Do I have kids? No. Am I even partnered enough to plan having kids? No. Did I watch all 1 hr and 18 mins of this? YES. A testament to your storytelling, Hannah. Maybe I’ll get there one day 😂 Very glad Felix arrived safely in the world and that you are here too!
With my first, I ejected food all over the nurse who said I couldn't be in labor because I looked too calm. I kept trying to apologize but couldn't talk because the contractions were so close and I couldn't talk. The janitor told the nurses to just check me while they kept insisting I was fine. I was 9.5 dilated and gave birth 30 minutes later. So grateful to that janitor because I lived an hour from the hospital
I’m glad you decided to post it here. I love birth stories. Even as a woman who has decided not to have children I think it’s so important for birthing people to share their stories. Everyone’s experience matters and is important and can help others process their own experience and feelings around it.
Same!! I wish for every woman who chooses to have a child to have all of the support and information possible, and other women sharing their personal diverse experiences is by far the best route. Thank you for sharing such a personal story so widely!!
I almost started to cry when you were describing the experience of seeing and experiencing seeing your baby for the first time; being a parent is truly magical.
Thank you for sharing your story, Hannah! Quick comment re epidurals (as a scientist and mom): women can still feel many of the sensations you describe with epidurals, and increasingly common are lighter epidurals where most sensations are felt but pain is dulled. No criticism intended, and congrats on your baby. ❤
I do want to note for anyone who may consider an epidural because of this comment: please don't choose to have an epidural and plan on feeling anything, though. I labored with my son for 36 hours naturally and ended up having to get an epidural and emergency c-section. The epidural was injected into my spinal fluid, which was not the plan, and I lost all feeling from the neck down. All that to say, there is no guarantee you will feel anything with an epidural so don't plan on one if you want to feel the baby moving through the birth canal.
This is my experience! I had a lighter epidural. No pain, but i could feel the pushing & so i only had a barely first-degree tear! It was surprisingly easier than i thought it would be! ♡ Congratulations to you! & Shoutout to all the Moms! ♡
I was only able to have an epidural with my first of 5, and they made it so strong I was number for like 9 hours after giving birth and couldn’t feel a thing. In fact, I had to have a catheter put back in because I was so numb I couldn’t pee. I wish I had known to ask for a light one, it would’ve made me re-think about going au natural for number 2. I then had one emergency c-section under complete sedation at 27 weeks and 2 scheduled c-sections.
@@rebelurthesun Sensation and feeling vary quite a bit depending on the type of epidural or anesthesia administered and it’s no longer an either/or for many women. That said, you’re 100% correct that the guaranteed method for full sensation is no epidural! 😊
This is bar none, one of the most comprehensive and emotionally riveting birth stories I've ever had the pleasure to watch. It took me immediately back to 1971 and the birth of my first son, with all of the trepidation and wonder and sometimes sheer fear. Epidurals were had for me for son #1 and son #2 but when son #3 decided to make his appearance, the anesthesiologist was in a heart operation and the nurse basically asked me what I thought was more important, fair dues, baby comes naturally and much of my physical experience mirrored you own to a tea! When my youngest (daughter) was born in '87 so much had been gleaned and learned, the experience had definitely been honed. The body is an absolute wonder as you often featured. I believe the experience mostly outweighs the pain mostly. Thank you so much for sharing this with the rest of us. It was a joy to hear you and Joe's story. Your baby is absolutely beautiful and I know you've set yourself up for leaning into this experience, if you so decide, with gusto. Xo
Thank you so much for sharing. “Be prepared for anything and for nothing to go to plan” is exactly right. I experienced giving birth 6 months ago and it was nothing that I thought it would be but wonderful all the same. I labored at home not realizing I was in labor but all of a sudden it all happened so fast and had to hightail it to the ER and by the time they checked me I was 9 cm! Birth is a wild adventure!
I had a similar experience with closing my eyes and just being inside myself too! I didn't open my eyes for the last 3 hours of labor until baby arrived. The sensations were so overwhelming that I couldn't handle also processing visual information. It was just me, my body, and encouraging voices and instructions from the wonderful nurses and my husband.
Thank you for posting this. People need positive birth stories in the world and not just the trauma. The trauma is real and relevant and should be talked about without fear of repercussion. But, I think the trauma is what most women are afraid of and to hear positive stories of how well a birth can go, gives us actual hope. Because it's just as you said, you have hopes for how it can go but you never expect it to go that way. So there's a lack of actual hope. It's more like going into it with wishful thinking, not real hope or belief that the good is possible. There's such a lack of education around birth and how women's bodies work in general, let alone the birth process within the medical system. You did such an amazing job educating that I feel more people should have this available to them. I'm so glad you posted this.
I love the 'messy' recounting of birth. Like birth itself. I felt like i needed to unearth and recoup the experience afterwards and needed to talk it through to process, understand and to remember. I have a short voice note that I shared with friends in my antenatal class shortly after my birth I was the first). It's raw and vulnerable, and positive. I cherish it.
I planned a hypnobirth. Read a lot, watched tons of videos. I ended up getting a terrible virus a week or two before. I could barely breathe through my nose. My son pooped inside of me. I decided to speed up the labour with medication since I wasn't dilating at all. It was sunday night, my nurses were not nice.. All of my pain was in a back, I was begging for an epidural. And it was a god sent gift. Even if my room was freezing, the hospital offered no blankets, nurses were not nice, I was so high from painkillers I didn't care. I pushed for 40 min. All together it took 16 hours. I wish I could have had a nice birthing story, but it didn't go as planned and it was ok.
Back labor can create traumatic levels of pain, especially for a first time birther. These stories can be so personal and painful. I hope you know that everything that happens is the right thing, even if it feels super bad in the moment or goes against what we expected or wanted. ❤
Oh my word the timing. SO glad you posted this, thank you! And, as someone who went through an abominable 7 years of infertility (I am now blessed to have have two beautiful boys) I absolutely adore and appreciate how gently you have approached the topic. ❤
Hannah, I really feel strongly that you and Joe are exactly the kind of people who will make excellent parents. Thanks for uploading this, it has been the only thing I have ever seen that has made me feel more calm and at ease about ever having children.
When you’re in active labor, all of the normal sense of embarrassment goes straight out the window lol. I’m glad everything went as smoothly as it did for you.
ok I have so much to say but I'm ecstatic that you had a positive birthing experience and I appreciate you sharing your story. I'll have to check out the book you recommended. Getting into and staying in a positive/safe headspace can really help your body to relax and more efficiently do the work it needs to birth baby - well done!
