resources

AirDoctor

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BIRTHHOUR to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Get this exclusive, podcast-only offer now at AirDoctorPro.com

Unmedicated Hospital Birth after Water Broke (PROM) Birth Story

unmedicated-hospital-birth-story

Sylvia is a first time mom who had an unexpectedly quick labor after PROM and delivered a healthy baby boy without pain medication in the hospital. She attributes her quick and peaceful birth to her spiritual, mental, and physical preparation during pregnancy. She had to endure many long MFM appointments for a false kidney disease diagnosis, but in the end it all contributed to a memorable experience that prepared her and her husband for parenthood. To connect with Sylvia leave a comment on this page!

Resources

Aeroflow Breastpumps

Did you know breast pumps and milk storage bags, maternity compression garments, even lactation education & support can all be covered by your insurance? Aeroflow helps millions of parents unlock these breastfeeding and postpartum essentials by working directly with your insurance company 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. Visit AeroflowBreastpumps.com/birthhour to fill out their free and easy Qualify Through Insurance form. Don’t forget to use the promo code “BIRTHHOUR15” in their online shop for 15% off all supplies and accessories. You’ve got enough on your plate. Why not let Aeroflow Breastpumps help support you on your breastfeeding journey?

Canadian Homebirth to Hospital Transfer After Contractions Stalled During Pushing Phase

homebirth in canada

Margaret was born at home in a tiny community in rural BC, Canada. When she and her husband, Carl, decided to have a baby they planned to have a home birth as well. They were fortunate to have a wonderful midwife working locally. After an uneventful and enjoyable pregnancy, Margaret’s labour started at 41w4d. Labor progressed slowly. Many positioning and movement methods were tried to help reposition and encourage baby down. Full dilation was eventually reached at home and Margaret pushed for 2 hours, making minimal progress. Baby’s head was in the occiput transverse position, making delivery difficult. Contractions began to slow, and the midwife made the call to transfer to the hospital. At the hospital baby was delivered with forceps assistance.  Shortly after the birth Margaret’s uterine wall hemorrhaged and she quickly lost 1.75L of blood. The family ended up staying 4 nights in hospital before finally heading home.

Margaret Smith Bio

Margaret lives in rural British Columbia, within the unceded territories of the Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Syilx, and Secwepemc peoples, with her husband, Carl, their one year old, Dimitri, and two dogs and a cat. She enjoys being outdoors in the mountains and on the lake, reading, knitting, gardening, and playing with kids. Margaret works as a nanny/childcare provider. Connect with her on Instagram @true.yara

Resources

forceps delivery canada

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

“Textbook” Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Delayed Postpartum Hemorrhage

great birth postpartum hemorrhage

Rebecca had a relatively uneventful and healthy pregnancy, and spent a lot of time preparing physically and mentally for birth. She was in prodromal labor for 4 days prior to starting active labor, but once active labor began, it went quickly. Rebecca labored for about 10 hours at home, using various coping strategies and locations, including side-lying release and spending time in the bath, before heading in to the hospital. She was 6cm dilated at triage, and was admitted. She used the bath again at the hospital, as well as the birthing ball with counter pressure from her midwife and doula, and nitrous oxide. After about 3 hours in labor at the hospital, she was fully dilated. She pushed for an hour and was able to meet her daughter after the relatively low-intervention birth she hoped for. About 2 hours postpartum, when the nurses asked her to get up to use the bathroom, Rebecca started feeling dizzy, and the midwife returned as it became clear she was having a delayed postpartum hemorrhage. She ultimately received transfusions of 4 units of blood and went under general anesthesia to have a Bakri balloon placed, which successfully stopped the bleeding. She was able to recover relatively quickly postpartum, while navigating some postpartum anxiety, using a nipple shield for nursing for several months, slow weight gain for her daughter, getting feeding-related OT, and struggling to maintain her own weight postpartum while breastfeeding. She went on to have a successful and beautiful breastfeeding journey – her daughter is still nursing a couple times a day at nearly 2.75 years old.

