I’m a mommy of two!! We are so happy that our son is finally here! Ezra is only 2 weeks old, but he is the sweetest, most peaceful baby! Literally, just feed him and he’s good. So far, adjusting back into newborn life and breastfeeding is going pretty good! BUT then you add Eden into the mix and it’s a true balancing act! lol. Its definitely not easy, at all, but we’re making it work! This phase goes by so fast, so we’re just enjoying it all, and going with the flow.

I’m so grateful that my son arrived without any complications and that we were safe and in good hands! I did things a little differently this pregnancy, by opting not to get an epidural. Overall, it was a good experience and I would likely choose that way if there was a third. Labor and delivery looks different for every mom and every route is special, here’s my story!

Last Pregnancy

With my daughter, I was induced at 38 weeks due to polyhydraminous. This is when there is an excess of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, and in turn, a risk for umbilical cord prolapse. After induction, I labored for about 3 hours and decided to get an epidural (not fun at all, that needle is painful). Two hours after the epidural, she came right on out, after 3 pushes!

So let me talk about this epidural really quick. There are definitely pros to getting it, but also cons. For me, it was painful. The anesthesiologist told me before hand that I shouldn’t feel the needle, but I did. I also did not like how I felt no control in pushing when it was time. I was literally fully dilated and had no clue. Doctor says push and you’re like, HOW?! Then after everything is all done, you’re stuck in bed with a Foley catheter.

You Go, Girl!

This pregnancy I had some time on my hands. I probably watched one too many episodes of Doula Diaries. What this series did for me though, was it left me feeling so empowered and inspired to labor with the least amount of intervention. My mom had all four of us unmedicated, that was inspiration enough. But also, talking to other mamas who had natural unmedicated births, motivated me even more!

January 30th 2019

Heading into my 39th week of pregnancy, it was decided that I should be induced. At around 5 months, my son started measuring larger than most. To avoid a c-section due to his size, I went with my doctor’s recommendation. Despite having to be induced, my doctor understood my intentions of an unmedicated labor– no epidural.

3:00pm My husband and I arrived at the hospital. I walked in staying positive and calm. I went in claiming and owning that my birth plan would be carried out.

3:50pm I came in at already 4cm dilated. Pitocin (medication for induction) was then started.

4:45pm At this point, I wasn’t feeling any major contractions. My doctor came in and broke my water. This can speed up labor because the ‘cushion’ is no longer there: head is now on cervix. I was 4 cm dilated and 85% effaced.

6:00pm My contractions were now 5 minutes apart (goal is 2-3 min apart). Still, my contractions were tolerable at this point. My Pitocin was then increased by 2mU.

7:20pm I was now 6cm dilated and 100% effaced. My contractions were at the ‘okayyyy now, no turning back, YOU GOT THIS!’ point. They started to feel like major menstrual cramps. A lot of self talk was started here. I was reciting birth affirmations. My favorites: “Each contraction brings my baby closer to me,” “Breathe in strength, breathe out tension,” ” I am not afraid, I was born to do this!”

8:30pm Pitocin was increased by another 2mU. Contractions were now closer to every 2-3 minutes lasting about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The rest period in between the contractions were mini finish lines/checkpoints! My husband was my hype man, also helping me to remember not to tense up and to breathe through it. I really enjoyed being able to change positions. It helped to speed up my labor. Think of the baby as a cork that has to get out of a wine bottle. Each position change is facilitating this action.

9:00pm The contractions were pretty intense. Period cramps on steroids! By this time I had my rhythm down and I was in tune with my body. My routine was breathe through it, self talk, change positions / sway / rock…repeat.

9:15pm My body told me it was TIME! She said girl, ” ITS TIME TO PUSH, LETS GO!” I told my husband to get the nurse in there ASAP to check to see how dilated I was.

She said “You’re 8.5cm dilated!” (I was not convinced that this was accurate) I then told her to call the doctor, because there will be no waiting until 10cm, my body was ready!!

The nurse then proceeds to turn me on my side to delay delivery, and wait for the doctor to show up!

“Ummm NO! There is no WAITING, we have to go NOW.” I turned back over, every contraction now came with the urge to push!

The nurse then says “There is a midwife on the unit, is it okay if she delivers the baby?!”

“YESSSSS!! Get her in here!”

9:32pm After 3 pushes, my 8lb 1oz baby boy pops right out! Oh the relief!!!! So thankful the midwife was there. She was AWESOME. NO tears/stitches needed!

9:40pm My doctor shows up! haha. She missed all the action. By the time she gets there, all that was left, was delivering the placenta. Oh, how exciting! lol

Ezra Chidoruo Miller

Ezra is Hebrew for helper, and Chidoruo is Igbo for May God bring peace// God leads the way.

Welcome baby boy, we love you so much!! xo

Thanks for reading!

What did/does your birth plan consist of? How was your labor and delivery experience? Please do tell! xo