This is the birth story every woman wants! I’m so thrilled for you, Joe and Felix. I had my first baby 11 months ago and my birth plan was identical to yours, down to having read the exact same mindful birthing book. But my baby was breech (we found out at 36 wks) and had to be a C-section at 37 wks. Complete whirlwind! Hopefully it will be my turn for my next birth.
Even though I know kids aren't going to be a part of my life story - there is still a lot of mystery surrounding birth and how it *really* is. You told your story beautifully. Thank you for sharing HLP.
Hello Hannah. I am a 65 year old grandmother. I watched this video holding my one week old grandson. I just went through the labor and delivery miracle with my daughter and son in law. It was awesome! Our experience mimicked yours about 90%. She also had a much faster early labor than anticipated. She did opt for an epidural at about 9 cm because the intensity of the contractions surprised her and probably scared her too. She was not as prepared with a meditation practice as you were. I think she had a “walking epidural” because she could still move her legs and she could very much feel the pressure of the baby in the birth canal but it did reduce the pain. However, I do think it slowed down the process because she ended up pushing for a lot longer and she was getting verrry tired. Thank goodness we made it through and this beautiful baby came into the world! My daughter had a midwife deliver her baby and she was wonderful and very supportive. Listening to your birth story was like reliving the amazing experience we just went through….so many similarities! I have been watching your videos for a while now, even though I have never been “into makeup”. My favorite videos are ones where we get to hang out with you (and your wonderful friends). The writer/poet in you shines through and your honesty and vulnerability make us feel connected. What a strange thing it is that this medium can bring these feelings of connection. I especially love your closing mantra. Hug that baby for me. ❤
As another person in the US, I feel comforted hearing a story of someone who is going to the one hospital available and keeps in mind that a C-section is a possible outcome. What Hannah said about both having many choices presented and many of them actually coming down to chance resonated.
statistically your chance of having a cesarean goes up by 50% just by entering the door of the hospital. research the "cascade of interventions." Cesareans are often a result of mismanagement, financial incentives (doctors are paid more for surgical births when compared to vaginal births), impatient staff, and ignorance of physiologic birth on behalf of doctors.
Oh dear, the pain of breastfeeding. My skin…bleeding, raw, it was so difficult. And breast pumps weren’t what they are now. They often didn’t work. And those I tried didn’t, so my only options was to bear it. My nurse put me on to vitamin E oil. It was a life saver. It took down the pain between feedings, so I got relief, but there was nothing to do but wait until I got toughened enough so it didn’t hurt any more. Oddly, despite how difficult it was, I loved feeding him so much, I cried for weeks after going back to work. My husband called the nurse this time. He was worried. We learned that I could feed part time so long as I kept a schedule so my milk would be there at the right time. We were all happy to learn this. There’s so much more information available now. Not even the internet back then. My son was born in 1985. I’m so glad you had guides that helped you learn how to stay relaxed and what your body was doing. What a gift! And you all looked so beautiful together. Thank you for sharing!!
I'm only 24 and this is the first time ever i hear a birth story as it's sth i wanna do in the future, but i'm really glad i listened to yours, it's so raw and beautiful. I really hope you, the baby and your husband to live a very happy long life ❤️🙏🏻
This was a joy to listen to. You have an incredible gift-I have never been so engrossed in a story of this kind before, and truly felt as though I was there with you. I’m not a mother yet, but your insights about the design of the female body filled me with awe. I felt my fear of birth shrink ever so slightly, replaced by curiosity and wonder! Thank you 💛
💯 same! was so engrossed at the honesty & unique perspective on Patreon and cannot think how helpful this will be for a wider audience of people who are going to give birth themselves or even for seeking knowledge about this amazing act that we seem to know so little about as a society. Thanks for sharing HLP 💕
Recently finished reading Matresence by Lucy Jones and it's a must read! The journey into and through motherhood is often focused on the child, the mother's journey either under- or mis-represented. Thank you for sharing your story! Because of how motherhood is culturally constructed it can be such a delicate topic for any number of reasons. When anyone is willing to speak with such sensitivity and emotional and intellectual honesty, as you have built a reputation for doing, it's a gift to us all ❤️
I’ve had two babies and each experience was so different, but I enjoyed both. The way you describe giving birth was perfect. I had an epidural with my first at age 18 because I had no idea what to expect, but I allowed myself to actually be present during the birth of my second (age 23) because I was not afraid. Truly amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Like your patrons said, this is a very helpful story for people to hear. I get extremely anxious when it comes to the topic of birth, yet I am comforted listening to your story for the simple fact that it is an honest and thoughtful account of giving birth can be. Thank you for sharing ❤
What a beautiful and positive mindset on giving birth. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’ve seen several other birth stories that focused a lot on the traumatizing events and scares, but this was so enlightening and gave me a whole new outlook on birth experiences that so much of it is your mindset.
I’m a mother of 5. When I got into my hospital room, the nurse asked me, “What is your labor plan?” My response to her was, “The plan is that there is no plan.” All 5 of my labor & deliveries were all so different. #1-went into labor naturally, got epidural, pushed and ended up in a C-section. The day we were suppose to go home, my baby had to go to the NICU bc she spiked a fever. #2-was induced bc my first baby was so big. Anesthesiologist gave me an epidural an hour after I got checked into the hospital, instead of the woman he was suppose to give it to. Slowed my labor down for hours and then I had a VBAC. #3-was induced again but it went extremely fast. I had natural childbirth. Labor lasted only 3 hours from start to finish. The baby got stuck & the doctor had to use a suction & she pulled while I pushed. I thought I was dying. I had another VBAC. #4-I was induced and left in the room all by myself, except for my husband. Found out I couldn’t have an epidural. I was in labor for 12 hours and had natural childbirth. Nobody could find my doctor & in SC it is illegal for nurses to touch your baby during the delivery, unless it’s about to hit the floor. I had #4 w/no help or coaching & just had to focus & tell myself I’ve done this 3 times before. I had a VBAC & also hemorrhaged. #5- went to a normal ultrasound visit & got sent straight to Labor & Delivery bc my baby failed her movement test. Got an epidural. I had a VBAC & hemorrhaged. I never needed a blood transfusion w/#4 or #5. I got pregnant a 6th time and had a molar pregnancy and had to have an emergency hysterectomy. I had my first baby at 21 & my last baby at 41. Pregnancy & delivery has always been a rollercoaster ride with me. I had 3 babies around 39 weeks and 2 babies at 37 weeks. If I would have ever gone to 40 weeks, all of my 5 children would have been over 10 lbs. My smallest child was 8 lbs on the nose & I NEVER had gestational diabetes.