Rebecca Eppall Bio

Rebecca lives in Malden, MA with her husband Steve, daughter Emery, and cat Oliver. She works part-time leading and supporting a team of instructional coaches who work with schools and nonprofits to improve instructional practices and work towards educational equity. She loves spending time outside, especially in the woods, reading a good fantasy novel, and playing board games, though these days she’s more likely to be on a playground or playing with Magnatiles with her toddler (which also brings her lots of joy!). As an educator, she loves watching her daughter grow and develop and become her own person. You can reach Rebecca at @Rebecca.Eppall on Instagram or Rebecca Eppall on Facebook (both of which are private but you can send a message).

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 6000 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. Use code BIRTHHOUR for up to 40% off including on monthly plans at thisisneeded.com.

Hospital Birth vs Homebirth in France Birth Stories

homebirth in france

Maria found out she was pregnant with her first son during the first Covid-19 lockdown in France. With little knowledge about pregnancy and birth, she faced the challenge of navigating the medical system in the midst of a global pandemic. At 41 weeks, she was induced, and her son was born in the hospital under the care of midwives.

While Maria left the hospital with a healthy baby boy and overall positive memories, she felt her right to informed consent wasn’t fully respected. The hospital protocols left her feeling like she had lost some of her agency during the process.

In 2023, Maria experienced s pregnancy loss. However, in 2024, she became pregnant again and chose a different path: a home birth. Surrounded by her husband and a midwife, Maria gave birth to her daughter in a peaceful and serene environment, embracing the empowerment and agency she had hoped for.

Maria Toro Bio

Maria is Colombian but has been living in France for 10 years. She is a lawyer and the mother of Gabriel, 4years old and Mia, 4 months old. She lives in a town north of Paris with her husband, labrador, and her two children. 

waterbirth at home in france

Resources

Site for finding a homebirth midwife in France

Ina May Gaskin

Hypnobirthing Books

How Big is a Placenta Bowl

Birth with Confidence

AirDoctor

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BIRTHHOUR to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Get this exclusive, podcast-only offer now at AirDoctorPro.com

Gestational Hypertension, Unplanned C-Section and MCAD Diagnosis

MCAD diagnosis baby

Christina was diagnosed with gestational hypertension in the final trimester of her pregnancy and placed on bedrest.  She was advised to induce labor at 37 weeks and had to consistently advocate for herself to make it as long as possible before doing so. 

She eventually agreed to an induction at 40 weeks and 4 days.  After dilating to a 7 within 8 hours, labor stalled and it became evident that an unplanned C-section was necessary to safely deliver her son. 

When her son was finally born, he arrived with his own set of challenges. After being born with low blood sugar he was diagnosed with MCAD (Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase) deficiency, a rare metabolic condition, that changed her postpartum journey drastically.  

Connect with Christina on Facebook: Christina Duke, or Instagram @cmarie102

Resources

unplanned csection birth story

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 6000 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. Use code BIRTHHOUR for up to 40% off including on monthly plans at thisisneeded.com.

Fast Labor with Shoulder Dystocia and Short NICU Stay

shoulder dystocia

Claire shares the story of her second birth story with a short labor lasting only about 3 hours. Her baby had a shoulder dystocia and the midwife team pushed on her abdomen to get her baby out. Following the birth, Claire’s baby spent about 36 hours in the NICU for additional help with her breathing after being born so quickly. Postpartum, she was told her baby had tongue and lip ties despite having no issues with nursing. She chose not the have them revised and they continued to have a successful nursing experience.

Claire Smith Bio

Claire is a mom of two and Child Passenger Safety Advocate for Joie Baby. She fell into car seat safety after doing absolutely everything wrong with her first child. Claire got certified as a Child Passenger Safety Advocate in 2017, started a local nonprofit that same year when she realized everyone else got it wrong with car seats as well, and then became an Instructor of the CPST curriculum in 2019. She spent many a year in the corporate consulting world before going to work for Joie and now, very happily, gets to do all things car seat every day. You can find her online on Facebook and Instagram as @Joie_baby_us_cpst or claire.smith@joiebaby.com.

