Skip to main content

Author Archives: thebirthhour

Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Albinism Diagnosis, Second Hospital Epidural Birth with Redemptive Nursing Experience

Posted on November 13, 2024 - 6:48 pm by
albinism diagnosis in newborn

Caitlan had an uneventful first pregnancy until Covid hit when she was 6 months pregnant. Despite the unexpected global pandemic, her first birth (an accidental unmedicated hospital birth) was surprisingly quick and relatively easy despite a surprise episiotomy. An albinism diagnosis when her daughter was 12 weeks old was quite shocking and hard to process at first, but now they can’t imagine Riley any other way. Despite an unsuccessful breastfeeding journey, their postpartum was a positive experience. 

Caitlan and Nick were lucky to conceive on their first attempt once they were ready to grow their family, and were elated to welcome a baby boy. Opting for an epidural birth this time, labor and delivery was a breeze and mom and baby were happy to have a successful and redemptive nursing experience the second time around. 

better breastfeeding experience second time

Caitlan Mcinally Bio

Caitlan and her husband Nick met in their early 20s playing ice hockey in Southern California. They now live in the Coachella Valley with their children Riley and Luke. She can be reached on Facebook or Instagram, user: Caitlandiaa

Resources

Mommy Care Kit

Mommy Care Kit is a preventative care perinatal kit that supports you throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey with products like a breast pump, compression socks, a multipurpose pregnancy support band and postpartum binder, a TENS unit, and a PlasmaFlow.

The best part is that most insurance plans cover it and it’s fast and easy to see if you qualify. All you have to do is take a few seconds to fill out their online form and you’ll hear back within 48 hours. Then, you’ll do a 5-minute assessment call with a nurse and your kit will arrive within 10 business days.

Use this direct link!

Positive Homebirth Birth Story and Tongue Tie Discussion Postpartum

Posted on November 11, 2024 - 7:43 pm by

JorDann is a first time mom who got the homebirth she had been praying for! It was much quicker than she expected with active labor being under 3 hours but everything went so smoothly. She spent lots of time and energy preparing her mind and body knowing birth is so unpredictable and unique but she believes it all helped contribute to her beautiful homebirth.

JorDann Jones Bio

JorDann is a 24 year old first time mama who had her baby girl earlier this year in February! She has been passionate about health for a long time however her knowledge has expanded so much through out the years, taking her deeper and deeper into all things holistic healing, clean eating, low tox lifestyle, mental and physical health and more. When diving into woman’s health and getting off birth control several years ago, she became fascinated by birth and what a women’s body was capable of in the right environment. Her pregnancy was completely unexpected but there was no question in her mind whether she wanted to birth at home or not and she is so grateful for her experience and can’t wait to share! Connect with her on IG @jordannnchristine.

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?

Redemptive Homebirth Birth Story after Difficult Induction During COVID

Posted on November 4, 2024 - 6:32 pm by
waterbirth birth story

After the birth of her first daughter, Allison was left reeling in the height of the pandemic. It was a traumatic experience, but Allison sought therapy and even became a birth doula. 

Nearly three years later, she was finally ready to take on her second birth and was determined to have a redemptive experience. She put together her perfect birth team and planned for a home birth. 

Her second pregnancy was not without stress or uncertainty, but overall Allison was extremely grateful to be pregnant post-pandemic. She relished in being out in the world this time around.

Her due date came and went just like with her first pregnancy, but she knew that going into labor naturally would give her the best shot at her ideal birth. At 41 weeks and 4 days, Allison finally went into labor and things moved pretty quickly. After 7 hours and about 3 pushes, her second daughter Sloane was born in the comfort of their bedroom. 

It was truly the redemptive experience that Allison had dreamed of and advocated for!

homebirth birth story

Allison Katayama Bio

Allison lives in Vallejo, CA with her husband Devin and their two daughters. She works in higher education. She has been a big fan of the Birth Hour for a very long time and is a graduate of the Know Your Options course. Allison hopes that her story will resonate with other moms and moms-to-be! She is very happy to connect with anyone who would like to reach out. Connect with Allison at demerise89@gmail.com or on IG @9slothbby9. Allison’s first birth story is  episode 600.

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. 

Unplanned C-section Followed by Medicated VBAC Birth Stories

Posted on October 30, 2024 - 3:50 pm by
vbac with epidural

Robin discovered she was pregnant with her first child a month before the pandemic started shutting things down. Luckily, the pregnancy itself was mostly uneventful. Robin experienced Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) but was hopeful it would resolve after the pregnancy. 