Love and appreciate this. I adopted my children but I love to hear birthing stories, from friends, and the thing that strikes me is how different they all are in the details. I'm sure this will be helpful for many. You're so good at explaining things.
Thank you. Your story is so helpful to those of us afraid to welcome children into the world. Hearing about your process and how you guided yourself through it - amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. There was something so moving about the way you described your connection to your body. It really left an impact on me. I feel so grateful to you Hannah.
Thank you for sharing your birth story with the general TH-cam audience-I always appreciate the way you communicate so sincerely, and there is true beauty in your essence that shines through your sharing of your labor and Felix’s delivery. ❤
As someone who never has, and never will, experience birthing a baby - I find this entirely fascinating and enthralling to listen to. Thank you for sharing!
You're so ducking cool. Thank you for sharing your story and for being so kind to your audience in how you do so. I so want to understand what it's like to do so both as an experience and as a physical thing the body does.
Thank you for sharing this. I love hearing birth stories. It’s lovely to listen to and wonderful reminders of my own story. A blessing… Your description of your meditative experience while at the hospital reminded me so much of something a spiritual teacher recently said, that there’s a state we can reach that’s like sleep, but not. A place of surrender, but also alertness in which the spirit of guidance, or at least the object of the meditative state is open to. Something magical happens in this state. Her descriptions were so vivid. I have reached this state at times in my practice. It’s always profound. I’m glad you were able to share this with your baby. What a beautiful blessing!
Hannah I'm only partway into this video, but I want to say, you are handling this topic beautifully! I love how you made room for all types of experiences, perspectives. You always do that so well. It is an incredible humility and also skill you possess. And acknowledge that preparation is key but you never have full control of what will happen. It is especially important in the motherhood space--we can so quickly jump to judgement. . How you describe down-regulating the nervous system is amazing! In my pregnancy class it was framed as COPING! The interventions are tools to help you cope and are on a gradient from least medical (eg. positioning, tub, breathing) to most medical (eg. epidural, vacuum, c-section, etc). We were encouraged to think about the nonmedical/comfort tools we wanted to utilize and prioritize them, and then of course you never know what will happen exactly, but a model of least intervention was suggested. And all mothers were supported, as they should be.
I’m done after 2 babies but thank you for sharing. The story was riveting and the gratitude of a successful birth giving way to the whole painful nursing period left me with the desire to help other new mothers especially those in conflict areas. I will donate. Thank you. Your husband is a gem, you’re doing great, and baby is beautiful.
Amazing! Simply amazing... Every woman should listen to your story. I have two children and 2 grand children and you are telling me stuff I didnt know in such a beautiful way! From the bottum of my hearth Thank You
Love a birth story, my labours went very differently to how I expected too. I’m in uk and it’s interesting how different it works, we have a midwife and only see a Dr if there is a problem, the midwife stays with you ,delivers baby and sorts you out after (stitches etc) even making you toast and tea.
This was such an informative video and loved how you explained the birth process in a simple to understand way and especially what was helpful for you.
What a beautiful story, Hannah. Thank you so much for sharing. As someone who hasn’t had a baby it means a lot to hear a birth story that is not terrifying. So happy for you ❤
am sitting here & sobbing because i loved this video so much !!!! i am over the moon that you & joe are so happy !!!! thank you for sharing this video on youtube !!!
I personally won't plan on ever being pregnant, but this was so fascinating anyway, especially everything about how the human body was designed to do this, it's kind of crazy! I know people who have given birth but I never dared to ask nitty gritty questions about it, so your story has sated a lot of my curiosity too! Thank you for sharing your experience with us, I'm wishing nothing but happiness for you, Felix, and Joe 🤍
Pausing 25 minutes in to say thank you for keeping me company while I nurse my baby to sleep. Feeling very emotional watching this, for myself and you and every birthing person that experiences this, and those that are longing for it, too ❤
this was the most incredible birth story I've watched/listened to (and I've watched a lot). thank you so much for sharing it. I know I'll be re-watching!
My plan was a lot like yours. I’ve spend 12 hours at home after my water broke and arrived at the hospital 7 cm dilated. I wanted unmedicated, but after 4 hours stuck at 8cm I was devastated and agreed for epidural. I thought it was ended by the time of pushing - I was walking by myself by then so I thought that I was feeling the urge to push. I had my second one with no medications and ooooh how much was I mistaken! It’s truly the most powerful thing I’ve ever feel.
Oh Hannah you are such an amazing story teller, I was captivated! I'm also intrigue by that book, I have no plans of having more babies but do have friends who are pregnant. The book that change my birth experience was "Orgasmic Birth" it has a similar approach but I can't remember about having science like the one you mention. Thanks so much for sharing your story here!
Your story is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing! Childbirth is truly the most commonplace miracle and it’s amazing that primal instincts are able to take care of us when we’re able to get out of our mind and be in our bodies.
This was such a wonderful and inspiring story. I had 3 babies without the aid of pain meds. I'm a farm wife and understand the importance of realizing what your body is doing and that it's natural and designed to do it. Information drives out fear and this video was very informative 💕
hannah, thank you for sharing this incredible story. there’s so much wisdom here that transcends birth, and things i’ll be remembering as i go about my not-currently-pregnant life! you are amazing 💖💞💗💞💖
Thank you so much Hannah! What a privilege to hear your birth story! I was completely engrossed, and cried at the when Felix was born part. That just IS such a sacred moment.
So wild that Felix will have this detailed video to watch if he wants to, what a time that we live in (while the experience is a a fresh as it ever will be). Thank you for sharing! Very interesting story ❤
Hannah, thank you so much for sharing this. I can't express how fascinating and touching it was to listen to you talk about this absolute miracle that a women's body is capable of. Not sure if I'll ever have this experience, but I'm very emotional just hearing about it in such detail.
I am so happy you talk about this topic! But I can‘t watch it… my pregnancy and birth have been pretty bad. A video about how motherhood changed your wardrobe or didn‘t would be so helpful.
