My Natural Hospital Birth Story
A Journey to Meet Our Little One
✧ This was written right after my birth in November of 2024 ✧
After months of anticipation, our baby is finally here, nestled in our arms—and in true newborn fashion, always hungry. But before those first sweet cuddles, there was an unforgettable journey filled with growth, lessons, and love.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Half of my pregnancy at the beach!
@ Torrey Pines
We discovered we were expecting early on, and from that moment, life shifted dramatically. While we were grateful for the new life growing within me, it was one of the most difficult, yet transformative phases of my life. I was navigating the complexities of both business and family matters, which weighed heavily on my mental and emotional well-being. I want to be transparent with my readers: my pregnancy was far from perfect, especially mentally and emotionally.
However, through it all, I leaned into my inner-self and trusted my inner knowing. I focused on doing what was best for my baby, creating an environment of peace and love where he could grow. It wasn’t just about setting up a nursery or choosing baby names; it was about personal growth, facing challenges head-on, and trusting in divine timing.
As the months passed, we leaned into the beauty of change. We learned to let go of what no longer served us and embraced the unknown with open hearts. Our days were a mix of prenatal yoga sessions, peaceful beach walks, spontaneous late-night snacks, and heartfelt conversations. Every kick, every flutter reminded us of the new life growing inside, anchoring us in gratitude.
The Time has Come
My belly 39 weeks pregnant!
On October 31, during our routine midwife appointment, my midwife revealed to me that I was already 4 cm dilated—a shocking surprise since I didn’t feel any labor symptoms yet. Determined to meet our baby soon, we tried every natural method to encourage labor and my water breaking. Contractions teased us with false starts, leading to a middle-of-the-night hospital visit and the emotional rollercoaster of being sent back home. We were so sure that baby boy was going to arrive on November 1st.
Contractions, Contractions, and more Contractions
Stronger contractions kicked in during the early hours of November 2, but my sac was still intact. When we returned to the hospital, we faced the unexpected—intense contractions yet slow dilation. Thankfully, we were admitted after our baby’s heartbeat appeared to slow after each contraction in triage. It turned out to be a fluke, as his vitals were perfectly healthy once we settled in our labor room.
The first nurse we had, did not give us a great first impression. He messed up my IV twice (without warning me a needle was going in my arm) and also taunted us with ‘potential’ measures we may have to do like continuous fetal monitoring and a C-section even though our baby and I were healthy!
Thankfully, that nurse left that hour.
All the other nurses were AMAZING—they shared laughs, positive affirmations, and comfort while watching my natural labor unfold.
✧ I remembered to give the more respectful nurses my birth plan… they were all on board and supportive of my wants and needs. ✧
Most of the time I was laboring with only my partner and doula. The nurses only came to check in periodically and if my monitor would move.
After 40 hours filled with emotional highs and lows, the support of incredible nurses, our amazing doula, and my steady partner carried us to the pivotal moment. The final hours were indescribable—a blend of physical endurance, emotional surrender, and deep spiritual connection. In those raw, powerful moments, instinct took over.
Meeting Baby Boy
About two hours before I started pushing, my contractions shifted—they no longer just ached; they carried an intense pressure, like I needed to have a bowel movement. My doula gently reminded me not to forcefully push, as doing so could bruise my baby’s head. The contractions became almost unbearable—not just because of the pain, but because my body was urging me to push while I had to resist.
One thing I had deeply wanted in my birth plan but couldn’t have was a birthing tub. Water has always been my greatest source of comfort, and my partner, knowing this, reminded me that I could still find relief in the shower.
Hours of moving and breathing through…
I can still remember the conversations I was having with myself through each surge in the shower—Just breathe… gently help baby ease his way through… it’s almost time to meet. My doula and partner encouraged me to step out to help labor progress, but even walking back to the bed felt nearly impossible.
I suddenly stopped and said, “I need to be on the toilet.” As soon as I sat down, my partner asked if I wanted to feel down there—he could tell we were nearing the end. When I reached down, my hand met the unbelievable—I felt my baby’s head.
My doula quickly called the nurse’s station, and within moments, everyone took their places for his arrival.
With a few determined pushes, our baby came earthside, filling the room with quiet awe and overwhelming love. The rush of relief, joy, and disbelief was indescribable.
Those first moments, skin-to-skin, were everything.
Reflections on the Journey
Now, just days into this new chapter, our hearts are fuller than ever. The journey to meet our baby wasn’t just about labor and birth; it was a profound transformation for both of us as individuals and as partners.
1st Morning with Dada and BB ♥︎
Despite the physical challenges, the emotional connection grew deeper with each passing day. Watching our baby sleep, discovering their little quirks, and witnessing the bond with his dad has been pure magic.
This story isn’t just about birth—it’s about growth, resilience, and the deep, abiding love that carried us through every contraction, every challenge, and every sleepless night.
To all the mamas and dadas reading this: your journey is sacred, your strength is unmatched, and your story deserves to be told.