Resources

  • Hospital classes for newborn care and breastfeeding
  • Going to a free carseat check event hosted by a CPST
  • Claire’s non-profit: Saving Northern Virginia’s Littles @savingnovaslittles
  • Babylist for baby registries and pregnancy tracking

Joie Baby

Today’s episode is in partnership with Joie. A safety-forward, affordable, and globally recognized baby gear brand that specializes in stylish car seats, strollers, and in-home products rooted in European design and made for all parents… in all life stages. Not only is Joie the #1 car seat brand in the UK, but they’re making waves in the US with their innovative car seats like the mint latch infant car seat that doesn’t need a base, and their Chili Spin 360 which rotates toward you to make it so easy to put your children in their car seat and take them out – I have this seat and it’s a game changer (or whatever statement resonates with your experience.) Later in this episode, I’m going to tell you how you can get a major discount on this carseat during the current carseat trade-in event at Target, so keep listening. Plus, today’s birth story guest features Claire Smith, who happens to be Joie’s dedicated Child Passenger Safety Technician (or CPST for short) and is responsible for helping Joie’s engineers stay ahead of the newest car seat safety standards and supporting parents and caregivers with accurately choosing the right car seat for their child and using it properly.

Positive Pregnancy and Homebirth Water Birth Story

HOMEBIRTH waterbirth birth story

While considering becoming a health teacher in her early 20s, Carly set out to learn more about the female reproductive system and pregnancy. In this process she found The Birth Hour and has been a pregnancy/birth-nerd ever since! When Carly and her husband felt ready to start a family, she was confident in her decision to plan for a homebirth. Carly worked with an extremely supportive and knowledgeable midwifery group that made her prenatal experience joyful. After doing the Miles Circuit at 39 weeks and 4 days, Carly started having early signs of labor. The following day she was having frequent contractions and she labored at home with her husband. With the additional support of a doula and her midwives, Carly was able to have the homebirth she had hoped for, giving birth to her son, Jameson, in the birth tub at 39 weeks and 6 days! 

Carly Kennedy Bio

Carly is originally from Vermont and now lives with her husband, Justin, and their son, Jameson, in Boston, Massachusetts. Carly is a special education teacher who enjoys cooking, thrifting, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends and family. You can connect with Carly on instagram at @carlykennedy or find her through the Birth Hour and Know Your Options FB pages! 

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 Motif’s Luna breast pump, AND how Motif’s Aura Glow wearable pump can give you flexibility in your pumping routine. Plus, see how you can get your pump covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour.

Pregnant with Extremely Large Ovarian Cyst, Cesarean Birth with Removal of Ovary

large ovarian cyst in pregnancy

After what seemed to be a very normal and uncomplicated pregnancy, Kendall’s doctor discovered a fast growing cyst that was around 23 centimeters in her beginning weeks of her third trimester. With still weeks to go in her pregnancy and no sign of the cyst shrinking or slowing in growth, Kendall scrambled to find answers on how to navigate such a unique and dangerous situation. While working with medical professionals who had no experience in her case, she became a case study for a specialist office and had to prepare for a very unpredictable birth while facing scary uncertainty about details of her situation. 

Kendall Olle Bio

Kendall currently lives in a small beach town located in West Michigan where she grew up. She met her husband Nelson her sophomore year of high school, nearly 11 years ago and they married in the fall of 2019. After a very unpredictable pregnancy, she and her husband welcomed their first child, a daughter named Annina in the fall of 2024. She can be found on Instagram at Kendallolle and today she is joining the podcast to share her story of being pregnant and giving birth with a large ovarian cyst.

kendall olle pregnancy

AirDoctor

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BIRTHHOUR to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Get this exclusive, podcast-only offer now at AirDoctorPro.com