Emily had a textbook pregnancy. At 39 weeks and 6 days, she asked her midwife to perform a membrane sweep and labor kicked in soon after. Within a couple hours, Emily experienced some cramping and she began losing a bit of water every 15 minutes. Five hours after her water broke, and zero contractions later, she arrived at the hospital with her husband. Eventually contractions did begin and Emily’s labor progressed naturally. She dilated one inch per hour like clockwork. Her labor was easy, calm, and quiet thanks to her attentive husband, supportive doula, and hands-off birth team. After an hour of pushing, the doctor assisted Emily using the Ritgen’s maneuver and Elijah David was born.
Moments later Emily began hemorrhaging and the labor room became a flurry of bright lights, multiple doctors, and Emily fading in and out of consciousness. With the help of a ton of medication, and a bakari balloon, Emily stabilized. Weeks later, Emily got clarification for why the Ritgen’s maneuver was performed and she has since reflected on her birth with positive thoughts. She is grateful for modern medicine, an amazing midwife for appointments, the best husband, and her kickass womb.
Emily Griffith Bio
Emily is a 27 year old mom of an 18 month old little boy named Elijah. She’s married to David, a navy Pilot, and works as a mechanical engineer for the Department of Defense. She is located in Norfolk, Virginia where her husband is stationed and where they met 12 years ago. Her Instagram is @emilieavenue.
Resources
- Mama natural
- The business of being born
- Pregnant chicken (comedy)
- Babywise (helped us sleep train)
- Spotify birth playlists
Britax
Today’s episode is brought to you by Britax Child Safety, Inc. For over 50 years, Britax has been focused on safety you can trust from the very first day. They welcome new moms and dads to parenthood with award-winning car seats and strollers for every lifestyle while providing extra confidence for the journey ahead. At the end of today’s episode, I talk with Britax safety advocate, Sarah Tilton, all about traveling safely with baby during the winter months. Learn more about Britax products and safety tips at us.britax.com.