Labor started at night and Robin labored at home throughout the next day, listening to Hypnobirthing tracks and Birth Hour podcast episodes. She went to the hospital around midnight and was already 5 cm dilated. However, after she requested an epidural, her labor slowed down significantly. The doctors ended up suggesting a C-section and, after over 36 hours of labor, Robin agreed. However, she never felt at peace with the way the events of her first birth unfolded.

Robin’s second pregnancy started about 3 years after her first. Despite feeling very uncomfortable, she felt lucky she had another healthy pregnancy. She was even able to keep the PGP mostly at bay with regular visits to her chiropractor.

With the assistance of two amazing doulas, a new hospital, and her husband, Robin delivered a healthy girl via a successful VBAC. Postpartum was so hard the first time, navigating feeding difficulties and persisting PGP. Her second experience postpartum has been much easier. She feels so lucky to have had two very different birthing experiences to give her perspective on what matters: birth is birth and it is all beautiful.

cesarean birth during covid

Robin Cole Bio

Robin Cole lives in Boston, Massachusetts with her husband, two children and cat, Benny. She is a school-based speech-language pathologist. In this era of life, she doesn’t have much free time but enjoys listening to podcasts and has recently started trying to garden. You’ll have to touch base in a year to see if this hobby sticks. Connect with Robin via Instagram @rob.in_theworld

Resources

Dream VBAC in Military Hospital in Japan after Breech C-section and 2nd Trimester Loss

Posted on October 28, 2024 - 6:44 pm by
VBAC birth story in japan

Anni’s first pregnancy was healthy and routine, and over the pregnancy she grew excited for labor and giving birth. Much to her disappointment, she ended up planning a c-section when she learned their daughter was breech at their 36-week appointment. Postpartum was consumed with learning how to breastfeed, and planning for a cross-country military move at 6 weeks postpartum, from North Carolina to Kansas. A year later she got pregnant again, after just having moved again, this time to Okinawa, Japan. That pregnancy ended at 19 weeks, after making the heart wrenching decision to terminate due to Trisomy 18. Despite the terminal diagnosis, the Hyde Amendment prevented doctors at the military hospital from performing a D&E, so she and her family flew to California to receive abortion care. Anni’s most recent pregnancy was smooth and joyful, despite some initial anxiety after the loss. A scheduled induction turned into a whirlwind spontaneous labor, ending in an unmedicated VBAC that was better than she ever hoped it would be. It was incredible to finally be able to experience the kind of labor and birth she had hoped for for so long. 

giving-birth-in-japan

Anni Denzel Bio

At the time of recording, Anni lives in Okinawa Japan with her husband (who serves in the Marine Corps), two small kids, and two dogs. In addition to parenting and holding down the fort at home with a spouse who is frequently away on duty, she is also a nonprofit fundraising consultant, and volunteers with the Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition. Because of the unique ways that her military affiliation impacted her birth experiences, Anni was inspired to join the MBRNPC team as host of the podcast Military Birth Talk, which shares perinatal experiences from members of the military community. You can find Anni on Instagram @arldenzel or @militarybirthtalk.

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 25% off your first subscription and up to 40% off monthly plans at thisisneeded.com.

Epidural Birth in California + APS diagnosis Followed by Unmedicated Birth in Sweden with Midwife & Doula

Posted on October 21, 2024 - 5:49 pm by
giving birth in sweden

Kathleen shares two positive, but very different birth stories – her first in San Francisco at the height of COVID and California wildfires, and her second in Sweden, on a bitter-cold Christmas eve. Kathleen’s first birth came after two miscarriages and a diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). The diagnosis made her high risk, and required daily injections and frequent monitoring, so while joyous, it was also a scary and uncertain time. A week before a scheduled induction, she went into spontaneous labor. Kathleen hoped for an unmedicated birth, but without much support and seemingly long labor ahead, she opted for an epidural. The labor went smoothly, but also felt highly medicalized and at times, impersonal. 

Kathleen became pregnant with her second child just four months after moving to Sweden, when her first daughter was 20 months old. The idea of giving birth in a new country was at first unsettling, but with the support of kind and supportive midwife, along with wonderful doula who helped her navigate the Swedish system, she was able to (mostly) enjoy the pregnancy and have the unmedicated and empowering birth she desired. 

