05/23/2026
In my prenatal yoga classes, throughout all the years I’ve taught, I’ve always spoken to the importance of balance. Especially as someone preparing for labor, birth, and motherhood. From small ways to support balance like repeating movements on both sides of the body to large gestures like taking care of yourself to take care of your little one. Always balance.
Anyone who’s been with me from the beginning of my journey, or knows anything about my children.. knows one was born at the end of the month, at the crack of Dawn, rushed and sudden. The other born on the first of the month, at night, calmly but not without surprise.
When you have the scales pretty much even.. and you throw a third in the mix.. what do you get?
My labor began so subtle I was almost in denial. You’d think my third time around I’d clock it immediately and call it what it was. I think part of me wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this phase, this pregnancy, but my body was. I knew that. I had been stretched to my limit with this one, full on stuffed turkey. Braxton hicks for weeks. So, on Sunday at 39 weeks, I transitioned to active labor somewhere around 12:30pm.
The midwives arrived shortly after to me and my breath. Encouraging words of support and love were whispered. I progressed quickly. This labor, though faster than the others, required focus. I could feel it in my body. As the pressure built, I maintained my breath and listened so closely to my body I could barely hear anything else.
He was coming. The way my body curled was familiar, involuntary, but I knew to breathe instead of push. I literally roared this baby into the world, following the pace my body set. Working with every contraction, the fetal ejection reflex, and practiced control.
So, in the middle of the month, midday, intentionally and so incredibly loud.. at 2:52pm 10lbs 2oz, 21.5in long.. Bellum Harlan arrived. The balance of my life was perfected.
Shoutout to my family for their endless support and encouragement. To my midwives for their guidance and care. To my chiropractors for helping me prepare my body.
Finally, a very special and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to my yoga practice and all the women who practiced with me throughout this pregnancy. It was an honor to walk alongside you.
All my love,
Whitney
