Dr. Lauren’s Birth Story

Being so obsessed and knowledgeable about birth, I knew that it was anything but predictable. I knew that going into it. I also knew that birth was a huge mental game. So, I did all the visualization and meditation to manifest the birth of my dreams. In that manifestation… like every other mom to be, I imagined it being quick and to the point. A girl can dream right? Well, that didn’t happen in my case.

There was nothing short and quick to my birth. But I will tell you this, even though it wasn’t quick... it still was the birth of my dreams. It was still the most amazing and empowering thing I have ever done in my life. I got asked a lot after my birth, “Would you do it the same way again?” And without a doubt or a blink in my eye I answered with, “Absolutely.”  

On my due date, August 8th, I started having small contractions. They felt more like stomach cramps that gradually got worse as the day went on. Up to this point, I had no signs of early labor, so I knew that this is probably the start of it. I didn’t get my hopes up though, knowing that babies have their own timeline and it could last a day or even weeks.

I went through the whole day Monday, August 9th, having on and off contractions and making sure I rested as much as I could. I knew having a baby was like running a marathon, so I wanted to make sure I was well rested and ready to go when the time came. Even though it did get incredibly difficult to sleep through the contractions… I tried my best. Late Monday night into Tuesday morning my contractions started getting really close together and pretty intense, so I decided to call my doulas. I labored with my doulas for a few hours and then they decided to call my midwife. I remember thinking to myself, “This is it; I’m going to meet my baby today!” Well, I was wrong. I labored for another 8+ hours and things started to slow down. My birth team made the decision to leave since I wasn’t progressing, and I desperately needed some sleep.

This KILLED me. When I tell you I had a mental breakdown… I had a MENTAL BREAKDOWN. My poor husband. I couldn’t stop crying. There were so many emotions going through my head. I started thinking that there was something wrong with me. Why isn’t my baby here yet? Why is it taking so long? Am I doing something wrong? Can I not do this? And so on. I felt like I was failing at this. Failing at giving BIRTH. The one thing that I am incredibly passionate about. And if you know me, failing is never an option. Luckily, I have an amazing birth team and husband who pulled me back together, gave me two Benadryl (y’all I normally wouldn’t do this but I had to sleep) and put me to bed.

Fast forward to Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and my contractions were WAY more intense than before. I was just praying that this was it and I was finally going to meet my baby. As reminded by my doula, I needed to surrender and embrace the contractions. I needed to let my body and my baby do the work. Once I released that control, it seemed like things started to progress further and faster. I intended on having a water birth, but I felt much stronger on land and knew that that was the place for me. Long story short… and a few pushes later, I roared my baby out at 4:36pm on Wednesday August 11th. She weighed 7lbs 14oz and it was absolutely the best and the most beautiful thing I have ever accomplished. I remember just thinking to myself “I did it, WE did it.” And being incredibly thankful for my birth team and husband. I couldn’t have done it without them. Seriously, I needed every single person that was present during my birth. Being surrounded by those women and my loving husband made me feel safe, supported, and strong.

Looking back at my birth, I wouldn't change a thing. It may have been a little long, but it was the way my baby was meant to be born. Being at home was the only place I wanted to be. Experiencing this birth in my safe place, with my things around me, and surrounded by people that I love made this all the better. I'm so grateful for the support that I had and the outcomes of this beautiful birth experience.

Shoutout to my loving husband who put up with me for those three days of sleepless nights. To my doulas who made me feel loved, supported, safe and gave me the strength and courage to let go. My birth photographer who captured the most beautiful photos and really saw me during my birth. And to my amazing midwife who was there for me through it all and never doubted for a second that I can do this (you know who you are).

You too can have the birth of your dreams, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. I would be happy to help.

My doulas:

https://www.douladifferently.com/

https://www.qcitydoula.com/

My birth photographer:

https://www.amberdenae.com/