03/30/2026
She prepared deeply for this birth. She took classes, worked through her trauma, had hard, honest conversations, and even took a leap of faith with a new midwife.
Soon after her due date, labor signs began. At times, contractions would build for hours only to fade away again. Still, everything pointed toward progress. She even monitored her baby to be sure he was doing well. At 42 weeks, she was more than ready to meet him just as she had been with her last baby, who also was born at 42 weeks.
One evening, contractions began again and carried on through the night. She tried to rest but managed only about 45 minutes of sleep. By 5:30 a.m., they were coming every 5 to 8 minutes, and her doula was called to join her.
Throughout the day, labor remained irregular. Back pain crept in, and by mid-afternoon, contractions began to slow and space out. Despite that, she had made meaningful progress. Already 4 cm dilated and very effaced, though baby was still a bit high. A non-stress test at home showed that baby was doing well.
This family deeply desired a homebirth. They explored ways to gently encourage labor. That evening, she tried using a breast pump, but ultimately made the wise decision to rest. She slept through the night, gathering strength for what was ahead.
The next day, they tried again. This time with castor oil. By 3:15 p.m., labor had fully shifted. Contractions were strong, steady, and coming every three minutes. She was in active labor.
By nearly 8 p.m., contractions began to space out again but she had already reached 9 cm. Throughout the day, she moved through many positions, using Spinning Babies techniques to help baby descend. During exams, it seemed baby was facing upward.
After her water broke, contractions intensified again. But there was one challenge: a small lip of cervix that simply wouldn’t resolve. Despite an overwhelming urge to push, and her incredible strength and effectiveness in doing so, that small piece of cervix prevented baby from moving down.
Eventually, baby began to show signs of distress. At 2 a.m., the decision was made to transfer to the hospital.
This was not the plan, and it was heartbreaking. But she never lost sight of what mattered most: the safety of her baby. Surrounded by her deeply supportive husband and care team, she made the transition with courage.
At the hospital, she received pain relief and continued to push with determination. But by morning, it became clear baby needed to be born by cesarean.
Even in this unexpected turn, there was beauty and intention. She had a clear drape so she could see her baby being born. Her music played softly in the background. They performed delayed cord clamping. Her husband and midwife were by her side.
There were so many tender moments woven throughout her labor and birth. Tears of relief when I arrived. Quiet embraces where she leaned on borrowed strength to get through the next wave. Watching her in the birth pool moving instinctively, vocalizing with each contraction. The room dim, her music playing, her husband steady beside her.
I witnessed a woman endure, adapt, and give so much of herself. Body and mind for her son.
He is a very lucky boy, born into a family so full of love, creativity, and intention.
