Becoming a mother had always been a dream close to my heart. However, my path to motherhood was far from straightforward. After 3.5 years of infertility, hope, and prayers, I finally witnessed the realization of my biggest dream. Today, I want to share with you my positive birth story, a testament to the power of a positive mindset and the incredible strength of a woman’s body. I shared my journey of infertility on The Self Made Life Podcast – you can listen here!

Embracing Positivity:

During my pregnancy, I immersed myself in positive birth stories. Reading empowering experiences shared by other mothers became my inspiration. To ensure a positive mindset throughout my journey, I wrote down affirmations and placed them all around my house. I firmly believed that mindset plays a significant role in shaping our experiences.

The Waiting Game:

As I approached my due date, I was ten days overdue. Working with midwives who preferred to wait until after 41 weeks, I experienced the anticipation of meeting my little one firsthand. My body had been preparing for the arrival for quite some time. I lost my mucus plug multiple times and attempted various natural methods to encourage labor, but to no avail. Eventually, I booked an induction as a last resort.

The Birth Experience:

On the night of May 9, I went to the hospital for a non-stress test and a stretch and sweep procedure. To my surprise, I was already 3cm dilated, and the need for further cervical ripening was unnecessary. In the morning, I returned to the hospital, where my water was broken at 9:40 am. Soon after, the cramps and contractions began.

A Natural Approach:

From the beginning, I had decided on a natural birth, without epidural or pain medication, as I didn’t respond well to anesthesia. To prepare for this, I explored alternative methods of pain management. I relied on acupressure with a comb in my hand, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, dancing, using a birth ball, free movement, and counter pressure. These methods helped me through the six hours of labor.

Navigating Intense Contractions:

My contractions were not the typical pattern. They lasted over a minute, with only a brief 10-30 second respite before the next one arrived. While being in the tub offered some relief, it was still an intense experience. At one point, I jokingly told my husband, “Let’s just have one, okay?” But the journey had only just begun.

Progressing Naturally:

After leaving the tub and returning to my room, things became increasingly intense. I had been in labor for around five hours when they hooked me up to the monitor to monitor the baby’s well-being and track the contractions. Baby Grayson was doing well, but the contractions were long, with minimal breaks in between. At this point, I felt an urgent need to use the bathroom, and it was during this time that I felt the most significant pressure. Sitting on the toilet helped progress my dilation further. When the nurse checked, I had reached 5cm.

The Final Push:

As fate would have it, the obstetrician was occupied with a C-section, so we continued to wait for the planned pitocin induction. However, my body had other plans. Unexpectedly, I experienced a powerful contraction, and I urgently called for the nurse, feeling the urge to push. They quickly assessed my progress and discovered that I was fully dilated and ready to push.

The Supportive Team:

The midwife and the OB were called, and the moment I had been waiting for had arrived. I pushed with every ounce of strength and determination. The experience felt like a blur, but I could feel the unwavering support of my husband, who stood by my side, and the incredible guidance from the nurses. After only 20 minutes of pushing, my baby boy entered the world, fast and furious.

The Joy of New Life:

The immediate aftermath was pure magic. They placed Grayson on my chest, and we enjoyed the precious golden hour together. We delayed cord clamping and allowed my husband to cut the cord. To deliver the placenta, I received a shot of pitocin. Although I had a small first-degree tear, it required only a couple of stitches to repair.

Grateful for an Amazing Team:

Throughout the process, the midwife team and the entire birth team displayed so much compassion, support and care. Even though my care was transferred to an OB due to induction, I felt blessed to have experienced the best of both worlds.

A Dream Come True:

Our birth story surpassed all expectations. I’m overjoyed that I didn’t need pitocin for induction and that my body responded exactly as it was meant to. Additionally, I achieved my goal of a natural birth without pain medication. Looking back, I am filled with gratitude and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

A Message of Comfort and Hope:

To all expectant mothers out there, whether you’re anticipating, feeling anxious, or downright scared about your labor and delivery, I hope my story brings you comfort. Your body possesses incredible power and is capable of performing amazing feats. Becoming a mother is a profound blessing, and every moment leading up to, during, and after labor and delivery is worth it.

The journey to motherhood was not an easy one, but it was a journey of hope, strength, and unwavering determination. My positive birth experience reaffirmed my belief in the immense power of the human body. Embrace positivity, trust in yourself, and know that you are capable of bringing new life into the world. The reward that awaits you is indescribable, and every step of the way is worth it.

Our beautiful maternity and newborn photos we’re done by the lovely and talented Allie from Lysia Cole Photography