For any guys reading or folks not really into birth stories, here’s the short version: Labor was long, I had a successful v-bac, mom and baby are both doing great.
For those who want more details, here’s the whole story. So, I took a pregnancy test right before hopping in the shower, expecting it to take a few minutes for the result to show. While washing my hair, my husband came in to brush his teeth and noticed the test on the counter.
He asked what the two lines meant and I had actually forgotten about the test! When he said “Two lines!” I realized – we’re pregnant! The news got me thinking about all the things we needed to decide and the research we’d have to do, especially since we’d moved to a new state. I hadn’t looked for a doctor or midwife yet, and I knew I needed one who supported my plan for a v-bac.
Since assisted homebirths were illegal in our state, and I wasn’t comfortable with going it alone for my first v-bac, I had to find a suitable hospital or caregiver. After calling around, it was clear I couldn’t deliver locally due to the high c-section rates and discouragement of v-bacs. Ultimately, I chose a group of midwives I’d used before, even though they were quite a drive away. They had an impressive v-bac success rate and could deliver in a hospital if needed.
During my prenatal visits, I connected well with the midwife, despite the recurring conversation about post-birth contraception. I’ve always known that breastfeeding alone isn’t foolproof birth control since I’ve gotten pregnant while nursing, but I have my way of managing it.
At one appointment, I learned that because I was planning a v-bac, hospital protocol required constant monitoring. This meant I’d have limited mobility and needed to have a hep-lock. Nearing 36 weeks, I tested positive for GBS – not uncommon but requiring treatment, usually antibiotics during labor. I researched a lot and learned about natural remedies that might help, but the early test caught me off guard.
Faced with hospital requirements and a minimum stay due to GBS, I decided to try natural remedies like garlic, vitamin C, and probiotics. I got retested at 38 weeks just to see where I stood. The lab results were slow in coming, adding stress as I faced possible labor without knowing my GBS status.
By 39 weeks, Braxton Hicks contractions were a regular part of my days, which had me wondering if I’d go early. Then, a cleaning spree – one of those intense nesting instincts – hit me. My husband, seeing me in action, predicted labor was imminent, but I denied it.
Later, during a wild rainstorm, contractions began. I tried resting through the night, but by morning it was clear things were progressing. After the midwives confirmed my water had broken, we needed to head to the hospital. Before leaving, we prepped for our kids’ care and slowly made our way as my father-in-law came to babysit.
Once at the hospital, despite tests confirming my waters had broken, I dragged going in right away. We took the opportunity to grab lunch and walk in the park to help labor progress naturally. I had a bunch of coconut water for hydration and snuck snacks to keep energy up.
Upon arriving, after conquering several flights of stairs, we settled in. Although stuck with an IV, the contractions were bearable, and I tried to delay things unintentionally for the antibiotics course. Unfortunately, the timing was off due to allergies, meaning I needed a different type with a longer interval between doses than I’d expected.
As labor intensified, I hit the transitional phase, the notorious “ring of fire,” and focused on pushing through it. With full effort, our baby girl arrived, bringing instant relief and pure joy. My husband caught her, I held her and, after the cord finished pulsing, we cut it.
After a quick recovery and joyful bonding with our newest addition, we moved to the postpartum room. The whole birth experience was long but truly rewarding. Baby G was a calm and easy-going baby, possibly due to my improved diet each pregnancy. The hospital food system was a pleasant surprise, with options like omelets and salads anytime. After 36 hours, we headed home, welcomed by excited siblings ready to meet their new sister.