What a gift you’ve given us, thank you Hannah! I‘m not quite in the position to have children right now but it has always been a dream of mine and your beautiful birthing story made me so much more sure and confident that this is something I would like to experience and that I’m capable of. I wish you and your lovely family all the best. May you all be healthy and prosperous! ❤
That is the most insightful description of birth I've come across. I'm so happy for you and your family! It honestly made me cry to hear you describe your bond with Joe and Felix, so special.
this was beautiful Hannah. So much info I didn’t know. As a hopeful future mom, thank you for sharing your story with us. You are an awesome human so I know you’re an awesome mom. You are so blessed. 🤍
Thank you for posting! I love birth stories. Not sure if it’s normal, but I had an epidural and the absolute primal urge to push was UNREAL. I looked at the nurses and was like “can I? Becuase my body says IT’S TIME”
Thank you for sharing your story! Both my births were similar to this and I feel so grateful. Most of my friends' birth stories are similar to this too. Another excellent book is Expecting Better by Emily Oster. It really helped me stay calm during pregnancy about what the actual risk level is of different things.
This is wonderful video and story. I wish you considered to make a few more maternity videos, such as postpartum experience and parenthood at some points. Thank you.
I watched this on Patreon a while back but now I’m expecting and I’m glad to be watching it again in this new context! I really love hearing your experience and approach to motherhood and although I will be having a high intervention birth, I gain so much from hearing about your mindset ❤
As a middle-aged woman with no experience whatsoever with childbirth, I still loved this video. I was blown-away by and learnt so much from your experience with mindfulness and your extraordinary (compared to me at least) commitment to staying completely focused and within yourself! Thank you for posting, Hannah xx
I was an 80s hospital baby, but my mom had my two younger sisters at home in the 90s! When it was still not legal in our state. 😂 While home birth wasn’t for me, knowledge of her experience definitely helped pave the way for me to see birth in general as an achievable thing. Not all hospitals are great places to give birth, but I think the tides have been slowly turning over the last 15 years or so.
I love hearing these stories. I gave birth 6y and a half ago and my younger sister is now pregnant. I love how every person approaches it differently...she's so organised, reads all the books, already knows who's going to help her bring this life to earth - and she's still her first trimester. I don't know why but my pregnancy gave my over controlling self a chill pill - I was like yeah, he'll come..😂 I was wondering whether you'd post yours someday, as I know and respect fully your decision to keep things private. But this is very meaningful to us all I think - your trust in our respect for you and your family. Thanks for sharing hannah ❤
This is going to help some women out there - i know this! I hope this video finds those who are getting ready to have a baby or thinking about having one someday. Brilliant explanation of the birthing process. Thoughtful, tactful and honest. Cheers dear to you and your sweet family.
Hannah, thank you for sharing this. I gave birth to my first child four weeks ago and am still working to process my own unmedicated, low-intervention labor and birth experience. It was long and challenging, and recovery has been arduous, but I don’t regret a thing. This video has helped me reflect back with pride and gratitude on what it took to bring my daughter into the world. Sincerest thanks! 🙏
I could listen to you tell any story, but I especially love birth stories so thank you for sharing yours! I totally agree there's not enough positive discourse about birth out there. negative experiences are of course totally valid and should be shared with the purpose of calling out birth care that is lacking, as well as informing people how to advocate for themselves, but there's only so far those horror stories can go. There's GOT to be positive, encouraging stories too. If you rely on media and your mom's friends who overshare their horror stories just to scare you, of course you're going to bring that apprehension to your birth experience. Information is the perfect antidote to fear. You worded it perfectly about how there's so many ways it can go, so you just have to be an informed as possible about those different paths, choose your preferences in each scenario, and then let go of your expectations. I'm so happy for you! Can't wait for more baby/parenting content on patron!!
I don't ever plan on having kids but I will definitely recommend this video and those books to any of my friends who plan to. This video is pure excellence, and has some truly funny moments. The way you told your experience was impeccable and the disclaimer at the beginning was not needed.
What a beautiful birth story. ♥️ My 2 kids had such different birth stories, and neither one was anything like what I had expected or planned for (one was born in England, the other in NY). Thank you for sharing this with us!
Thank you for uploading this video here as well!❤ it's not possible to explain how encouraging and educative this has been! Thank you for talking about the difficulties in such a manner which is not out to scare others!❤ I wish your family all the best!❤
Amazing how similar our birth stories are! I had my baby in February 2023 and nearly every part you described was how it went for me too. In my video on my account I talked about how wild it was to go through it all so fast too, but the only change was I did get an epidural (which was a journey too). Yet my epidural hadn’t fully kicked in so I felt it more than I should have. Birth is absolutely WILD.
Our sons were born so close together. I can’t remember exactly when you had your son, but my boy was born September 5th. I’m so glad you shared your birth story - what a beautiful experience. I’m so glad everything went well for you. I’ve had 4 kids now, all fairly different experiences, in 3 different states, but as much as there’s a lot of difficult parts, it’s so magical. There’s really nothing like it.
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
Do I have kids? No.
Am I even partnered enough to plan having kids? No.
Did I watch all 1 hr and 18 mins of this? YES.
A testament to your storytelling, Hannah. Maybe I’ll get there one day 😂
Very glad Felix arrived safely in the world and that you are here too!
With my first, I ejected food all over the nurse who said I couldn't be in labor because I looked too calm. I kept trying to apologize but couldn't talk because the contractions were so close and I couldn't talk. The janitor told the nurses to just check me while they kept insisting I was fine. I was 9.5 dilated and gave birth 30 minutes later. So grateful to that janitor because I lived an hour from the hospital
this is the only birth story that hasn’t scared me. acknowledging the challenges but calmly describing how you worked through them is so helpful
I’m glad you decided to post it here. I love birth stories. Even as a woman who has decided not to have children I think it’s so important for birthing people to share their stories. Everyone’s experience matters and is important and can help others process their own experience and feelings around it.
Same. 🖤
Same here! Birthing stories were a contributing factor to me never wanting to experience pregnancy💀 I love to hear about them though!
Same!! I wish for every woman who chooses to have a child to have all of the support and information possible, and other women sharing their personal diverse experiences is by far the best route. Thank you for sharing such a personal story so widely!!
You articulated this perfectly. We are completely aligned.
the yoga ball popping in the heat right after you gave birth is wildly poetic to me in and of itself
I love "It's earthy." We all need to get more in touch with our "earthiness".
I can’t even imagine the poetry that is coming from this experience.
A baby is like a cat inside a water balloon lmao never change, Hannah
*A kitten!*
I almost started to cry when you were describing the experience of seeing and experiencing seeing your baby for the first time; being a parent is truly magical.
