Every day I wake up in awe and disbelief that I am a mother.
I realized I never shared my #birthstory, so in honor of #MothersDay... here's the somewhat condensed version:
At 2:30AM on August 23rd, 2024 I started feeling some cramping. I figured it was Braxton hicks or practice labor so I tried going back to sleep. Around 7AM, something told me to pack up my birth/hospital bags and have them ready by the door just in case.
The cramping began to intensify as the morning went on so I decided to time my contractions. They weren't really getting closer together and it wasn't excruciatingly painful so I convinced myself I wasn't in labor. I was told 'if you're think you're in labor, you're not. You'll definitely know'. Well... I didn't...
I figured I was hungry, as the empty pit in my stomach was a familiar feeling one time I was ravenous. So I sent
@whoisjohnjeffrey on a food/snack run.
I started to feel more uncomfortable and got my 'bloody show'. It was only a small amount so I messaged my doula for some insight; she quickly responded letting me know I could go into labor soon or even up to a couple weeks... but to call my midwife and give them an update just in case.
I hopped in the shower, gave them a call and was told to go in to get checked out.
Contractions still weren't getting closer together and pain level wasn't really progressing... until
@whoisjohnjeffrey came home. Just past 1:30 PM, I realized... oh snap... baby is coming TODAY. I hopped in the back seat on all fours and hummed the whole ride.
We got to the birth center close to 2PM to find I'm already 10cm dilated 😳. My amazing team quickly drew up the bath for me and as soon as I got in the water, my body immediately relaxed.
There was no screaming or cussing, but it wasn't quiet either. It was primal and powerful as I chanted and hummed through my contractions.
I was not rushed, I was not forced, I was in full control of my body, and I pushed when I felt ready. Baby boy was born at 3:30 PM. The biggest blessing I have received in life thus far.
I'm so grateful to have had an all natural, unmedicated water birth. S/o to all the mamas out there, we are truly a force💗.