Postpartum with her second was hard in a different way. While she was much more at ease with the newborn rhythms, she struggled with feelings of isolation, and the challenges of having a newborn and toddler during the darkness and cold of Swedish winter. Kathleen also reflects on the distinct models of care surrounding pregnancy, birth, and parental leave between the two countries. 

birth story with APS diagnosis

Kathleen Klaus Bio

Kathleen lives in Berkeley, CA with her husband, Jeff, and daughters, Maya (4) and Azalea (20 months). They recently moved from Uppsala, Sweden, where they had been living since 2022. Kathleen is a professor in peace and conflict studies, with a focus on Africa. She and her family spend lots of time traveling and exploring, but for now, are happy to be in one place, discovering new playgrounds, ice cream shops, trails, and beaches across the beautiful Bay Area. You can connect with Kathleen via email (Kathleen.klaus@gmail.com) or Instagram @kat_klaus

Resources

Pregnancy & birth prep:

Sleep & feeding

  • Napper (app)
  • IG: @itsmorethanmilk
  • IG: @HeySleepyBaby 
  • Precious Little Sleep (Alexis Dubief)
  • Mighty Milk (lactation course and resources)
  • Solid Starts 

Postpartum: 

Parenthood

Baby Tula

Part I of 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.

Belly Bandit

Part II of this episode is sponsored by Belly Bandit, Recommended by physicians, nurses, hospitals, doulas, fitness experts and of course — new moms, Belly Bandit makes belly wraps, shapewear, supportive leggings and more. They use proprietary fabrics (developed over ten years) to ensure their products have multi-wear, multi-function, and multi-stage use. I personally used their belly wrap, their Maternity V-Sling – Pelvic Pain Relief Band, and I basically lived in their amazing Mother Tucker leggings postpartum. Check out all of their amazing and innovative products at bellybandit.com and use code BirthHour to save 15% off site wide!

Twins Induction Breech Birth followed by Accidental Unassisted Homebirth; 2 Very Different Postpartums

Posted on October 16, 2024 - 6:48 pm by
twins breech birth


Morgan shares two birth stories in this episode. After finding out she was pregnant, Morgan got the double surprise that she was expecting twins. Deemed high risk, she was met with a series of interventions and extra monitoring throughout her pregnancy. Nevertheless, her pregnancy was mostly normal until the third trimester when one twin was diagnosed with IUGR and she was scheduled for an induction at almost 36 weeks. After a grueling two days, she gave birth to her boys vaginally, with one son breech. Shortly after birth, her son was taken to the NICU where he stayed for 9 days while the family shuttled back and forth with one baby at home and the other in the hospital. What followed was a difficult postpartum period with nursing challenges and an eventual cross-state move during the pandemic and national lockdowns of 2020.

In 2022, Morgan became pregnant again with one baby. This time around, she wanted a drastically different experience than her last with little to no interventions and she sought care at a local midwives group. Through the support of her midwives, hypnobirthing classes, self education and preparation, she had a redemptive and empowering unexpected unassisted birth at home at almost 41 weeks and had a much different postpartum experience. 

accidental homebirth after twins

Morgan Stewart Bio 

Morgan is a kid wrangler and public sector worker. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three kids, 5 year old twins sons and an 18 month old daughter. She writes the substack: thelupinelady.substack.com and she is on Instagram at @Belaboredlabors. 

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 Birth with a Midwife as a First Time Mom

Posted on October 14, 2024 - 5:17 pm by
cheri hardley-birth story

Cheri, a first-time mom with a fierce determination, faced constant doubts from those around her about her decision to have an unmedicated birth. Despite hearing countless stories of pain and trauma, Cheri stayed focused on her goal, preparing herself mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead. She immersed herself in positive birth resources, including The Birth Hour Podcast, and surrounded herself with a supportive network, led by a midwife who believed in her ability to succeed.

Labor began for Cheri around midnight. After an initial visit to the hospital, she chose to return home, trusting her instincts and the guidance of her midwife, who assured her that her baby would arrive that day. Back home, Cheri tried to rest between contractions, but when her water broke with a powerful contraction, she knew it was time to return to the hospital.

Active labor was intense, but Cheri was surrounded by a room full of strong, supportive women. She moved between the bed and the shower, her mom by her side, applying a hot pack to her back. Her other support people offered comfort, wiping her brow with a cloth and reading birth affirmations aloud over soothing meditation music. The atmosphere was one of calm strength and unwavering support.