I am someone who cannot give birth to my own children--thank you for sharing your experience. I have found immense comfort in your generosity.
Thank you for sharing your story, Hannah! Quick comment re epidurals (as a scientist and mom): women can still feel many of the sensations you describe with epidurals, and increasingly common are lighter epidurals where most sensations are felt but pain is dulled. No criticism intended, and congrats on your baby. ❤
Wanted to second this comment. Even with an epidural, it's still possible to push and feel the baby moving down the birth canal.
I do want to note for anyone who may consider an epidural because of this comment: please don't choose to have an epidural and plan on feeling anything, though. I labored with my son for 36 hours naturally and ended up having to get an epidural and emergency c-section. The epidural was injected into my spinal fluid, which was not the plan, and I lost all feeling from the neck down. All that to say, there is no guarantee you will feel anything with an epidural so don't plan on one if you want to feel the baby moving through the birth canal.
This is my experience!
I had a lighter epidural.
No pain, but i could feel the pushing & so i only had a barely first-degree tear!
It was surprisingly easier than i thought it would be! ♡
Congratulations to you! & Shoutout to all the Moms! ♡
I was only able to have an epidural with my first of 5, and they made it so strong I was number for like 9 hours after giving birth and couldn’t feel a thing. In fact, I had to have a catheter put back in because I was so numb I couldn’t pee. I wish I had known to ask for a light one, it would’ve made me re-think about going au natural for number 2. I then had one emergency c-section under complete sedation at 27 weeks and 2 scheduled c-sections.
@@rebelurthesun Sensation and feeling vary quite a bit depending on the type of epidural or anesthesia administered and it’s no longer an either/or for many women. That said, you’re 100% correct that the guaranteed method for full sensation is no epidural! 😊
This is bar none, one of the most comprehensive and emotionally riveting birth stories I've ever had the pleasure to watch. It took me immediately back to 1971 and the birth of my first son, with all of the trepidation and wonder and sometimes sheer fear. Epidurals were had for me for son #1 and son #2 but when son #3 decided to make his appearance, the anesthesiologist was in a heart operation and the nurse basically asked me what I thought was more important, fair dues, baby comes naturally and much of my physical experience mirrored you own to a tea! When my youngest (daughter) was born in '87 so much had been gleaned and learned, the experience had definitely been honed. The body is an absolute wonder as you often featured. I believe the experience mostly outweighs the pain mostly. Thank you so much for sharing this with the rest of us. It was a joy to hear you and Joe's story. Your baby is absolutely beautiful and I know you've set yourself up for leaning into this experience, if you so decide, with gusto. Xo
Thank you so much for sharing. “Be prepared for anything and for nothing to go to plan” is exactly right. I experienced giving birth 6 months ago and it was nothing that I thought it would be but wonderful all the same. I labored at home not realizing I was in labor but all of a sudden it all happened so fast and had to hightail it to the ER and by the time they checked me I was 9 cm! Birth is a wild adventure!
I had a similar experience with closing my eyes and just being inside myself too! I didn't open my eyes for the last 3 hours of labor until baby arrived. The sensations were so overwhelming that I couldn't handle also processing visual information. It was just me, my body, and encouraging voices and instructions from the wonderful nurses and my husband.
Thank you for posting this. People need positive birth stories in the world and not just the trauma. The trauma is real and relevant and should be talked about without fear of repercussion. But, I think the trauma is what most women are afraid of and to hear positive stories of how well a birth can go, gives us actual hope. Because it's just as you said, you have hopes for how it can go but you never expect it to go that way. So there's a lack of actual hope. It's more like going into it with wishful thinking, not real hope or belief that the good is possible.
There's such a lack of education around birth and how women's bodies work in general, let alone the birth process within the medical system. You did such an amazing job educating that I feel more people should have this available to them. I'm so glad you posted this.
-Ok Daniel... MOOOOOOOOOOO 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🐄🐄🐄🐄
this was fascinating Hannah! Thank you for sharing ❤
The body ejecting the food - "Ain't nobody got time for this" - I literally laughed out loud! 😅
That’s how I felt about “Giddy up” 😂
I love the 'messy' recounting of birth. Like birth itself. I felt like i needed to unearth and recoup the experience afterwards and needed to talk it through to process, understand and to remember. I have a short voice note that I shared with friends in my antenatal class shortly after my birth I was the first). It's raw and vulnerable, and positive. I cherish it.
I planned a hypnobirth. Read a lot, watched tons of videos. I ended up getting a terrible virus a week or two before. I could barely breathe through my nose. My son pooped inside of me. I decided to speed up the labour with medication since I wasn't dilating at all. It was sunday night, my nurses were not nice.. All of my pain was in a back, I was begging for an epidural. And it was a god sent gift. Even if my room was freezing, the hospital offered no blankets, nurses were not nice, I was so high from painkillers I didn't care. I pushed for 40 min. All together it took 16 hours. I wish I could have had a nice birthing story, but it didn't go as planned and it was ok.
Back labor can create traumatic levels of pain, especially for a first time birther. These stories can be so personal and painful. I hope you know that everything that happens is the right thing, even if it feels super bad in the moment or goes against what we expected or wanted. ❤
Oh my word the timing. SO glad you posted this, thank you! And, as someone who went through an abominable 7 years of infertility (I am now blessed to have have two beautiful boys) I absolutely adore and appreciate how gently you have approached the topic. ❤
Hannah, I really feel strongly that you and Joe are exactly the kind of people who will make excellent parents. Thanks for uploading this, it has been the only thing I have ever seen that has made me feel more calm and at ease about ever having children.
When you’re in active labor, all of the normal sense of embarrassment goes straight out the window lol. I’m glad everything went as smoothly as it did for you.
A Wrinkle in Time is such a powerful piece of metaphor over and over again. What a wonderful work!
I am a new doula and can't wait to watch this. So very grateful to the parents who allow me to be with them during such an intimate time
ok I have so much to say but I'm ecstatic that you had a positive birthing experience and I appreciate you sharing your story. I'll have to check out the book you recommended. Getting into and staying in a positive/safe headspace can really help your body to relax and more efficiently do the work it needs to birth baby - well done!
This is the birth story every woman wants! I’m so thrilled for you, Joe and Felix. I had my first baby 11 months ago and my birth plan was identical to yours, down to having read the exact same mindful birthing book. But my baby was breech (we found out at 36 wks) and had to be a C-section at 37 wks. Complete whirlwind! Hopefully it will be my turn for my next birth.
