For her first birth, Delaney was induced at a routine appointment when her baby’s amniotic fluid was found to be low. Labor was long and difficult — stretching through the night with little sleep, a Foley bulb that made her sick, and slow progress on Pitocin. She navigated medical decisions largely on her own while Andrew slept, including the choice to have her water broken. Not every provider felt respectful, but one nurse, Kierstyn, brought calm and genuine care to the room. Andrew grew more present as labor progressed, stepping into an advocacy role beside her. Through the exhaustion and uncertainty, Delaney found herself bonding with both her daughter Sienna and her husband — and holding onto faith in her body and the process.
Pregnant with her second child in Japan, Delaney was determined to have an unmedicated, spontaneous labor after a difficult induction the first time. As she passed her due date into her forty-first week, she faced mounting pressure from doctors and eventually her husband to induce — pressure she largely resisted, supported by research and an online community of post-term mothers. Labor began on its own on March 8th. She labored at home as long as possible, then rushed to the hospital in active labor. There, after a tense delivery that nearly ended in a C-section, she pushed her son Max out on her side. Despite a postpartum hemorrhage afterward, Delaney felt the birth as a hard-won victory — proof that she had listened to her body and trusted herself.
Delaney Goodrick Bio
Delaney is 33 years old. She is a proud military spouse and lives with her husband in two children in Japan. She enjoys onsens (japanese public bath), visiting temples, and has a new found love of monstera plants. Connect with Delaney on YouTube: @fulltimejoy or Facebook: Delaney Alexandra
Resources
- In Your Own Time Sarah Wickam
- The Birth Hour Birth Stories
- Postpartum support international
- Evidence Based Birth podcast
Needed
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Takeaways
Delaney lives in Japan as a military spouse with two kids.
Her first pregnancy was unplanned and filled with surprises.
She experienced low amniotic fluid, leading to an induced labor.
Delaney’s first birth involved unexpected medical interventions.
She struggled with postpartum mental health after her first child.
Delaney’s second pregnancy was more planned and intentional.
She felt more empowered during her second birth experience.
Support from her husband and doula was crucial during labor.
Delaney emphasizes the importance of sharing birth stories.
She found valuable resources for postpartum support.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Delaney’s Journey
01:24 First Pregnancy Experience
04:02 Induction and Labor Challenges
09:33 Epidural Experience and Birth Process
18:42 Postpartum Reflections and Mental Health
25:26 Struggles with Bonding and Intrusive Thoughts
27:11 Navigating Postpartum Challenges
28:30 The Journey to Second Pregnancy
29:05 Planning and Anticipation for Baby Two
31:55 Facing Medical Pressures During Pregnancy
36:19 Laboring Through Uncertainty
43:54 The Drive to the Hospital
48:00 A Joyful Birth Experience
48:44 Postpartum Recovery and Reflection
Keywords
birth stories, pregnancy, postpartum, military spouse, Japan, motherhood, mental health, birth trauma, support resources
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