As Cheri felt her body begin to push, she instinctively laid on her side, a position that helped prevent tearing. With a focused determination, Cheri pushed for just 20 minutes, bringing her baby into the world. Incredibly, within an hour of giving birth, she was up and walking, feeling more powerful and empowered than ever before.

Cheri’s story is one of strength, trust, and the power of a supportive community. Now, she is channeling that experience into becoming a doula, dedicated to helping other women harness their own strength and embrace their unique birth journeys. Cheri’s journey shows that with the right mindset and support, an empowering birth experience is possible for every woman.

hospital-birth-hypnobirthing

Cheri Hardley Bio

Cheri is a first-time mom who initially felt unprepared when she discovered she was pregnant during her senior year of college. With plans for her future seemingly disrupted, she faced criticism and negativity from family members who told her not to have her baby, calling her an embarrassment and insisting that her life was over. But deep down, Cheri just knew she was meant to have her child.

Despite the challenges, Cheri had a healthy pregnancy and persevered, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, all while navigating the journey of single motherhood. Now in training to become a doula, Cheri has already begun empowering other women through her own birth story, showing them that they, too, can find strength and power in their unique experiences. Cheri’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the incredible power of motherhood. Connect with her on Instagram: cherihardley or tiktok: cherihardleyy.

Resources

Challenging Induction with Shoulder Dystocia & Redemptive Birth Center Birth Story

Posted on October 7, 2024 - 5:15 pm by
induction shoulder dysctocia

Meghan shares 2 birth stories in this episode. Her first birth was planned to be at an independent birth center, but she ultimately ended up being induced and delivered in a hospital setting. Her induction began with a foley bulb on Christmas morning and ended 50 hours later after 4.5 hours of pushing. She shares about her challenging experience with pitocin and shoulder dystocia. Both Meghan and her baby were healthy, but it left her feeling disappointed with her birth experience.

When she got pregnant again 8 months later, she was determined to have the peaceful, birth center birth she’d dreamed of. Meghan found a doula, researched shoulder dystocia and mentally prepared for an unmedicated birth. She had an unexpected growth scan at 36 weeks when her fundal height was measuring 5cm short, but her placenta and baby looked healthy so she continued her care at the birth center. Meghan shares the details of going into labor naturally on her due date (much earlier than she expected) and laboring at home for the majority of her labor. Surrounded by her midwives and loving birth team, she experienced a strong fetal ejection reflex while in the birth tub and pushed her baby out in under 3 minutes – shoulder dystocia free.

Meghan Howell Bio

Meghan is a birth doula & stay at home mom based in the Willamette Valley (Oregon). Her and her husband, Joey, are raising two daughters together. She lives on a shared farm with a mix of chickens, goats and 4 big dogs. Meghan’s diverse birth experiences sparked a love of birth stories and passion for finding community in motherhood. If you’d like to connect with Meghan, she’d love to hear from you on IG @thewillamettevalleydoula

Resources

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.

Fast and Fun Homebirth after Emetophobia Struggles in Pregnancy

Posted on September 26, 2024 - 10:14 am by
emetophobia in pregnancy

After a difficult first trimester struggling with emetophobia, Kat had a joyful pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. She gave birth at 39 weeks at home with the help of her midwives and husband. It was a fast first-time labor at just 5 hours!

Kat Sullivan Bio

Kat is a dancer and writer living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She enjoys hiking in the woods, snuggling with her baby and cat, and drinking coffee to excess with her husband. Kat can be contacted through her website (katjsullivan.com) or directly through her email (katjsullivan6@gmail.com).

Resources

Photography credit Amber Breiner Photography

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.

How Perinatal OCD Overtook My Pregnancy and Birth Experience

Posted on September 23, 2024 - 6:49 pm by
danielle silverstein birth story

Danielle is only recently starting to fully understand her personal experience with perinatal OCD, birth trauma, and postpartum depression over 19 years ago. As Danielle learns more she can’t help but wish she could go back and tell her younger self so many things. She can’t, but she can share her experience and give hope to those who may encounter (or have encountered) similar issues during their pregnancies. This pregnancy and birth story is one that should be listened to be everyone, regardless of gender, marital and parenting status, and whether or not people personally deal with issues with perinatal Mental Health. Even if you don’t personally experience a perinatal mood disorder the odds are that someone in your live has or will.