Even though I know kids aren't going to be a part of my life story - there is still a lot of mystery surrounding birth and how it *really* is. You told your story beautifully. Thank you for sharing HLP.
I absolutely love birthing stories. Over an hour of this subject in your style and voice is going to be heavenly 😅 I'm so excited to watch this
Hello Hannah. I am a 65 year old grandmother. I watched this video holding my one week old grandson. I just went through the labor and delivery miracle with my daughter and son in law. It was awesome! Our experience mimicked yours about 90%. She also had a much faster early labor than anticipated. She did opt for an epidural at about 9 cm because the intensity of the contractions surprised her and probably scared her too. She was not as prepared with a meditation practice as you were. I think she had a “walking epidural” because she could still move her legs and she could very much feel the pressure of the baby in the birth canal but it did reduce the pain. However, I do think it slowed down the process because she ended up pushing for a lot longer and she was getting verrry tired. Thank goodness we made it through and this beautiful baby came into the world! My daughter had a midwife deliver her baby and she was wonderful and very supportive. Listening to your birth story was like reliving the amazing experience we just went through….so many similarities! I have been watching your videos for a while now, even though I have never been “into makeup”. My favorite videos are ones where we get to hang out with you (and your wonderful friends). The writer/poet in you shines through and your honesty and vulnerability make us feel connected. What a strange thing it is that this medium can bring these feelings of connection. I especially love your closing mantra. Hug that baby for me. ❤
As another person in the US, I feel comforted hearing a story of someone who is going to the one hospital available and keeps in mind that a C-section is a possible outcome. What Hannah said about both having many choices presented and many of them actually coming down to chance resonated.
statistically your chance of having a cesarean goes up by 50% just by entering the door of the hospital. research the "cascade of interventions." Cesareans are often a result of mismanagement, financial incentives (doctors are paid more for surgical births when compared to vaginal births), impatient staff, and ignorance of physiologic birth on behalf of doctors.
I really appreciate your explanation of contractions- I had no idea how it actually works.
Oh dear, the pain of breastfeeding. My skin…bleeding, raw, it was so difficult. And breast pumps weren’t what they are now. They often didn’t work. And those I tried didn’t, so my only options was to bear it. My nurse put me on to vitamin E oil. It was a life saver. It took down the pain between feedings, so I got relief, but there was nothing to do but wait until I got toughened enough so it didn’t hurt any more. Oddly, despite how difficult it was, I loved feeding him so much, I cried for weeks after going back to work. My husband called the nurse this time. He was worried. We learned that I could feed part time so long as I kept a schedule so my milk would be there at the right time. We were all happy to learn this. There’s so much more information available now. Not even the internet back then. My son was born in 1985. I’m so glad you had guides that helped you learn how to stay relaxed and what your body was doing. What a gift! And you all looked so beautiful together. Thank you for sharing!!
I'm only 24 and this is the first time ever i hear a birth story as it's sth i wanna do in the future, but i'm really glad i listened to yours, it's so raw and beautiful. I really hope you, the baby and your husband to live a very happy long life ❤️🙏🏻
“In the grip of the knowledge of the body” HLP You always drop gems! I work in L&D and cherish hearing mothers share their magnificent experiences.
This was a joy to listen to. You have an incredible gift-I have never been so engrossed in a story of this kind before, and truly felt as though I was there with you. I’m not a mother yet, but your insights about the design of the female body filled me with awe. I felt my fear of birth shrink ever so slightly, replaced by curiosity and wonder! Thank you 💛
Watched it on Patreon first and watching again here now! ❤️ Birth stories are soooo important.
💯 same! was so engrossed at the honesty & unique perspective on Patreon and cannot think how helpful this will be for a wider audience of people who are going to give birth themselves or even for seeking knowledge about this amazing act that we seem to know so little about as a society. Thanks for sharing HLP 💕
Recently finished reading Matresence by Lucy Jones and it's a must read! The journey into and through motherhood is often focused on the child, the mother's journey either under- or mis-represented. Thank you for sharing your story! Because of how motherhood is culturally constructed it can be such a delicate topic for any number of reasons. When anyone is willing to speak with such sensitivity and emotional and intellectual honesty, as you have built a reputation for doing, it's a gift to us all ❤️
Yes! I second this!
"to be in the grip of the knowledge of the body" is such a beautiful phrase. If i didn't already know you were a poet that would have told me.
never wanted children myself but find all stories of the female experience thrilling. thank you for this.
I’ve had two babies and each experience was so different, but I enjoyed both. The way you describe giving birth was perfect. I had an epidural with my first at age 18 because I had no idea what to expect, but I allowed myself to actually be present during the birth of my second (age 23) because I was not afraid. Truly amazing. Thanks for sharing!
My child is now 9 and I relived her birth as you told your story. Not the same turn of events as yours yet you brought me back to those times.
Like your patrons said, this is a very helpful story for people to hear. I get extremely anxious when it comes to the topic of birth, yet I am comforted listening to your story for the simple fact that it is an honest and thoughtful account of giving birth can be. Thank you for sharing ❤
What a beautiful and positive mindset on giving birth. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’ve seen several other birth stories that focused a lot on the traumatizing events and scares, but this was so enlightening and gave me a whole new outlook on birth experiences that so much of it is your mindset.
I’m glad you uploaded this. I am sobbing a little. I’m just happy you got the birth experience you wanted.
I’m a mother of 5. When I got into my hospital room, the nurse asked me, “What is your labor plan?” My response to her was, “The plan is that there is no plan.” All 5 of my labor & deliveries were all so different. #1-went into labor naturally, got epidural, pushed and ended up in a C-section. The day we were suppose to go home, my baby had to go to the NICU bc she spiked a fever. #2-was induced bc my first baby was so big. Anesthesiologist gave me an epidural an hour after I got checked into the hospital, instead of the woman he was suppose to give it to. Slowed my labor down for hours and then I had a VBAC. #3-was induced again but it went extremely fast. I had natural childbirth. Labor lasted only 3 hours from start to finish. The baby got stuck & the doctor had to use a suction & she pulled while I pushed. I thought I was dying. I had another VBAC. #4-I was induced and left in the room all by myself, except for my husband. Found out I couldn’t have an epidural. I was in labor for 12 hours and had natural childbirth. Nobody could find my doctor & in SC it is illegal for nurses to touch your baby during the delivery, unless it’s about to hit the floor. I had #4 w/no help or coaching & just had to focus & tell myself I’ve done this 3 times before. I had a VBAC & also hemorrhaged. #5- went to a normal ultrasound visit & got sent straight to Labor & Delivery bc my baby failed her movement test. Got an epidural. I had a VBAC & hemorrhaged. I never needed a blood transfusion w/#4 or #5. I got pregnant a 6th time and had a molar pregnancy and had to have an emergency hysterectomy. I had my first baby at 21 & my last baby at 41. Pregnancy & delivery has always been a rollercoaster ride with me. I had 3 babies around 39 weeks and 2 babies at 37 weeks. If I would have ever gone to 40 weeks, all of my 5 children would have been over 10 lbs. My smallest child was 8 lbs on the nose & I NEVER had gestational diabetes.
