Positive Birth Story- Jordan & Ella

Because of an IUGR diagnosis, I had to deliver by my due date in order not to risk out of my midwife’s care. At my last appointment, I was already 4cm dilated and had been in prodromal labor on and off for a few days. After a membrane sweep on Tuesday afternoon, I felt contractions begin to pick up Wednesday afternoon around 4 pm.

I began using my TENS unit (seriously amazing!!) after taking a bath and was questioning if this was the real thing! During my first labor, I had back labor and these typical contractions were totally manageable compared to that first experience. My husband and I spent the evening watching shows and managing contractions while my toddler went to her grandparents house. I was set to go into the hospital the next morning anyways at 39w6d, but I was hoping to avoid induction. Around 10pm, I took a shower and we decided to go to bed. Contractions were every 7ish minutes. I slept in between contractions until about 2:30 when they began to be more intense and I could no longer sleep.

My husband woke up at this point and I had 4 VERY intense contractions about 12 minutes apart but lasting for almost 2 minutes. I had the labor shakes, was beginning to vocalize, and didn’t think I could do this much longer. We got worried something was wrong, but turns out I was just in transition and didn’t know it!

At 3:30am I felt like I had to go to the bathroom which I knew was a sign and started freaking out that we were still at home and alone. I rode to the hospital kneeling in the front seat because I couldn’t sit down. My husband pulled up to the ER doors since it was the middle of the night. While he went inside I had another contraction and my water broke in the car! After walking inside, they got me into an ER bay and paged L&D. The ER nurse was begging me not to push until the baby team arrived but there was no stopping it. About 30 seconds after my husband and the OB resident arrived in the room, I had one more contraction then felt the fetal ejection reflex and she was out at 3:53am- less than 5 minutes after arriving at the hospital.

They let us do delayed cord clamping for a few minutes but clearly wanted to get us up to L&D as fast as possible. I did have a 2nd degree tear which healed quickly and I was up and walking like normal less than 2 hours after birth. It was an amazing experience even though it was very surprising!

Jordan felt safe and secure during birth by… My husband knew what I wanted and I felt so taken care of by him. Especially knowing he knew all the answers regarding baby and our wishes once she was born. He had to go with her in the baby warmer to get upstairs after delivery and not having to stress about that was amazing. I also think being in my own home until the end was great- considering home birth or a birth center for next time! I think I stalled so long going to the hospital because I was trying to avoid as many interventions as possible.

Jordan felt in control and empowered during birth by… I loved being able to control the TENS machine myself. I also learned that I like to be by myself and not be touched much while in labor. My husband was there if I needed him, but those few hours sleeping through contractions and managing them myself were just what I needed to keep labor progressing. I know that’s not for everyone!

A challenge that Jordan overcame during birth was… I was scared going into it that I would have back labor again. I was in more pain at 4cm dilated with my first baby than I was at any point during this labor. Knowing I was having “typical” contractions was such a relief that I welcomed the pain and it was easier not to fight against it.

When Jordan first met her baby she felt… Relief that it was over and overwhelming gratitude that labor had gone the way that it did (plus a little stress that we had to move upstairs to L&D). Also relief that she was a normal weight after measuring small!

Jordan would tell you… While you can’t predict your birth, you can prepare for it. Your mindset and sheer willpower will make a huge difference no matter what happens!

Her experience was… unexpected, redemptive, strengthening.