It feels appropriate to say that my daughter Margot’s birth story started two days before she was born. It was early February 2013, and I was officially 40 weeks + 1 day overdue, lying on the table in a doctor’s office, with my midwife telling me that no, sorry, the baby hasn’t dropped yet, so you’re still only 2cms dilated,…
-
-
Jyn’s 8th Baby {Hospital Waterbirth}
I have been pregnant every year since 1998 with the exception of 2004. We lost 2 in that time, but I have effectively been either pregnant and/or nursing for the past 14 years. Just because you have been pregnant and have birthed a lot does not mean the next one will be easier. Your body doesn’t stay stretched out. You…
-
A Mother Will Overcome {I Am Strong}
A short and sweet story of a teenage mother, or just a mother, this is Jada’s story: I am strong because I found out I was pregnant at 17, two months into a relationship, and decided then to keep the baby. I am strong because I decided to end the relationship, because I wasn’t happy anymore. I am strong because…
-
Overcoming 9 Months with {Hyperemesis Gravidarum}
I am strong because I survived nine months with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which causes severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. I found out I was pregnant back in December of 2013. We were in the middle of moving into our new home, and I had the sudden urge to throw up my lunch. I brushed it off telling my husband it was…
-
Completing Our Family, Part III {A Story of Loss and Hope in Three Parts}
Vanessa continues the story of her quest to complete her family. After two miscarriages, two complicated pregnancies, a traumatic and premature birth, she and her husband knew that, despite the warnings from family and friends, they were meant to have another baby. At this point in her story, she is in her third trimester, pregnant with their baby baby, who…
-
The Hospital Induction Birth of Ida Mae
This is terribly long and I could have gone on and on… Todd and I went to an appointment with my midwife August 14th. I was 40 weeks and six days pregnant, so basically a week overdue. Our midwife had us do a non-stress test where they monitor the baby’s heart rate for 20 minutes. They like to see that…
-
Stopping the Cycle of Abuse {I Am Strong}
My name is Ashley, I am 30 years old, and I am strong.I am strong because I was 16 when I became pregnant with my first child. I am strong because I chose to keep him instead of giving him up for adoption.I am strong because I stayed in school, worked part time to pay for his needs, and graduated…
-
Natural Hospital Birth {Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome}
This is the birth story of my son Sawyer Emerson Karli. It is a story about standing up for myself, even when, especially when, things don’t go exactly as planned. My husband and I had talked about wanting to have children early in our relationship. It was something we both really wanted and I wasn’t sure with my Polycystic Ovarian…
-
Cesarean Birth Trauma and then VBAC {2 Stories}
My first birth C-section and disrespect. I never doubted my body’s ability to give birth. I guess that is why I didn’t think I needed to research my birth options. My mother gave birth vaginally, her mother, my other grandmother had 10 children vaginally, all the way back to my great great grandmother who had six sets of twins vaginally…