#birth plan

[pro-birth]

The other link to a visual birth plan template that I have is no longer working, so here is a great alternative. This is geared more towards hospital birth but can also be used for homebirth and freestanding birthing centers. :)

[gemandtide]

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

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

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.

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.

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.

[knithacker]

She Crocheted Childbirth Birth Teaching Aids - Set Includes a Uterus, Placenta, Baby and Umbilical Cord: 👉 https://buff.ly/2XcpgKR 👶

[mpreg-ask-blog]

Angel are you going to have a home birth? And by that I mean giving birth at the Hotel in you and Husk room?

Angel: Doc said that will happen, unless it’s some kind of emergency and I need to go to a hospital.

[jadeburtonn]

Labour feels 🙂🙂🙂

[filipinawanderer]

Demystifying Birth: The Truths Every Expectant Mom Should Know

Embarking on the journey towards childbirth? Join us at #AvaCher as we demystify birth and arm you with the truths every expectant mom should know. Let's embrace this transformative journey together. #ChildbirthJourney #BirthGuide

“Hey there, mom-to-be! Is the looming prospect of childbirth giving you jitters? It’s a bit like standing in line for a rollercoaster ride, isn’t it? Well, buckle up, because we’re here to hold your hand and break down the realities of birth. Spoiler alert: It’s not exactly like in the movies!” Childbirth is a unique experience for every woman. It’s a beautiful, challenging, and transformative…

[shaynly-babieblue]

How to Create a Birth Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expectant Parents

How to Create a Birth Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expectant Parents | BabieBlue How to Create a Birth Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expectant Parents Creating a birth plan is an essential part of preparing for your baby’s arrival. It helps you communicate your preferences to your healthcare team and ensures that your birthing experience aligns with your values and wishes. In this…

[bpinheiro18]

[mandeeeeesays]

Our Baby Girl Dawn’s birth story

Both of my boys arrived at 38 weeks plus a couple days, so when that time came during this third pregnancy, I was even more anxious than I have been this whole pregnancy. The birthing anxiety probably came from knowing so much about birthing a baby (with no epidural!), yet not knowing how it will happen here, in a whole different country. The 38th-week O.B. Check-up came and when she checked…

[fastlane-freedom]

Preparing for Parenthood: 10 Essential Steps Before Birth

Becoming a parent is one of the most significant and life-altering experiences a person can go through. The arrival of a new baby brings joy, excitement, and a sense of responsibility. To ensure a smooth transition into parenthood, it’s crucial for expecting parents to prepare themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. In this blog, we will explore 10 essential steps that couples can take…

[egophiliac]

I don’t think we’ve ever seen you draw knight of dawn before 🤔 what are your thoughts about him? Or take?

I've drawn him a couple of times, just really little/in the background. but I should draw him more, I love this guy a lot! I have many, many thoughts about him and the way he parallels Silver...and also I think it is extremely funny that his ghost is stuck in a ring. especially considering where that ring has been for the last 16-ish years.

[monicascot]

Protecting Female Sacred Birth And Concerns Of Loss Of Medical Sovereignty | Woke Up

Mary Lou Singleton, midwife, nurse practitioner, and medical sovereignty activist. She discusses the medical industrial complex's takeover of birth and the invasion of trans ideology into women's spaces. Concerns about surrogacy. She discusses her journey out of the left and the changes in our political landscape. The political battle is no longer Republican v Democrat but autonomy and sovereignty versus authoritarian control.

[its-terf-or-nothin]

[choccy-milky]

sometimes you gotta lure your overly-studious ravenclaw gf into spending time with you 🥰 📚 ( from 'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall' by Kat_12739 on ao3, GO READ IT!!! the first story is about seb falling sick and still pushing himself/not admitting he's sick until he ends up in the hospital, the second story is about the birth of seb and clora's daughter and seb's reaction to clora almost dying in childbirth, and the third is about dealing with a fussy newborn lewis😭🥹THEY'RE SO GOOD AND SWEET AND SOMEWHAT SAD (not to mention beautifully written) so go check it out!!💖💖 )

[yellowballoonx]

[valkugo]

Acts 2:23: "This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge [...]"