More Birth Stories

"Carrick is my third baby. My first was a cesarean, and my second was born at home in my bed. I had attempted a waterbirth, but the tub was too big, and the hot water tank was not big enough. As I entered the pool, I felt nearly all the pressure dissipate. It was warm, and soothing. I was surrounded by the comforting words from my husband and children, and the gentle excitement glowing from the couch where my own mama waited. The midwife's presence, barely noticeable as she quietly checked heart rates and smiled, provided a special kind of comfort. I felt his hair as he crowned, and while my husband reached to feel, out he came with one last push. Surrounded by those who love him most!"

-Jennifer, mother of:

Carrick Benjamin
Born in a friend's home 11/11/2005
Salem, OR, USA

-submitted 3/8/2007

"We arrived at the hospital at 8:30am and after the routine exam Brian and I hopped in the birthing tub (he sat behind me to support me). Lydia was born at 12:19pm at 8lbs 7oz and healthy as a horse! I never had any iv's and never had to be hooked up to a electronic fetal monitor-the midwife and nurse used the fetascope to monitor her heart rate during contractions. We went home 24 hours later. It was an amazing birth experience. I am now pregnant with our second child and seeking to have a water birth!!"
-Jessica, mother of:

Lydia Soren
Born 7/23/2005
North Fulton Regional Hospital
Atlanta, GA, USA

-submitted 3/8/2007

" I had a very long (over 2 days!), difficult labor and the pushing stage was the quickest and most satisfying part of my experience due, at least in part, to the birthing tub. In the water, I was able to push very effectively and I did not experience the "ring of fire" that many other laboring moms talk about. As a result, I pushed Azania out in just 13 minutes and they picked her up and put her on my chest. An added bonus was that the water "washed" my daughter's body of the blood and other substances that were on her skin, so I immediately was able to hold a "clean" baby! I hope to birth all my babies in the water."

-Rashidah, mother of:

Azania Elizabeth
Born 12/10/2006
Women's Birth & Wellness Center
Chapel Hill, NC, USA

-submitted 3/8/2007

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