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Early Labor at 34 Weeks & NICU Stay

Gioia (Joya) had all intensions of giving birth to her first child unmedicated at the local birth center she and her husband selected; but their baby had other plans. After arriving at work “feeling off” one rainy Friday morning, Gioia’s water spontaneously broke at 34 weeks. Her husband immediately picked her up from work and they headed to the birth center to be checked. To everyone’s shock she was 9 centimeters dilated at arrival.

Quickly, Gioia, her husband, and her midwife piled back in their 2-door car to head to hospital because she could not deliver at the birth center before 37 weeks. Within 4 hours of her water breaking, Gioia’s midwife delivered her late term preemie at the nearby hospital. Gioia had experienced Braxton Hicks contractions during most of her third trimester, so when active labor actually began, she felt no pain or difference between the two.

This birth story is not only that of a first-time mom’s natural fast delivery but also her advocating for her new baby in the NICU. After being met with a not-so-receptive NICU staff and procedures, Gioia credits her courage to stand her ground during baby’s hospital stay to mother’s intuition.

Gioia Hackett Bio

Gioia Hackett is a graphic designer living in North Carolina with her husband of two years and their one year old daughter, Yara. Getting pregnant was the surprise of 2016 for Gioia and her husband. They were always committed to traveling in the early years of their marriage, before having children. But their, “I can’t wait to meet you”, daughter has been a great addition to all their international adventures. Gioia is an advocate for doing it your own way, whether that is through lifestyle, parenting, nursing, or any other choices that help you live your best life. You can connect with her on Instagram @gioia.leigh and keep an eye out for her revamped travel/lifestyle blog gioialeigh.com in 2018.

Ergobaby

Today’s episode was sponsored by Ergobaby. Founded in 2003, Ergobaby is dedicated to building a global community of confident parents with smart, ergonomic solutions that enable and encourage bonding between parents and babies. Ergobaby offers a broad range of award-winning baby carriers, strollers, swaddlers, nursing pillows, and related products that fit into families’ daily lives seamlessly, comfortably and safely. At the end of today’s episode I spoke to Rebecca about what makes them unique and the features of their newest sleeping bag. Use the coupon code “thebirthhour” to get 20% off any sleep product Ergobaby.com or ergobaby.ca for our Canadian listeners.