At 39 weeks and 3 days pregnant, Caitlin experienced an intense and unexpected birth with her second child. After weeks of prodromal labour and feeling like she was going to be pregnant forever, labour began dramatically when her water broke around 2:30 a.m.
Despite initial advice from her midwife to rest, contractions started fast and furious. About an hour later in the shower, Caitlin experienced three surprisingly intense contractions, signally that things were happening a lot faster than expected.
When the midwife arrived, Caitlin was already fully dilated and it was discovered that Juniper was not head-down as expected, necessitating an immediate hospital transfer. This was scary and devastating news to Caitlin who was planning another homebirth.
After a harrowing ambulance ride, with contractions coming every minute and Caitlin’s body attempting to deliver the baby, they arrived at a small cottage hospital. This began a chaotic string of unwanted interventions. It was quickly determined that Juniper was in a footling breech presentation and Caitlin was quickly rushed into the OR for an emergency c-section under general anesthetic.
Caitlin Thompson Bio
Caitlin is a sensitive, creative spirit who spends the majority of her time raising two feisty kiddos in a small town in Ontario, Canada. She spends the rest of her time dreaming poetry, baking sourdough, noticing the awe of nature and thinking about how to make this world a little kinder and more inclusive. Contact: IG: @caitrainford Email: cait.thompson@gmail.com
Resources
- Caitlin’s First Birth Story in Patreon Archives
- @badassmotherbirther
- @spiritysol
- Birth Stories on The Birth Hour – podcast
- Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy – Angela Garbes
- Expecting Better – Emily Oster
- Pathways to Pregnancy: Personal Stories and Practical Advice for Your Fertility Journey – Mary Wong
- Guide to Childbirth – Ina May Gaskin
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.
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