marriage and martinis birth story

Danielle Silverstein Bio

Danielle Silverstein knows the struggles of losing oneself amidst the busyness and chaos of life, but she is determined to keep finding, experiencing, and sharing fresh methods of self-discovery. She is committed to being outspoken when it comes to such important topics as maternal mental health, an experience that has become very personal for her. She has hosted the hit podcast, Marriage and Martinis, alongside her husband for the past six years. This endeavor has led to some of the most raw, open, and honest conversations that a “real” couple has ever shared in such a public way. Her wildly popular, record-breaking book and ebook, The Date Night Questions Experience, has helped partners worldwide connect in a refreshingly straightforward and uniquely impactful way. Connect with Danielle Silverstein and Marriage and Martinis: Website, Instagram, Marriage and Martinis Podcast, and The Date Night Questions Experience book.

Resources

  • Motherhood Center in NYC
  • Talk to people who have had a baby about which care providers they recommend and ask questions about their approach to and resources for mental health during pregnancy and postpartum

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 25% off your first subscription and up to 40% off monthly plans at thisisneeded.com.

Unmedicated Birth Center Birth and Postpartum

Posted on September 18, 2024 - 4:28 pm by

Chinyere always wanted to be a mom. We’ve heard the saying “it takes a village”, and she immediately tapped into hers while embracing all things motherhood as a single woman. Outside of family and friends, she found community in support groups and knew early on the type of birth she wanted: unmedicated, low-intervention and at a birth center, if possible. 

Chinyere had a pretty textbook pregnancy (outside of terrible insomnia) and as a bodybuilder, continued to strength train 3-4x/ week up until the week she gave birth. The day before Chinyere went into labor (38 + 6) was a pretty typical day. She had a visit with her doula and told her that she was going to go past 40 weeks, because everyone at her birth center said first time moms are usually late. Her doula laughed and insisted Chinyere was having the baby very soon. Outside of pelvic pressure, Chinyere didn’t feel like the baby was coming very soon. Little did she know… Later that evening around 11pm, Chinyere was at home unable to sleep and scrolling on social media. She came across a videographer’s page on Instagram and watched footage of a beautiful home birth. After the quick boost of positivity, She decided she’d finally try to sleep and as soon as she rolled over, there was a small trickle coming down her leg. Was this her water breaking? Are we having a baby soon? 

Chinyere was excited yet nervous as she waddled to the bathroom and called the birth center’s on call midwife. She explained that she was pretty sure her water broke and there was a little color to it. She text a photo to the midwife and her midwife advised her to go ahead and head to the birth center. The color in the fluid raised Chinyere’s anxiety a bit, so with nothing but the clothes on her back, she left in a hurry and drove the 20 minutes to the birth center. Contractions had already started, but they were mild. She also called her doula and her best friend to update them. 

Chinyere arrived at the birth center after midnight, and the midwife and nurse on call hooked her up to a machine to monitor the baby and fortunately everything was fine. Contractions were still manageable and Chinyere did not opt for a cervical check at this time. Shortly after that her best friend arrived. Chinyere tried different methods of laboring while in the birth center’s labor lounge as contractions picked up. Sometimes there was movement, sometimes stillness, and at at one point she even got in the shower. Her best friend was her support person through it all.  At 39 weeks, after 8 hours of labor (including 45 min of pushing and only one cervical check) Chinyere welcomed her daughter into the world via water birth. 

Chinyere Okoronkwo Bio

Chinyere lives in Kansas City with her daughter and cat and works full-time. In addition to being a mom, She’s a bodybuilder and aspiring author. She also enjoys traveling and hopes to share that with her daughter. You can connect with her on Instagram at @chinyere.ann_ipepro or email at Chinyere.ok992@gmail.com.

Resources

Anja Health

Today’s episode is sponsored by Anja Health, founded by Kathryn Cross in memory of her brother Andrew. After a near-drowning accident, Andrew was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and needed umbilical cord stem cells for treatment. Unfortunately, Kathryn’s parents couldn’t find a match. Kathryn founded Anja Health to help parents preserve umbilical cord and placenta stem cells at birth to potentially use for future disease treatment. Affordability was an important factor when establishing Anja Health and storage fees will range from $49-$99/mo depending on the plan you choose. You can get your collection kit for free today at AnjaHealth.com using the code BIRTHHOUR. Learn more about storage plans and cord blood banking at the end of this episode when I talk to Kathryn about her story and the founding of AnjaHealth.com