Ready to dive deep into my second home birth experience with my son, Waylon?! Trust me when I say: this journey was filled with unexpected twists and turns that made it so different from my first birth experience. For those of you who are considering embarking on your own home birth or natural birth journey, I believe you’ll find this episode particularly insightful. But even if you have no interest in that realm, I’m excited to share my story with you, as it’s filled with emotions, challenges, and ultimately, joy. Join me as I recount the details of my labor, the incredible support from my birth team, and the overwhelming emotions that came with bringing my son into the world. Whether you’re a fellow mom, someone curious about home births, or just looking for a heartfelt story, I hope you find something meaningful in my experience. Let’s dive in!
The Build-Up to Birth
I was due on July 31st with my second son. Unlike my first pregnancy, where I chose not to find out the gender, this time I was thrilled to know I was having another boy.
The anticipation of having two boys filled me with joy, and I felt amazing throughout most of my pregnancy. However, as the due date approached, I began to feel a bit more uncomfortable.
Throughout my pregnancy, I was diligent about my health and well-being. I regularly visited my midwife, who monitored my progress closely, and I incorporated acupuncture into my routine.
This practice was a game changer for my nervous system, helping me manage everything from seasonal allergies to sleep issues. As I neared my due date, I felt ready for labor, and my acupuncturist confirmed that I was indeed prepared.
On August 4th, around 4:30 PM, I began to feel crampy. I texted my midwife and doula to let them know something was happening. Unlike my first labor, which lasted 16 hours, I was hopeful that this time would be quicker.
As the contractions became more regular, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. They were manageable, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was second-guessing myself.
The Arrival of My Birth Team
By 5 PM, my midwives and doula arrived, and I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy. I had prayed for the midwife who had been present at my first birth, and she was there!
The atmosphere in my home was warm and supportive, and I felt like I was at a birth spa. My team took care of everything, from setting up the birth pool to providing snacks and drinks.
As the evening progressed, my contractions remained consistent for about five hours. However, I sensed that Waylon wasn’t fully engaging in my pelvis. We tried various exercises and movements to encourage him to descend, but it felt like things were stalling. I was beginning to feel discouraged, especially since I had hoped for a faster labor.
At around 10 PM, my midwife suggested an herbal tincture to help enhance labor. I was hesitant but ultimately decided to take it, hoping it would help me meet my baby that night. After taking the tincture, I decided to rest and see if labor would pick back up.
The Intensity of Labor
Around 11:22 PM, I was jolted awake by a powerful contraction that felt different from the others. I texted my midwife to let her know, and shortly after, my water broke. The intensity of the contractions increased rapidly, and I found myself in a mental cave, focusing solely on the task at hand.
My husband, Kyle, was brought into the room, and I clung to him for support. I was in a lunge position, and the mats on the floor felt slippery, making it challenging to find a stable position. The contractions were overwhelming, and I felt like I was being shot out of a cannon. I was vocalizing my experience, grunting and groaning as I worked through each wave of intensity.
The labor enhancer tincture worked wonders, and within about 40 minutes of my water breaking, Waylon was born at 12:21 AM. The experience was surreal, and I felt an immense sense of accomplishment. He was perfect, with a head full of dark hair and all the features I had imagined.
The Aftermath
After giving birth, I experienced intense afterbirth cramps, which were almost as challenging as labor itself. Thankfully, Waylon latched on right away, and I was grateful for that connection. I did have a first-degree tear, but I was relieved that I didn’t need stitches.
In the days following his birth, I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions. Recovering from childbirth was tough, and I needed help getting out of bed for the first few days. But as I adjusted to life with two boys, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my healthy children.
The Transition to Motherhood of Two
Transitioning to being a mom of two has been a learning experience. My oldest son, Dawson, had to adjust to sharing my attention with his new baby brother.
There were moments of grief as I realized that my time with him would never be the same. However, as time passed, I found joy in watching their bond grow.
Waylon has been a dream baby, and I’ve cherished every moment of cuddling and bonding with him. I’ve also been proactive about my postpartum recovery, focusing on my pelvic floor and gradually getting back into a workout routine.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my second home birth, I realize how much I loved, learned, and let go throughout the process. I learned the importance of trusting my body and my team, and I let go of the need for everything to go perfectly.
Each birth is unique, and I’m so grateful to God for the experience I had with Waylon!
If you’re considering a home birth or simply navigating your own motherhood journey, remember that every experience is valid. Whether you choose a home birth, an epidural, or a C-section, you are a superhero.
Thank you for joining me on this personal journey, and be sure to subscribe to the Trust Issues Podcast on Apple Podcasts to never miss another episode!