This story was riveting. Thank you so much for sharing! ❤
I am 39 weeks pregnant and appreciate you sharing your experience with mine coming up so soon ❤️
Love and appreciate this. I adopted my children but I love to hear birthing stories, from friends, and the thing that strikes me is how different they all are in the details. I'm sure this will be helpful for many. You're so good at explaining things.
Thank you. Your story is so helpful to those of us afraid to welcome children into the world. Hearing about your process and how you guided yourself through it - amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. There was something so moving about the way you described your connection to your body. It really left an impact on me. I feel so grateful to you Hannah.
I LOVE your birth plan. So firm yet respectful
Thank you for sharing your birth story with the general TH-cam audience-I always appreciate the way you communicate so sincerely, and there is true beauty in your essence that shines through your sharing of your labor and Felix’s delivery. ❤
As someone who never has, and never will, experience birthing a baby - I find this entirely fascinating and enthralling to listen to. Thank you for sharing!
You're so ducking cool. Thank you for sharing your story and for being so kind to your audience in how you do so. I so want to understand what it's like to do so both as an experience and as a physical thing the body does.
Thank you for sharing this. I love hearing birth stories. It’s lovely to listen to and wonderful reminders of my own story. A blessing…
Your description of your meditative experience while at the hospital reminded me so much of something a spiritual teacher recently said, that there’s a state we can reach that’s like sleep, but not. A place of surrender, but also alertness in which the spirit of guidance, or at least the object of the meditative state is open to. Something magical happens in this state. Her descriptions were so vivid. I have reached this state at times in my practice. It’s always profound. I’m glad you were able to share this with your baby. What a beautiful blessing!
Hannah I'm only partway into this video, but I want to say, you are handling this topic beautifully! I love how you made room for all types of experiences, perspectives. You always do that so well. It is an incredible humility and also skill you possess. And acknowledge that preparation is key but you never have full control of what will happen. It is especially important in the motherhood space--we can so quickly jump to judgement. . How you describe down-regulating the nervous system is amazing! In my pregnancy class it was framed as COPING! The interventions are tools to help you cope and are on a gradient from least medical (eg. positioning, tub, breathing) to most medical (eg. epidural, vacuum, c-section, etc). We were encouraged to think about the nonmedical/comfort tools we wanted to utilize and prioritize them, and then of course you never know what will happen exactly, but a model of least intervention was suggested. And all mothers were supported, as they should be.
I’m done after 2 babies but thank you for sharing. The story was riveting and the gratitude of a successful birth giving way to the whole painful nursing period left me with the desire to help other new mothers especially those in conflict areas. I will donate. Thank you. Your husband is a gem, you’re doing great, and baby is beautiful.
Not watching this for personal reasons but can still leave a comment for the algorithm :)
Amazing! Simply amazing... Every woman should listen to your story. I have two children and 2 grand children and you are telling me stuff I didnt know in such a beautiful way! From the bottum of my hearth Thank You
Why I cried in the end is mystery. What beautiful birth story ❤
Love a birth story, my labours went very differently to how I expected too. I’m in uk and it’s interesting how different it works, we have a midwife and only see a Dr if there is a problem, the midwife stays with you ,delivers baby and sorts you out after (stitches etc) even making you toast and tea.
This was such an informative video and loved how you explained the birth process in a simple to understand way and especially what was helpful for you.
What a beautiful story, Hannah. Thank you so much for sharing. As someone who hasn’t had a baby it means a lot to hear a birth story that is not terrifying. So happy for you ❤
am sitting here & sobbing because i loved this video so much !!!! i am over the moon that you & joe are so happy !!!! thank you for sharing this video on youtube !!!
I personally won't plan on ever being pregnant, but this was so fascinating anyway, especially everything about how the human body was designed to do this, it's kind of crazy! I know people who have given birth but I never dared to ask nitty gritty questions about it, so your story has sated a lot of my curiosity too! Thank you for sharing your experience with us, I'm wishing nothing but happiness for you, Felix, and Joe 🤍
Pausing 25 minutes in to say thank you for keeping me company while I nurse my baby to sleep. Feeling very emotional watching this, for myself and you and every birthing person that experiences this, and those that are longing for it, too ❤
this was the most incredible birth story I've watched/listened to (and I've watched a lot). thank you so much for sharing it. I know I'll be re-watching!
My plan was a lot like yours. I’ve spend 12 hours at home after my water broke and arrived at the hospital 7 cm dilated. I wanted unmedicated, but after 4 hours stuck at 8cm I was devastated and agreed for epidural. I thought it was ended by the time of pushing - I was walking by myself by then so I thought that I was feeling the urge to push. I had my second one with no medications and ooooh how much was I mistaken! It’s truly the most powerful thing I’ve ever feel.
Oh Hannah you are such an amazing story teller, I was captivated! I'm also intrigue by that book, I have no plans of having more babies but do have friends who are pregnant. The book that change my birth experience was "Orgasmic Birth" it has a similar approach but I can't remember about having science like the one you mention. Thanks so much for sharing your story here!
Your story is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing! Childbirth is truly the most commonplace miracle and it’s amazing that primal instincts are able to take care of us when we’re able to get out of our mind and be in our bodies.
This was such a wonderful and inspiring story. I had 3 babies without the aid of pain meds. I'm a farm wife and understand the importance of realizing what your body is doing and that it's natural and designed to do it. Information drives out fear and this video was very informative 💕
hannah, thank you for sharing this incredible story. there’s so much wisdom here that transcends birth, and things i’ll be remembering as i go about my not-currently-pregnant life! you are amazing 💖💞💗💞💖
Thank you so much Hannah! What a privilege to hear your birth story! I was completely engrossed, and cried at the when Felix was born part. That just IS such a sacred moment.
