Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity.
Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.
How Giving Birth Gave Me Fulfillment by Tracy M.
They say motherhood changes you in ways you couldn’t have imagined. We had our first son at 33 weeks and spent 5 long weeks in the NICU. That experience solidified what was most important and challenged my career choice as consultant that travelled for work. It gave me the courage to grow my family and business in a way that was right for me. If you can relate and have felt that same pull, to do things differently, explore it. Fulfillment comes when we connect with what truly matters. Motherhood changed me. It kept me honest when I was brave enough to listen.
I Delivered In A COVID Isolation Room by Alyssa M.
Nothing can quite prepare you for giving birth during a pandemic. I already had a ton of anxiety going into the hospital, then to find out all the L&D rooms were full. Because labor progressed quickly, nurses began telling me to prepare to give birth in triage. Instead, I was moved to a COVID isolation room. They rushed me down an empty hall, through plastic barriers, and into an empty room. Nurses built the delivery room around me as I began pushing (with a mask on, of course). A few minutes later, I was holding my perfectly healthy baby boy.
Add An Injured Pelvis On-Top Of Labor by Elizabeth C.
Baby 2: Fell while 8 months pregnant. Unable to walk, or stand (or move really) without excruciating pain. Baby was fine, my pelvis was just messed up. Wheelchair bound for the final month. Scheduled an induction once my due date came and went. Showed up for the doctors to tell me I was technically already in labor and all their plans to induce no longer needed since my cervix was already so wide. Proved it when their balloon fell right through. I guess I couldn’t tell from all the other pain I was in. 10 hours later and, I do not lie, 5 minutes of pushing later, baby.
Unexpectedly Getting The Birth I Wanted by Kat C.
I wanted a home birth with a drum circle of strong mamas in active labor. I got a rooftop BBQ with friends. When I gingerly squatted to play with toddlers my friend (a doula) gently suggested I head home and call my midwife en route – I did, pausing every 1/2 block for contractions. Baby was born two hours later with me crouching over our hope chest. Life has a way of giving you what you want, in unexpected ways.
The Emotions Of Becoming A Mother by Courtney C.
Excited. Anxious. Scared. Words to describe emotions of this first time mom going into labor. The night before I was scheduled to be induced, 41 weeks pregnant, I started feeling contractions close enough together. When my husband and I got to the hospital, we waited thirteen hours until it was time to push. The epidural was only somewhat successful, but the pain was minimal compared to the amount of joy experienced when that 8 pound 12 ounce boy was born. Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. An experience that was beautiful, precious, and unforgettable.