It's great to hear a birth story that sounds so natural and intuitive and peaceful! Congrats Hannah
So helpful! Your descriptions are so vivid it will making holding on to them easier when I’m in labor in a few weeks. 💗
So wild that Felix will have this detailed video to watch if he wants to, what a time that we live in (while the experience is a a fresh as it ever will be). Thank you for sharing! Very interesting story ❤
Hannah, thank you so much for sharing this. I can't express how fascinating and touching it was to listen to you talk about this absolute miracle that a women's body is capable of. Not sure if I'll ever have this experience, but I'm very emotional just hearing about it in such detail.
I am so happy you talk about this topic! But I can‘t watch it… my pregnancy and birth have been pretty bad.
A video about how motherhood changed your wardrobe or didn‘t would be so helpful.
What a gift you’ve given us, thank you Hannah!
I‘m not quite in the position to have children right now but it has always been a dream of mine and your beautiful birthing story made me so much more sure and confident that this is something I would like to experience and that I’m capable of.
I wish you and your lovely family all the best. May you all be healthy and prosperous! ❤
This was so so cool. I watched every second. Thank you for sharing. You have such calming energy!!
That is the most insightful description of birth I've come across. I'm so happy for you and your family! It honestly made me cry to hear you describe your bond with Joe and Felix, so special.
💖 thanks for sharing. an immensely intimate moment that approaches universal
🤎
Edit: Hannah, you are such a sweetheart. I LOVED listening to this. Thanks for posting it. Again, congrats to you and your little family 💛
this was beautiful Hannah.
So much info I didn’t know. As a hopeful future mom, thank you for sharing your story with us.
You are an awesome human so I know you’re an awesome mom.
You are so blessed. 🤍
Thank you for posting! I love birth stories.
Not sure if it’s normal, but I had an epidural and the absolute primal urge to push was UNREAL. I looked at the nurses and was like “can I? Becuase my body says IT’S TIME”
Yes, me too. Our body knows what to do!❤
Thank you for sharing your story! Both my births were similar to this and I feel so grateful. Most of my friends' birth stories are similar to this too. Another excellent book is Expecting Better by Emily Oster. It really helped me stay calm during pregnancy about what the actual risk level is of different things.
This is wonderful video and story. I wish you considered to make a few more maternity videos, such as postpartum experience and parenthood at some points. Thank you.
I watched this on Patreon a while back but now I’m expecting and I’m glad to be watching it again in this new context! I really love hearing your experience and approach to motherhood and although I will be having a high intervention birth, I gain so much from hearing about your mindset ❤
I watched this once on Patreon and again here. You are such an incredible storyteller.
As a middle-aged woman with no experience whatsoever with childbirth, I still loved this video. I was blown-away by and learnt so much from your experience with mindfulness and your extraordinary (compared to me at least) commitment to staying completely focused and within yourself! Thank you for posting, Hannah xx
So great to hear a positive experience at a hospital. I had both my girls at home in the 80’s. I was lucky to have had that experience!
I was an 80s hospital baby, but my mom had my two younger sisters at home in the 90s! When it was still not legal in our state. 😂
While home birth wasn’t for me, knowledge of her experience definitely helped pave the way for me to see birth in general as an achievable thing. Not all hospitals are great places to give birth, but I think the tides have been slowly turning over the last 15 years or so.
I love hearing these stories. I gave birth 6y and a half ago and my younger sister is now pregnant. I love how every person approaches it differently...she's so organised, reads all the books, already knows who's going to help her bring this life to earth - and she's still her first trimester. I don't know why but my pregnancy gave my over controlling self a chill pill - I was like yeah, he'll come..😂 I was wondering whether you'd post yours someday, as I know and respect fully your decision to keep things private. But this is very meaningful to us all I think - your trust in our respect for you and your family. Thanks for sharing hannah ❤
This is going to help some women out there - i know this! I hope this video finds those who are getting ready to have a baby or thinking about having one someday. Brilliant explanation of the birthing process. Thoughtful, tactful and honest. Cheers dear to you and your sweet family.
Hannah, thank you for sharing this. I gave birth to my first child four weeks ago and am still working to process my own unmedicated, low-intervention labor and birth experience. It was long and challenging, and recovery has been arduous, but I don’t regret a thing. This video has helped me reflect back with pride and gratitude on what it took to bring my daughter into the world. Sincerest thanks! 🙏
Thank you for sharing your magical story Hannah. ❤
I could listen to you tell any story, but I especially love birth stories so thank you for sharing yours! I totally agree there's not enough positive discourse about birth out there. negative experiences are of course totally valid and should be shared with the purpose of calling out birth care that is lacking, as well as informing people how to advocate for themselves, but there's only so far those horror stories can go. There's GOT to be positive, encouraging stories too. If you rely on media and your mom's friends who overshare their horror stories just to scare you, of course you're going to bring that apprehension to your birth experience. Information is the perfect antidote to fear. You worded it perfectly about how there's so many ways it can go, so you just have to be an informed as possible about those different paths, choose your preferences in each scenario, and then let go of your expectations. I'm so happy for you! Can't wait for more baby/parenting content on patron!!
I don't ever plan on having kids but I will definitely recommend this video and those books to any of my friends who plan to. This video is pure excellence, and has some truly funny moments. The way you told your experience was impeccable and the disclaimer at the beginning was not needed.
What a beautiful birth story. ♥️ My 2 kids had such different birth stories, and neither one was anything like what I had expected or planned for (one was born in England, the other in NY). Thank you for sharing this with us!
Thank you for uploading this video here as well!❤ it's not possible to explain how encouraging and educative this has been! Thank you for talking about the difficulties in such a manner which is not out to scare others!❤ I wish your family all the best!❤
Amazing how similar our birth stories are! I had my baby in February 2023 and nearly every part you described was how it went for me too. In my video on my account I talked about how wild it was to go through it all so fast too, but the only change was I did get an epidural (which was a journey too). Yet my epidural hadn’t fully kicked in so I felt it more than I should have. Birth is absolutely WILD.
Our sons were born so close together. I can’t remember exactly when you had your son, but my boy was born September 5th. I’m so glad you shared your birth story - what a beautiful experience. I’m so glad everything went well for you. I’ve had 4 kids now, all fairly different experiences, in 3 different states, but as much as there’s a lot of difficult parts, it’s so magical. There’s really nothing like it.